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BestCashCow, an online resource for comprehensive bank rate information, today released its list of the top five fastest growing banks in California. Banks were ranked based on organic growth of assets and return on equity for the year ending June 30, 2012.*

"Spend $500 in the first three months and get $100 back." Remember, the last time you signed up for a credit card like that? Or being tempted to do so, only to think, I can always cancel the card later. Well, think again before signing up for cards just for promotional rewards and then canceling them. Truth is, canceling your credit card can be damaging to your credit score.

Recently, Moody's, one of our domestic credit rating agency giants, issued a credit watch on U.S. debt, warning that unless negotiations on the impending Fiscal Cliff achieve a resolution of the impasse, they would downgrade the rating on U.S. Treasuries. While clearly an ominous sounding statement, there remains the question: Does a credit downgrade of U.S. debt even matter?

After months of grinding delays, Europe appears to finally be trending in the right direction, as several notable events in recent weeks have lent optimism to a situation that many have long despaired would ever see a resolution.

There are many mortgage-related scams out there to watch out for. Do you know how to avoid becoming a victim?

For those looking for a credit card that offers great travel rewards, the Citi ThankYou Premier card might be a decent option.

While the jury is still out as to whether or not the ING Direct and Capital One, N.A. merger will ultimately benefit or hurt its customers, current customers need to be aware about upcoming changes in FDIC coverage.

Mortgage fees in five states are expected to increase and be passed down to new mortgage borrowers. Is your state one of them?

The number of foreclosures have continued to decrease year over year. Should this be taken as another sign of improvement in the housing market? The recent shift by many banks towards short sales and other strategies designed to avoid the foreclosure process make analyzing the data difficult.

Interest rate levels have once again hit historic lows. Will this lead to another sustained surge in home mortgage refinances? Regrettably, given the numerous obstacles that must be navigated by borrowers, such an event is unlikely.

As the outstanding balance of federal student loans surges and prospects appear dim for many graduating from college and graduate schools, many are starting to question whether these loans should be discharged through bankruptcy proceedings.

Wall Street is clearly thrilled at the Federal Reserve's implementation of QE III, but are the short term gains worth the potentially long term problems the increase in liquidity represents?

With more than 10 million American homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages, will the United States economy ever be able to recover?

There are a variety of programs designed for homeowners who want to get a mortgage but don't have a large amount of cash for a downpayment. Programs such as My Community Mortgage, VA Loans, and FHA Loans allow an individual to purchase a home with 0% down in some cases.

Without fanfare the domestic housing market has become something of a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy national economy. Indicators across the country give one encouragement that better days are ahead.