Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What student loan borrowers need to know about the Navient lawsuit. Also in the news: 5 ways to avoid blowing your tax refund, how to prepare financially for a baby, and spreading your tax refund across multiple accounts. Navient Lawsuit: What Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know Navient is facing three lawsuits. […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: These 4 tax bills can surprise, but you can be ready. Also in news: Can’t pay your taxes? Here are 6 ways to cope. Why stay-at-home spouses should buy life insurance, and how to avoid blowing your tax refund. These 4 Tax Bills Can Surprise, but You Can Be Ready Be prepared. […]

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Are you financially healthy?

Traditional financial literacy efforts haven’t been a rousing success. Research from Harvard Business School shows that even Americans who are taught personal finance in school don’t seem to save more or manage credit better than anyone else. That’s why many experts concerned about Americans’ money habits — including regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection […]

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Q&A: What to do about heavy credit card debt

Dear Liz: I have a lot of credit card debt and am just able to make minimum payments. I feel like after doing this for four years now that I am not getting ahead. I will be 61 this summer and don’t have much saved for retirement. My rent keeps going up along with other […]

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Q&A: Parking money for a short term

Dear Liz: We will soon be selling our home and moving into an apartment until we purchase a new home. Our proceeds from the sale will be over $600,000. It seems that there is no place to safely put the funds and get some meaningful interest to boot. Savings accounts and money markets pay very […]

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Q&A: Professional investment management fees

Dear Liz: I have an IRA with over $100,000 at a discount brokerage. I had it in a target date fund. Due to market downturns, I got nervous and was convinced to put my investment into the brokerage’s portfolio advisory services with additional fees coming to $1,600 per year. In general, is it wise to […]

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Q&A: Annuities have indirect costs

Dear Liz: Thank for your right-on reply to the reader who claimed that fixed and indexed annuities were available at no cost to investors. I am so tired of hearing from agents and investors that their annuity is great and does not have fees! Answer: Insurance companies aren’t charities providing investments at no cost. They’re […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How credit use affects credit scores. Also in the news: Starting a business if you have student debt, how one couple crushed their debt, and how budgeting doesn’t have to suck if you make it a habit. Virtual People, Real Lessons: How Card Use Affects Credit Score Meet Cora Condo and Rebuilding […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 late-filing tax mistakes you need to avoid. Also in the news: Why paying taxes by credit card probably isn’t a good idea, collection agencies are getting another shot at your back taxes, and filing a tax extension to buy more time. 6 Late-Filing Tax Mistakes You Need to Avoid Common mistakes […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Can’t refinance student loans? Try these tactics. Also in the news: 10-word answers to your biggest car insurance questions, 5 foods that raise blood pressure – and life insurance rates, and 5 ways to save on preparing your taxes. Can’t Refinance Student Loans? Try These Tactics Looking at the alternatives. 10-Word Answers […]

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