Q&A: The payments aren’t late, but the debt collectors are calling. What does it mean?

Dear Liz: In the last few months, I have received collection calls and emails for payment, sometimes before I even got the invoice and in every case before payment was due. For example, on Sept. 25 I was emailed for the second time for payment on an invoice with an Oct. 17 due date. Some […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 ways to pay for Airbnb with credit card rewards. Also in the news: A cheapskate’s guide to shopping for credit cards, Black Friday price matching, and how much you’ll actually take home if you win the billion dollar Mega Millions jackpot. 3 Ways to Pay for Airbnb With Credit Card Rewards […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to pay for college when you haven’t saved enough. Also in the news: How credit cards are fueling bigger gas savings, how to see the world in your 20s without racking up debt, and what rising mortgage rates will cost you if you’re looking to buy a home. How to Pay […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 ways to save on housing costs in your 20s. Also in the news: Billions in free college money went unclaimed this year, the complications of putting plastic surgery on your plastic, and how being lazy can actually help you save money. 4 Ways to Save on Housing Costs in Your 20s […]

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Should you pay off mortgage before you retire?

Most people would be better off not having mortgages in retirement. Relatively few will get any tax benefit from this debt, and the payments can get more difficult to manage on fixed incomes. But retiring a mortgage before you retire isn’t always possible. Financial planners recommend creating a Plan B to ensure you don’t wind […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to see the world in your 20s without racking up debt. Also in the news: How a single mom masterminds $700K swing from debt to savings, 6 places to shop on Black Friday, and how to find out what your Social Security check will be in 2019. How to See the […]

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Q&A: A reader’s college funding rules

Dear Liz: I’d like to share with other parents how my husband and I paid for college for our two daughters. We had three rules. 1. If an out-of-state or private college was chosen, then they would be required to pay us back the difference compared to an in-state public school. They both did opt […]

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Q&A: Medicare Part B allows an eight-month grace period

Dear Liz: I have a question after reading your column about avoiding costly Medicare mistakes. My husband and I have both reached 65 this past year. We both signed up for Medicare Part A hospital coverage, which is free. I retired two years ago, but am covered by my husband’s employer’s health insurance. I’m now […]

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Q&A: When to keep a mortgage into retirement years and reasons you might want to pay it off

Dear Liz: My husband and I have no debt other than the mortgage on our home. My husband will retire in three years while I will continue to work. (I will have to pay for healthcare at that time, as I currently receive my benefits through his employer.) My husband insists that we pay our […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to keep investing when the stock market trembles. Also in the news: What to buy (and skip) on Black Friday, financial companies are hiding complaints, and how age affects your credit score. When the Stock Market Trembles, Fight Your Fear and Keep Investing Keep calm and invest on. What to Buy […]

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