Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: One travel hacker’s favorite sweet spot redemptions. Also in the news: How your credit moves could send the wrong signal about you, how student loan fees work and what they cost, and MoviePass exposes credit card data of thousands of users. One Travel Hacker’s Favorite Sweet Spot Redemptions Stretching your miles further. […]

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What millennials get wrong about Social Security

Few issues unite millennials like the future of Social Security. Overwhelmingly, they’re convinced it doesn’t have one. A recent Transamerica survey found that 80% of millennials, defined in the survey as people born between 1979 and 2000, worry that Social Security won’t be around when they need it. That’s not surprising — for years, they’ve […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Apple Card officially debuts, adding new rewards categories. Also in the news: 5 credit card perks you may not know you have, how to neutralize the digital threat you carry everywhere, and the best credit cards for grocery shopping. Apple Card Officially Debuts, Adding New Rewards Categories The buzzy credit card has […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Your guide to earning bonus miles with airline promotions. Also in the news: 4 important features to finding the perfect home, why some people don’t mind overpaying the IRS, and this cash-envelope budgeting system turns back-to-school shopping into a money lesson. Your Guide to Earning Bonus Miles With Airline Promotions Check out […]

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Q&A: Confusion over spousal benefits

Dear Liz: I am currently receiving a spousal benefit from Social Security that’s equal to 50% of my husband’s benefit. My husband and I applied when we were 66 years old in 2015. I do not think my own benefit will be higher than the spousal benefit I am currently receiving when I turn 70 […]

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Q&A:Closing credit accounts

Dear Liz: I paid off and closed two large home equity lines of credit in April, but these HELOCs still appear on my credit report. The lender says they reported the transactions to the credit reporting agencies “immediately” and that the delay in having them removed is the credit bureaus’ fault. Are they right? What […]

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Q&A: How to keep a loan to family from turning into a problem

Dear Liz: My husband and I have saved close to $2 million. He is 58, and I am 59. Our son is a hardworking, bright young man awaiting responses to medical school applications. My husband wants to loan him $200,000 to $500,000 to reduce his debt from interest on loans. I want to help too, […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to outsmart smartphone scammers. Also in the news: 5 military budgeting tips, states that will pay you to work there, and just how worried you should be about a possible recession. How to Outsmart Smartphone Scammers Protecting areas of vulnerability. 5 Military Budgeting Tips Important considerations for active military. Get Paid […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to qualify for first-time home buyer benefits. Also in the news: The best investments you can make right now, how to bypass ATM fees while you’re on the road, and how financial therapy might help you get to the root of your money problems. First-Time Home Buyer Benefits: How to Qualify […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 cheaper alternatives to popular vacation spots. Also in the news: How credit unions fit in your financial life, how to prepare for an economic downturn, and the fee the IRS is waiving for more than 400,000 filers. 5 Cheaper Alternatives to Popular Vacation Spots Save some money while still having a […]

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