The lax underwriting in non-prime mortgage markets is widely perceived as one cause of the recent difficulties in the housing market. Policymakers are currently considering moves such as enforcing more careful underwriting to provide additional discipline to mortgage markets. This research explores the possibility of another approach to supplement…

The near-collapse of the American financial system has led to a search for its causes and ways to prevent it from happening again. Many political leaders blame at least some of the sub-prime mortgage crisis on mistakes caused by financially "illiterate" consumers and propose to solve that problem with mandatory classes in personal finance.…

In response to federal legislative reform aimed, in part, at reducing consumer bankruptcy filings, the authors conducted 2 experiments examining the role of affect in purchasing behavior. In Experiment 1, they examined consumer debtors, and in Experiment 2, they examined nondebtors. In both experiments, they investigated purchasing decisions made…

Presents a straightforward method for evaluating lease versus borrow (buy) decisions illustrated with actual financing cost data reported to new car purchasers. States that individuals should consider after-tax cash flows associated with alternative arrangements, time in which cash flow occurs, and opportunity cost of capital to identify the least…

This booklet on managing credit, 1 in a series of 12, covers all the basic aspects of personal- and family-money management. Suitable for use by high school and college students as well as adults, this handbook tells how to establish credit, determine credit limits, and maintain a favorable credit history. Section 1 on understanding consumer…

Results of an attitude questionnaire designed to examine businesspersons' attitudes towards the cash discount provision in the Fair Credit Billing Act indicate that businesspersons are divided in their attitudes towards the provision, and contradict theories that all merchants would oppose the provision. (TA)

Describes the concerns of consumer advocates regarding consumers with debt problems, the deceptive practices of some credit counseling services, and the accuracy of their advice. Recommends changes in credit counseling services and protections for consumers using them. (JOW)

Provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act are outlined, with examples of the rights of persons seeking credit. A list of federal offices to write for information or to send complaints to is included. (MF)

This annotated bibliography is a listing of more than 2,000 books, booklets, pamphlets, films, filmstrips, and other materials in the field of consumer interests and education. It is intended for use by educators, librarians, executives and other personnel in business and industry, researchers, writers, and housewives. Major categories are: (1)…

A companion volume to Part I--Summary Report, this volume contains the reports of four committees. Topics are: (1) The Role and Functioning of Consumer Credit (consumer credit and social policy, consumer credit and economic growth, structure of the consumer credit market, the economics of consumer credit, credit revenues, credit costs, and a model…

This study investigated the incidence, antecedents, consequences, and policy implications of compulsive buying among college students (n=300). Details contributing factors and discusses the relationship between credit card use and compulsive buying. Discusses the implications for consumer policy and suggestions for further research. (JOW)

Designed for the general public and possibly suitable also for high school economics students, this pamphlet discusses a federal law that requires that the borrower as well as the lender comply with government rules relating to the use of credit in purchasing securities, even when the borrower obtains credit outside the United States. The pamphlet…

This booklet is a simple, practical guide for managing money. It provides advice to help the reader balance expenses with income and get personal finances in order. The booklet takes the reader step by step through the processes involved in setting up a basic financial plan and shows him/her how to tailor it to fit personal needs. It explains how…