Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How small businesses can help workers save. Also in the news: 8 housing and mortgage trends for 2021, 45% of federal student loan borrowers unsure they can pay, and how to get your collectibles appraised. How Small Businesses Can Help Workers Save Small businesses can offer inexpensive ways to help workers save […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Grace period over? Refinance these student loans ASAP. Also in the news: smart tactics for Millennials flocking to buy life insurance, how senior insulin users may benefit from Medicare savings model, and how to stay on track with a budget calendar. Grace Period Over? Refinance These Student Loans ASAP New graduates shouldn’t […]

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How small businesses can help workers save

Donna Skemp of Bend, Oregon, struggled to save before she signed up for an automatic savings plan offered by her employer’s payroll services company. Now, some of her pay goes into a federally insured, interest-paying savings account that she can access any time with a debit card. “It’s painless, and it’s so easy,” says Skemp, […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Changed travel plans on the menu this Thanksgiving. Also in the news: Online shopping already hit holiday-lvel peaks this year, when you can apply for a credit card after bankruptcy, and how the pandemic has made the racial retirement gap worse. Changed Travel Plans on the Menu This Thanksgiving Three in 5 […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What new debt collector rules mean for you. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on holiday travel and giving money advice to family, what to buy (and skip) on Black Friday, and questions to ask your realtor when selling your home. What New Debt Collector Rules […]

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Q&A: Retitling a deed after marriage

Dear Liz: Our house was titled “joint tenant with right of survivorship” after my husband inherited the property in 1998. As a same-sex couple, we were not married at the time. However, we legally married in 2013. Will one of us get the step-up in tax basis when the other passes, or do we have […]

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Q&A: Retirees and mobile home parks

Dear Liz: I’ve been following the discussion of the reader who was 70 and trying to decide between renting in a senior living facility versus buying a second-floor condo with no elevator. There is a third choice for people who are older and cannot stay in their present residence. We moved to a senior citizen […]

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Q&A: A young widow seeks help with Social Security survivor benefits

Dear Liz: My husband died at 30, making me a widow at 29. I did receive Social Security survivor benefits for our underage children, but what, if anything, am I entitled to as his wife? At the time of his death, we were living separately, although we were still legally married. Answer: The earliest a […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When life blows up your well-laid plans. Also in the news: How to shop Black Friday deals online, 5 things to consider when shopping for index funds, and how much you should have in your 401(k), based on your age. When Life Blows Up Your Well-Laid Plans A sudden change in your […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Biden’s win may mean for your student loan forgiveness and free college. Also in the news: 13 ways to leave scammers empty-handed this holiday season, credit card bonuses are at an all-time high, and 6 cybersecurity tips when you work from home. What Biden’s Win May Mean for Your Student Loans […]

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