You may have heard about the tax credit this year for first-time homebuyers, but that was slated to expire in less than a month. Well, here's some good news. Legislation was passed that extends the tax credit until next year. To make things even better, the tax credit has been expanded to include more homebuyers, not just first-time buyers. Now you may be able to qualify for a tax credit for buying a new home even if it isn't your first home. This can help a lot of people out and will hopefully stimulate the economy to help keep this recovery on track. Learn more about the details of this tax credit and see if you qualify.

Overspending and accumulating significant amounts of credit card debt isn't always easy to resolve. Over time, this problem can become an addiction that goes beyond simply affecting your finances. Just like any addiction, this behavior can negatively affect your performance at work, your relationships with friends and family, and even reduce your quality of life. If you or someone you know is in this situation, there is help available.

Debtors Anonymous is a nonprofit organization that provides free group meetings that are modeled after the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program. This type of group session and structure may be very well what is needed to finally break the spending habit. Learn more about Debtors Anonymous and how they can help.

Borrowing money has become a part of life for most people. Unless you're sitting on a tremendous cash reserve, you'll need to borrow money to buy a home. If your car dies and you need a new replacement, you will probably finance some of the purchase. And with out of control college tuition costs a student loan might be the only option for getting an education. Taking on some debt isn't a bad thing as it's just a financial tool that helps you reach your goals. But like any tool, if it is misused you could find yourself doing more harm than good.

Understanding when borrowing money is appropriate, how your credit score is calculated, and where to go for help is important if you want to keep your money save. Here's a crash course that covers everything you need to know about credit and debt.

Mortgage rates have fallen quite a bit this year, so a common question is whether or not you should consider refinancing. The benefits are easy to understand. The lower the interest rate, the lower your monthly payment and total cost of buying a home. But before you rush into a refinance, there are some drawbacks to consider.

For starters, it costs money to refinance. In some cases, it can cost thousands of dollars. So, while you may be lowering your monthly payment, how long will it take to break even on the closing costs? Six months? A year? Three years or more? If you aren't sure whether you'll be in the house long enough to offset the cost, a refinance could end up costing you more.

Refinancing your mortgage can be a great way to save money, but make sure you consider all of the pros and cons before signing any papers. It is an important decision, and if you aren't careful, it could prove costly.