Your financial life and your signature

Legend has it that to make sure it wouldn't be missed, John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence with flamboyance and flair. Today, financial scenarios requiring your signature don't require quite as much bravado as Hancock, but how and what you elect to sign can have serious repercussions on your financial life.

Creative awards for credit card holders

Credit card rewards are getting more creative, offering access to everything from early concert ticket sales to racing your own stock car to tandem sky diving.

Merchandise credit cards present a tempting short-cut to a better rating.

For those with bad credit, catalog credit cards (also known as merchandise credit cards) present a tempting short-cut to a better rating.

Bluebird card: Wal-Mart and American Express teamed up to offer a head-turning payment

This week, the financial and retail giants introduced Bluebird, a prepaid debit card that promises no required minimum balance, no monthly maintenance fees, no annual fees, no activation fees and no overdraft fees.

Bond yields should remain in a low range

Treasuries rose the most in almost two weeks after the International Monetary Fund cut its economic forecasts and said there is an “alarmingly high” risk of a steeper slowdown.