Mortgage cash crunch hits - 2004-02-08
When mortgage interest rates decreased last year to the lowest levels in 40 years, Hawaii's would-be home owners hurried to secure their version of the American Dream.

But with steady price increases and hot competition for shrinking inventory, shoppers are finding the dream of homeownership is increasingly illusive.
Read the full story at Honolulu Star Bulletin

Poor money management skills feed record bankruptcies - 2004-02-08
The mortgage is three months past overdue, medical bills are piling up and the boss hinted there won't be any overtime this month. But two credit card offers came in the mail today.

The words, "You're pre-approved" cover the envelope.

Those credit card offers aren't seen as junk mail to everyone. For many, they become the solution to making ends meet when paychecks don't cut it anymore.
Read the full story at Bedford Times-Mail