Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let your Coronavirus relief check disappear into your debts. Also in the news: How to make your car last 200,000 miles, what kind of credit card relief you can request during the pandemic, and how to check the status of your Coronavirus relief payment. Don’t Let Your Relief Check Disappear Into […]

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How to raid your retirement funds in a crisis

In an ideal world, your retirement accounts would be left alone for retirement. You’ve probably noticed that we’re not living in an ideal world. Early withdrawals can have serious repercussions, including big tax bills today and potential shortfalls in the future. In my latest for the Associated Press, alternatives to consider and what to do […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to know about buying life insurance during the Coronavirus pandemic. Also in the news: How to earn passive income, deferring a personal loan payment, and how to sell your home during the Coronavirus shutdown. Buying Life Insurance? What to Know During the Coronavirus Pandemic It’s not too late for most people […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to file for Coronavirus unemployment if you’re self-employed. Also in the news: Should you save your miles and points or spend them, 8 ways to switch up the new at-home normal, and a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on what to do when you owe the IRS. How to File […]

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Q&A: Push lenders for student loan help

Dear Liz: I saw your previous column about the federal student loan payments being suspended by the CARES Act until Sept. 30, with interest being waived. I reached out to my loan servicer about my loans and was told that while they are federal loans, they were made before 2010 and are not covered by […]

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Q&A: What to do after coronavirus takes away your job

Dear Liz: I’m a single mom who just lost my job because of COVID-19. I have a mortgage, a car payment, credit card debt and a child who is headed to college in the fall. What do I do? I am very scared. Answer: This is a very scary time. Your job now is to […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Can a personal loan help during a crisis? 5 questions to ask. Also in the news: Citi Premier will become less valuable for travelers, how parents can help Gen Z prepare their credit for graduation, and how to protect your credit during the Coronavirus shutdown. Can a Personal Loan Help During a […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How COVID-19 payment accommodations may affect your credit. Also in the news: Mortgage “relief” and “refinance” searches spike during outbreak, why retailers host sales during the outbreak, and how to get Coronavirus relief payments for kids if you don’t files taxes. How COVID-19 Payment Accommodations May Affect Your Credit How the CARES […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Cashing out 401(k) due to COVID-19? Consider these things first. Also in the news: How one man paid off almost $37,000 of debt, what you need to know about COVID-19 and life insurance, and removing late payments from your credit report with a goodwill letter. Cashing Out a 401(k) Due to COVID-19? […]

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What to do when you can’t pay your bills

The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could be profound. Many people are already losing jobs, with unemployment jumping at a record pace. Even those who stay employed may face reduced hours or uncertainty about how long their paychecks will continue. If you’re in a situation where you can’t pay all your bills, or likely […]

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