Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to know you’re mortgage pre-approval worthy. Also in the news: AmEx doubles your rewards at small businesses until the end of the year, where the savviest shoppers live, and the most common money schemes people still fall for. How to Know You’re Mortgage Preapproval Worthy Don’t be caught by surprise. AmEx […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How new grads should handle their student loans. Also in the news: 7 in 10 people would boycott a bank that rejected them for a credit card, why medical crowdfunding campaigns are rarely successful, and how to pick the right Medicare Part D plan. New Grads Owe New Debts in November. How […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Staples becomes the latest employer to start paying student loans. Also in the news: Places with the highest and lowest credit scores, why you can’t always bring your cell phone to a new carrier, and the pros and cons of paying for travel over time. Staples Jumps on Hot Employer Trend: Paying […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to start married life with extra cash. Also in the news: Credit counseling for new grads, how your brain tricks you into using the wrong credit cards, and the retailers that reward you for recycling your unwanted junk. 5 Ways to Start Married Life With Extra Cash Giving your marriage a […]

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Book Giveaway – The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

I’m giving away a copy of “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated,” written by my friend Helaine Olen of Slate.com and Harold Pollack. These two cut through the hype and clutter to tell you what you really need to know about money. To enter to win, leave a comment here […]

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When Social Security Turns You Into a Zombie

If the Social Security Administration thinks you’re dead, you might wish you were. People who accidentally wind up on the agency’s Death Master File have seen their bank accounts frozen, credit cards closed, health insurance cut off and benefit payments canceled or even pulled back from checking accounts. One California man told me his 97-year-old […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Frightening types of 401(k) fees. Also in the news: It’s time for open enrollment, how to avoid bringing zombie debt back from the grave, and the staggering amount of money behind all things pumpkin. 3 Frightening Types of 401(k) Fees The dark side of retirement funds. Nov. 1 Means It’s Time for […]

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Q&A: ‘Stay at home’ credit card isn’t foolproof

Dear Liz: Regarding updating automatic payments when a credit card is replaced, I have found that using a separate credit card that never leaves home for automatic payments is a good idea. It’s very unlikely that this “stay at home” card would get hacked like a card I use in stores or ATMs. Does this […]

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Q&A: Financial help for seniors

Dear Liz: In your response to the person whose friend was erroneously declared deceased by the Social Security Administration, you suggest that the older person consider finding help in managing her finances. Please recommend checking the American Assn. of Daily Money Managers for such help. I have a certification from this professional organization and we […]

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Q&A: Fixing your credit scores after a bankruptcy

Dear Liz: How do you repair credit scores after filing for bankruptcy? My husband and I are in this situation and are looking to reestablish credit and increase our credit scores. Also, how long do closed accounts appear on the credit report? Answer: Filing for bankruptcy may have actually helped your scores. Researchers at the […]

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