Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 ways to ride the rising interest rates wave. Also in the news: Why you should set your own credit card limits, reasons why credit isn’t as boring as it sounds, and more than 1 million student loan borrowers are in default.

Fed Rate Hike: 4 Ways to Ride Rising Interest Rate Wave
Only the third increase since the 2008 financial crisis.

Set Your Own Credit Card Limits and Improve Your Life
Knowing your limits.

3 Reasons Credit Isn’t as Boring as It Sounds
It’s about more than just cards.

More than 1 million borrowers defaulted on their student loans last year
The amount owed by borrowers has increased 17%.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When to consider a student loan lawyer. Also in the news: Why gutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will impact your wallet, how much you should expect to pay when applying to college, and why you should try a credit union if you’re looking for free checking.

When to Consider a Student Loan Lawyer
Making a big decision.

Your Wallet Will Suffer If This Agency Is Gutted
It’s on the chopping block.

Applying to College? Expect to Pay at Least This Much
Get ready.

If You Want Free Checking, Try a Credit Union
Avoiding monthly maintenance fees.

Tax refund predators are waiting

People who don’t have much money during the rest of the year can become big targets during tax refund season.

For those living paycheck to paycheck, tax refunds — which average around $3,000 — may be the largest chunk of unobligated cash they see all year. Retailers hope to get some of that money, but so do debt collectors, buy-here-pay-here car lots, and purveyors of interest-free loans that come with fat fees. People flush with cash need to proceed with caution.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect yourself from tax refund predators.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The No-Drama approach to personal finance. Also in the news: Hiking your savings rate, how to find the right credit card the right way, and why you should beware of mortgage companies offering to double your down payment.

The No-Drama Approach to Personal Finance
There’s no crying in personal finance.

If the Fed Can, So Can You: Hike Your Savings Rate
Finding a high-yield account.

Sean Talks Money: Find the Right Credit Card the Right Way
Be selective.

This company will double your down payment. What’s the catch?
It’s a big one.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let the extra hour of sun burn your wallet. Also in the news: Strategies to save money each month without sacrificing, why you should embrace classic investing wisdom under President Trump, and how to stop spending impulsively once and for all.

Don’t Let the Extra Hour of Sun Burn Your Wallet
Daylight spending time?

3 Strategies to Save Money Each Month Without Sacrificing
Saving doesn’t have to make you miserable.

Under Trump, Embrace Classic Investing Wisdom
Staying steady.

How to Stop Spending Impulsively Once and For All
Breaking the cycle.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Distinguishing between needs vs. wants and how to budget for both. Also in the news: The pros and cons of an LLC, the bull market’s 8th anniversary, and why you shouldn’t lie on your taxes.

Needs vs. Wants: How to Distinguish and Budget for Both
An important distinction.

LLC: Pros and Cons of a Limited Liability Company
An option for structuring your business.

The Bull Market’s 8th Anniversary in 8 Numbers
8 remarkable facts.

Tempted to lie on your taxes? Here are 4 reasons you shouldn’t
Not worth the risk.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 12 tips to cut your tax bill. Also in the news: Why Millennials shouldn’t forget about estate planning, 7 amazing things to be after you die, and the U.S. cities with the highest credit scores.

12 Tips to Cut Your Tax Bill
Itemizing is key.

Millennials, Don’t Forget Estate Planning
Putting it off could be a huge mistake.

7 Amazing Things to Be After You Die
A firework!

The U.S. cities with the best credit scores
Is yours on the list?

9 bills where you can cut a better deal

The word “bills” used to be synonymous with “fixed expenses.” But there’s nothing fixed about many of the bills a typical household pays today.

Some bills have introductory rates that expire, shooting monthly costs skyward. Others offer secret discounts or upgrades to those in the know. Providers constantly tweak their plans and pricing, which means long-term customers can overpay by hundreds of dollars a year.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at 9 bills where you can negotiate a better deal.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What immigrants earn in each state and how much they send abroad. Also in the news: Steps to reach your savings goal, why you should tread carefully in the broker wars, and why your financial planner should be a fiduciary.

What Immigrants Earn in Each State and How Much They Send Abroad
The true numbers.

To Reach Your Savings Goals, Take These Steps
You can do it!

Tread carefully in broker wars
The consumer war isn’t a sideshow.

This Video Explains Why Your Financial Planner Should Be a Fiduciary
Rule changes.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Credit report with score on a desk

Today’s top story: Finding which tax credits you qualify for. Also in the news: New rules could mean lower life insurance rates, why you shouldn’t fear your mobile wallet, and all the credit card companies that offer free access to your credit score.

What Tax Credits Can I Qualify For?
Saving the most money possible.

New Rules Could Mean Lower Life Insurance Rates
New state laws could lower your rate.

Don’t Fear Your Mobile Wallet
It could be the safest way to pay.

All the Credit Card Companies That Offer Free Access to Your Credit Score
Checking your score is absolutely essential.