Money Snatchers

Ireland’s government-backed “bad bank” is taking on 16 billion euros in debt from five troubled Irish banks — a first step toward buying 81 billion euros in bad loans, the government announced.

If only low-interest rates could last forever without consequence.

Consumers beware: experts say fraud is on the rise amid lack of regulation for debt-settlement firms.

The Obama administration on Friday announced a $14 billion effort to try to stem a rising tide of home foreclosures by giving lenders incentives to erase some mortgage debt and slash mortgage payments for the unemployed.

AN UNWANTED IMPORT: Major stock indexes fell Wednesday, a day after closing at 2010 highs, after Fitch Ratings lowered its rating on Portugal’s debt. That raised concerns that deficits in Portugal and other countries would trip up a global recovery.

AN UNWANTED IMPORT: Major stock indexes fell Wednesday, a day after closing at 2010 highs, after Fitch Ratings lowered its rating on Portugal’s debt.

Most consumers don’t realize they have to tell the IRS if they settle a debt for less than was owed.

March 22 — The bond market is saying that it’s safer to lend to Warren Buffett than Barack Obama.

Democratic Republic of Congo could win a deal to wipe out the bulk of its $11 billion debt in time for June celebrations marking 50 years of independence, the International Monetary Fund said on Saturday.

Greece raised the stakes on Thursday in its quest for EU help to tackle its debt crisis, warning it cannot achieve promised deficit cuts if its borrowing costs remain so high and may have to call in the IMF.