Suit focuses on credit insurance - 2005-04-02
In 1999, Robert and Gloria Gower wanted to refinance the mortgage on their home in Reidsville to free more money while he recovered from a stroke.

They signed papers for the new residential loan that included a credit insurance policy that would pay off the mortgage if Gloria Gower died. The cost of the insurance was tacked on to the loan's principal, an arrangement that cost the couple an additional $780 each year in interest.
Read the full story at News Observer

Soaring oil prices spur inflation fears - 2005-04-02
Higher fuel costs, rising interest rates and creeping retail prices are hitting American pocketbooks in a combination unseen since the early '80s.

Mortgage interest rates tend to climb with Fed rate increases. If they go high enough, buyers may dwindle and home prices could fall. That could lead to defaults on mortgages and bankruptcies.

The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 6.01 percent this week, compared with 5.40 in the same week of March 2004.
Read the full story at Bradenton Herald