Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to prepare for holiday crowds and chaos at airports. Also in the news: 9 ways to travel more safely, what you need to know about Medigap Plan N, and how to squeeze another 20K miles out of your current car. How to Prepare for Holiday Crowds and Chaos at Airports Get […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let Black Friday debt trigger post-holiday blues. Also in the news: Things to do by year-end for your investments, November mortgage rates continue to rise, and how to shop now and get Black Friday prices later. Don’t Let Black Friday Debt Trigger Post-Holiday Blues Prioritize needs, budget your spending, then make […]

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When a will won’t work

A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes. But you should be aware of what a will can’t or shouldn’t do. This is particularly true if you’re drafting your own document without an attorney’s help, since you could unknowingly […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 benefits that could help small businesses keep employees. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on cryptocurrency and improving credit to buy a house, what to buy (and skip) in November, and 4 ways to sustain savings habits from the pandemic. 6 Benefits That Could Help […]

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Q&A: When mortgage shopping, does checking your credit scores lower them?

Dear Liz: We’re trying to refinance a mortgage. All of the mortgage lenders claim that checking our credit scores will not affect the scores. However, that is not true. What gives? The three credit bureaus all list “too many inquiries” and penalize us. Does calling them do any good or make it even worse? Answer: […]

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Q&A: Social Security windfall elimination provision

Dear Liz: I was referred to an answer you wrote in 2017 explaining Social Security’s windfall elimination provision. It was the clearest explanation I have seen. I receive a government pension and a reduced Social Security check from the provision and am now fine with how it came to be, thanks to your post. Answer: […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How money mistakes could signal dementia risks. Also in the news: How to bank when you can’t get to one, will tax bills increase as home values soar, and why tax diversification is a smart investment strategy. Money Mistakes Could Signal Dementia Risk Missing bills could mean it’s time to build financial […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why a home warranty may not give you the fix you crave. Also in the news: 4 reasons to spend your points and miles ASAP, why the best travel plan for this holiday season is a backup plan, and how to spot fake IRS letters. Why a Home Warranty May Not Give […]

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Money mistakes could signal dementia

Some of the early signs of dementia are financial: forgetting to pay bills, for example, or having trouble calculating a tip. People who develop dementia also are more likely to miss credit card payments and have subprime credit scores years before they’re diagnosed, according to a study published last year in medical journal JAMA Internal […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should your business start accepting cryptocurrency? Also in the news: 5 features to look for in a personal loan, how the labor shortage could benefit your job hunt, and where to stash your down payment if you’re waiting for the housing market to crash. Should Your Business Start Accepting Cryptocurrency? While crypto […]

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