Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Americans favor debit over credit for their go-to card. Also in the news: How to choose a cash-back credit card, how to get an SBA disaster loan for your business, and the costly mistake people make when using debit cards. Americans Favor Debit Over Credit for Their Go-To Card The results are […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 10-word answers to your biggest hurricane insurance questions. Also in the news: How to prepare before a hurricane hits, ditching debt when you’re newly single, and how to bring up money for the first time. 10-Word Answers to Your Biggest Hurricane Insurance Questions What you need to know. How to Prepare Before […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 things debt collectors can’t do – and 5 they can. Also in the news: The pros and cons of dropshipping, protecting intellectual property, and how to choose a rewards credit card. 5 Things Debt Collectors Can’t Do — and 5 They Can Learn the limits. Dropshipping Cuts Your Inventory — and […]

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Credit bureaus ease medical debt pain for a few

Too many Americans have bad credit because of unpaid medical bills. That’s not likely to change anytime soon, despite two reforms in how those bills will be reported to the credit bureaus. Starting Sept. 15: —There will be a 180-day waiting period before unpaid medical debts can show up on people’s credit reports. —Medical collections […]

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Q&A: Why tapping retirement cash early shouldn’t be done lightly

Dear Liz: I’m reaching out on behalf of my father, who does not know how to write emails. He was wondering if he pulls his money out of his IRA, how much will he get charged? Also, how much would he be able to give to his granddaughters without being charged? Answer: Withdrawals from IRAs […]

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Q&A: Making sure your free credit report really is free

Dear Liz: Please tell me again how to get my free credit report each year. Answer: You can get a free annual look at your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com. If you search for “free credit report,” you may wind up at a look-alike site, rather than the federally mandated […]

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Q&A: More advice on how to find a reliable cheap car

Dear Liz: I have repaired my own vehicles all my life, and I wanted to add a bit to your response to the person in Chapter 13 bankruptcy who needs another car after paying $1,500 cash each for two junkers. You are correct that a $3,000 car is likely to be more reliable, but I […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Wells Fargo reveals wider abuses. Are you owed money? Also in the news: How to handle credit card bills in an emergency, how much cash do you carry, and a student is accidentally given $1M in financial aid, spends thousands. Wells Fargo Reveals Wider Abuses: Are You Owed Money? The scandal widens. […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for September. Also in the news: The pros and cons of adjustable rate mortgages, how to start working odd jobs at TaskRabbit, and watching out for penalty APRs if you miss a credit card payment. NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for September 2017 Finding the best offers. […]

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Wednesday’s need to know money news

Today’s top story: How insurers are mobilizing to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Also in the news: How to get relief from college costs after Hurricane Harvey, how small businesses can cope post-Harvey, and how to get a tax break for going back to school. How Insurers Are Mobilizing to Help Harvey Victims Covered losses are […]

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