Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Charged an overdraft fee? Expect to pay $35 at banks, $26 at credit unions. Also in the news: This year’s important Black Friday dates, how to catch up on holiday savings, and why you shouldn’t use credit apps as a substitute for checking your credit report. Charged an Overdraft Fee? Expect to […]

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Is premium economy airfare worth the money?

As coach travel gets more cramped, airlines have added “premium economy” sections that promise more space and comfort — often at a substantially higher price. Air carriers have discovered many travelers are willing to pay two or even three times the prevailing economy fare to escape the crowded confines of coach. The extra money is […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Hard-won tips from borrowers who got student loan forgiveness. Also in the news: Steering your upside-down car loan back to safety, FAFSA mistakes that can negatively affect your financial aid, and what to do first with an inheritance. Hard-Won Tips From Borrowers Who Got Student Loan Forgiveness It won’t be easy. Is […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 credit card changes coming soon. Also in the news: 4 ways to pay for college if your financial aid isn’t enough, the best credit cards for recent college grads, and the decline in house flipping profitability. 5 Credit Card Changes — With More Rewards, Less Fraud — Coming Soon A sneak […]

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Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits

Dear Liz: My wife plans to file for her Social Security benefit when she turns 66 in April 2020. I plan to file for my benefit at age 70 in July 2022. Can I file for a spousal benefit when my wife files in 2020? Can my wife claim a spousal benefit in 2022 when […]

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Q&A: Mortgage payoff pros and cons

Dear Liz: Should we use a $350,000 inherited non-spousal Roth IRA to pay off our mortgage? We have $285,000 left on our mortgage and would like to retire within 10 years. This is our dream home, and we don’t think we can otherwise pay it off before retiring. We have $1.1 million in other retirement […]

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Q&A: Here’s a primer on all those estate planning documents

Dear Liz: Our dad’s kidneys are failing. Our mother passed away awhile ago, so it’s just me and my sister. He has a will, and my sister is on his bank account, but how do we handle the house transfer? Do we need a living will? We don’t want it to go into probate. We […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Would student loan refinancing pay off for you? Also in the news: How store credit cards can leave you unprotected, the newest workplace perk that looks a lot like a payday loan, and the best (and worst) tippers in America. Would Student Loan Refinancing Pay Off for You? The type of loan […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The 6 big retirement mistakes and one way to avoid them. Also in the news: Decode your credit card’s fine print like a pro, use caution when shopping with buy now/pay later, and avoid ATM fees by getting cash back at the store. The 6 Big Retirement Mistakes — and One Way […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to buy a house without help from your family. Also in the news: What Walmart’s upgraded cards have in store for shoppers, the cheapest ways to fly to Disney World using points and miles, and how to boost your savings post-Fed interest rates cuts. How to Buy a House Without Help […]

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