Equifax just changed the rest of your life

Adding freezes to your credit reports is an appropriate response to the massive Equifax database breach that exposed the private information of 143 million Americans. Don’t make the mistake of thinking those freezes will keep you safe, however. Credit freezes lock down your credit reports in a way that should prevent “new account fraud,” or […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 mobile banking alerts to help you fight fraud. Also in the news: What to do if you can’t replay your SBA loan, 7 habits of highly effective credit card users, and the worst cities for record high ATM fees. 5 Mobile Banking Alerts to Help You Fight Fraud Using your phone […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to foil 5 common bank fees from draining your funds. Also in the news: How to talk – not fight – about money with your spouse, the real cost of owning a pet, and how Equifax ignored warning about security vulnerabilities. How to Foil 5 Common Bank Fees From Draining Your […]

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Q&A: Debt settlement vs. filing for bankruptcy: Pros and cons

Dear Liz: I owe a credit card company about $16,900. I have not been able to make payments for almost two years and have no money. They recently sent me a proposal to pay off the entire amount at 30 cents on the dollar by making 24 payments of a little over $200 per month. […]

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Q&A: Your debt lives even after you die

Dear Liz: I live in a senior building and we had a discussion about our debt after we pass away. I said, “If we have any money in our estate, that will pay it off.” One woman who lives here claims that all you have to do is send in a copy of a death […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Protecting your credit even as Equifax vows free lifelong credit lock. Also in the news: Sorting out an athlete’s tax bill, navigating car buying in a post-hurricane market, and the mobile game that helps you save money. Protect Your Credit Even as Equifax Vows Free Lifelong Lock Necessary steps. Think Playing Quarterback […]

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Are you a yo-yo debtor? Ways to break that cycle

Americans’ debt loads, like our waistlines, tend to expand as we approach middle age and then gradually diminish as we get older. Some people, though, are yo-yo debtors, fighting an ongoing up-and-down battle with debt. They pay it off, or come close, only to find themselves battling bills once again. But there are ways to […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The best cities for recent college graduates. Also in the news: Why paying bills is a grind for almost half of Americans, how to trim expensive wedding frills without cutting guests’ fun, and everything you wanted to know about your credit report but were afraid to ask. Best Cities for Recent College […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to boostrap your credit for free or cheap. Also in the news: 3 ways to get your business up and selling on Amazon, three things to do for the best online banking, and how to save at the start of your career. How to Bootstrap Your Credit for Free — or […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Confusion about overdraft coverage can cost you dearly. Also in the news: 3 reasons why college students need to submit the FAFSA every year, appealing your flood insurance claim denial, and opening a subaccount to save for an epic vacation. Confusion About Overdraft Coverage Can Cost You Dearly Don’t pay the bank […]

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