Thursday’s need-to-know money news

crop380w_istock_000009258023xsmall-dbet-ball-and-chainToday’s top story: How you could be spending too little in retirement. Also in the news: How a late payment could disable your car, what bills to pay when you can’t pay them all, and deciphering the “Nanny Tax”.

7 Signs You’re Spending Too Little In Retirement
Yes, you read that correctly.

Miss a Payment? Good Luck Moving That Car
A late payment could leave you stuck in the driveway.

What Order Do You Pay Bills When You Can’t Pay Them All?
How to manage your finances in difficult times.

Do I Have to Pay ‘Nanny Tax’ on a Babysitter?
If you pay more than $1900 a year, the answer is yes.

How to Be Frugal and Invest the Difference
Even saving small amounts can make a difference.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

download (1)Today’s top story: How to keep track of your spending while using multiple credit cards. Also in the news: Scrutinizing promotional offers from credit cards, how to make your student loan payments manageable, and the one tax move you need to make right away.

How to Keep Track of Your Spending on Multiple Credit Cards
There are apps that can help.

Beware credit card promotion offers
As always, read the fine print.

How to make student loan payments manageable
Don’t become overwhelmed.

1 Tax Move You Need to Make Now
It’s never too early to start preparing.

5 Behaviors That Predict Poor Money Management Later
There’s still time to get on the right track.

Q&A: Mileage bonus credit cards

Dear Liz: I’m attracted to the credit card offers that give substantial mileage bonuses for opening and using an account. Most also waive the first year’s fee. I have taken advantage of one such card, and then I canceled it before any fee was due. (I certainly enjoyed using the miles.) I hesitate to take another offer because I fear opening and closing extra accounts might have a negative effect on my credit rating.

On the other hand, I am in my mid-60s, have excellent credit and am debt-free. I also don’t plan to make any credit purchases. What’s your advice?

Answer:If you have good credit and aren’t in the market for a major loan such as a mortgage, you shouldn’t worry about opening or closing a credit card account occasionally. Yes, such actions can ding your credit scores, but the effect is likely to be minimal, especially if you have several other open accounts that you regularly use.

If you are going to open a new card with an upfront bonus, make sure you understand the fine print. Most cards require you to spend a certain amount within a certain time frame to get the extra points. Typically the bigger the upfront bonus, the bigger the required “spend.”

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to build your retirement nest egg on a small salary. Also in the news: Why Millennials are rejecting credit cards, tips on how to decide between saving money and paying off debt, and eight faster ways to pay off your student loans.

How to Plan for Retirement When You Don’t Make Much Money
Increasing the size of your tiny nest egg.

Why Millennials Are Rejecting Credit Cards
The massive amount of student debt is playing a big role.

5 Questions to Help You Decide Whether to Save or Pay Off Debt
What to do with your extra cash.

8 Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster
The quicker the better.

How to Balance a Fun Life With Your Financial Goals
You know what they say about all work and no play.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

budgetToday’s top story: How customizing your budget could be the key to success. Also in the news: Preparing yourself financially for a career change, products to make your teenagers money-savvy, and Home Depot confirms a months-long credit data breach.

How to Do a Budget: Customization Is Key
Tailoring your budget could be the key to its success.

5 Ways to Financially Prepare to Go After Your Dream Job
Getting ready to take the big leap.

4 Bank Products to Make Teens Money-Savvy
Prepare your teen to make wise financial choices.

Home Depot Confirms Computer Data System Breach
Retailer offers one year of free credit monitoring to customers.

6 Smart Ways to Use a Credit Card
Keeping yourself out of trouble.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Chip cardToday’s top story: How to get rewarded for being responsible with your credit cards. Also in the news: The hidden costs of a new job, tips on how to avoid credit fraud, and how you should and shouldn’t pay for college.

3 Credit Cards That Reward You for Being Responsible
Paying on time has its benefits.

5 Hidden Costs of a New Job
That new salary could cost you.

5 Common-Sense Tips to Help Avoid Credit Card Fraud, ID Theft
Protect yourself.

Making smart choices when paying for college
Using your retirement savings isn’t one of them.

7 scams that just won’t die
Microsoft isn’t calling you.

Q&A: Repairing your credit score

Dear Liz: After a divorce, I had to start my life over at 62. I got three credit cards. Somehow, I failed to see the online bills for one of them and neglected to pay it. The company didn’t contact me until three months had passed. I got a letter saying the small balance ($130) was forgiven and the card had been canceled. I was shocked. I made several calls but was told nothing could be done. Now one of the credit bureaus has my score at 640. I’m a reliable person and always pay my bills on time. This was a great oversight. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer: Even seemingly small missteps can have outsized effects on your credit scores. Missing even one payment can knock more than 100 points off good scores.

And as you’ve learned, creditors tend not to be sympathetic to the idea that you didn’t pay because you didn’t see the bills. You’re expected to know when your bills are due and pay them. A quick phone call or visit to the credit issuer’s website would have told you what you owed.
Fortunately, you still have the other two cards. Those should help you rehabilitate your credit scores as long as you use them properly and you don’t cause any further damage.

Before another day passes, set up automatic payments for both accounts. You typically can choose to have one of three amounts taken every month from your checking account: the minimum payment, the full balance or a dollar amount that you specify. Ideally, you would choose to pay off the full balance each month, since carrying a balance won’t help your scores and will cause you to pay unnecessary interest.

Mark the dates of the automatic payments on your calendar and set up alerts to make sure that there’s enough money in your checking account on that day.

Use both of your cards lightly but regularly, charging small amounts each month. Don’t use more than about 30% of your available credit — less is better. To rehabilitate your credit scores even faster, consider adding an installment loan to your credit mix, if you don’t already have one. Mortgages, car loans and personal loans are examples of installment loans.

Finally, make sure you don’t fall behind on any other bills or let any account, such as a medical bill, fall into collections. Another black mark would just extend the time it takes to rebuild your scores.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

imagesToday’s top story: The secret weapon you should use to build a bigger 401(k). Also in the news: Avoiding the deferred interest credit card trap, talking to your kids about money before they leave for college, and why some borrowers with older student loans could see their payments reduced.

The Secret To Building A Bigger 401(k)
A financial adviser could be the secret weapon.

When 0% Interest Isn’t 0%: Credit Card Tricks You Must Know
Avoiding the deferred interest trap.

How to talk money before they go off to college
One of the most important conversations you’ll have before they leave.

Help is on the way for some with student loans
Those with older loans could see some relief.

The Most Expensive Mortgage Mistakes You Can Make
Avoid these at all costs.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What you should be teaching your kids about retirement. Also in the news: Why there’s more to your credit than just paying your cards, tips on how to prevent financial insomnia, and the long term damage of identity theft.

4 Things to Teach Your Kids About Retirement
Getting on the right path for the future.

You Can Pay Your Credit Cards & Still Wreck Your Credit
Why timing is important.

6 Financial Moves to Prevent Sleepless Nights
You need your rest.

Identity Theft Causes Years Of Financial Damage
How to prevent it.

Personal-Finance Hack Courtesy of Harvard
Without the price of an Ivy League education!

Friday’s need-to-know money news

download (1)Today’s top story: How to tell when credit card rewards are actually worth it. Also in the news: Big changes ahead for your 401(k), using your job hunting expenses as tax deductions, and how to determine if a charity is worth your hard earned money.

5 Times Credit Card Rewards Are Worth It
When credit cards rewards truly pay off.

5 Future 401(k) Changes You Need to Keep an Eye On
Big changes are ahead.

Writing Off Your Job Hunting Expenses
Your job search expenses could be tax deductible.

How to Pick a Charity
Making sure your money goes where its needed.

5 Unconventional Ways To Use Your Accounts
Could your 401(k) be used to purchase your new home?