The paydays that could prompt a government default if a debt-ceiling deal collapses.

If Greece ditches its austerity plan and defaults on its loans, how might that play out in the global economy? Follow our flow chart to find out.

In Greece, private investors have agreed to write off about 75 percent of their loans to the country.

My son, who is in his mid 30s and is married with two children, has almost no reportable income. He manages an apartment complex in Los Angeles, for which he receives something like $500/month and the use of a three-bedroom apartment. He also picks up web development jobs that are usually transacted in cash. His wife has her beautician's license and provides services out of the apartment for cash or barter. I worry that they wouldn't be able to rent another apartment if they wanted or had to move from their present apartment. Do you have any suggestions on how he might begin to work on his credit rating, given his current situation? Craig, Fairbanks, AK

Yesterday, Standard & Poor's downgraded Greece's credit rating to "selective default." It's a move that everyone expected, but what's the difference between that and the messy default it was trying to avoid?

The details of the settlement between the states and the banks are still being hashed out. But, if you want to know if you might qualify, we’ve got some information to get you started.

My fiancée has a student loan that defaulted but is now paying on it every month. She has been told that it can't be rehabbed because of the default (even though others that have defaulted can rehab a second time). She doesn't make that much money, and she is filing bankruptcy because of various debts. She knows she can't bankrupt the student loan. What are the options other than making regular monthly payments, or not paying? Brian, Waterville, ME

… So what SHOULD the government's role in housing be? Less defaulting, late pay on credit cards Americans cut back on routine medical care Cot…