Cash, credit or debit? Its a common question facing consumers at the cash register these days. But how are consumers to know which is the best option for them at any given time?

Its tough to know, said a recent report from Javelin Strategy Research, as consumers often hear conflicting opinions and reports about which payment option is best debit cards or credit cards.

The variety of opinions and reports is directly related to the confusing environment created by new debit card regulations that came as part of the oft-debated Durbin Amendment, Javelin said.

The full effects of Durbin remain to be seen, James Van Dyke, President of Javelin, said in a statement.

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“How could I have been so stupid? I should have known better.”

That was the lament of a friend who was snookered by a “romantic” conman online in 2011.

She and many others: Dating and social media scams made the list of the Better Business Bureau’s top scams of 2011.

There seems to be no shortage of scammers out there thinking up ways to help us part with our money. The BBB identified nine categories of scams that made the rounds in 2011. Full post…

We all take for granted the convenience and security of using our credit cards within the United States. What is less certain is our ability to use our cards when traveling outside the country or overseas. While some novice travelers may have been under the impression that they can use their credit cards in foreign countries just like they would at home, more experienced travelers have discovered that there are some important issues with international credit card use that must be addressed before and during their trip.

First, credit card holders should always notify their banks in advance of any international travel.

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A recent report from Gallup highlighted declining satisfaction among Americans, led by concerns about the economy and personal finance.

According to Gallup, an average of 17 percent of Americans (polls conducted throughout 2011) said they were satisfied with the way things are going in the United States.

This is a slight increase from the 15 percent mark seen in 2008 but is far below the 60 percent approval recorded in the year 2000.

The 17 percent average mark includes lows of 11 percent satisfaction observed in in August and September polls all the up to the 26 percent mark seen in May.

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