Stop counting other people’s money

Your neighbor pulls up in a sweet new ride. Your co-worker announces she’s taking yet another trip abroad. Your best friend upgrades to a bigger house in a better area of town. You’re pretty sure these people don’t make a lot more than you do. So how are they able to spend that kind of […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 credit mistakes that can haunt you. Also in the news: The benefits of a renovation refinance, 7 times you might want to product-change a credit card, and why you should name a guardian for your kids right away. 5 Credit Mistakes That Can Haunt You Some mistakes are much worse than […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Travel insurance options for digital nomads. Also in the news: What to do if you’ve been denied student loan refinancing, a new set of shopping tips in the pandemic, and what really happens when you file bankruptcy. Travel Insurance Options for Digital Nomads Digital nomads might travel for extended periods of time, […]

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Q&A: A look at property title

Dear Liz: You’ve mentioned that in community property states, a couple’s primary residence gets a full step-up in tax basis when one spouse dies. Does this require that the title to the property specify that it is community property? My husband and I purchased our home about 6 weeks before we were married, so we […]

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Q&A: What to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent a home

Dear Liz: I’m just turning 70 and am on my own for the first time in my life. In the last three years I took care of both my 100-year-old mother and my husband as their health failed. My daughter and son-in-law live in Colorado and are going to have a baby, and I plan […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why playing the market right now is an especially bad idea. Also in the news: Is student loan discharge in bankruptcy within reach, the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card, and how your credit score is determined. Playing the Market Is a Bad Idea, Especially Now Brokerages have […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are you saving money in the right place? Also in the news: Why it’s time to dump home buyer love letters, can you be denied life insurance for smoking weed, and 5 fresh kitchen backsplash ideas. Are You Saving Money in the Right Place? What to consider when you’re stashing your savings. […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Suddenly retired? What to do next. Also in the news: 9 low-cost ways to make virtual learning easier for kids, the safety of air travel right now, and how to get a stimulus check if you’re a low-income earner. 9 Low-Cost Ways to Make Virtual Learning Easier for Kids A few relatively […]

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Playing the market is a bad idea, especially now

The current day trading boom will end as these frenzies always do: in tears. While we wait for the inevitable crash, let’s review not only why day traders are doomed but also why most people shouldn’t trade, or even invest in, individual stocks. Day trading basically means rapidly buying and selling investments, hoping to profit […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Surprising things renters insurance covers — and leaves out. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast tackles sudden retirement and finding lost money, using a crisis to help build helpful money habits, and why Powerball and Mega Millions aren’t reaching giant jackpots anymore. Surprising Things Renters Insurance Covers […]

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