Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why your credit score isn’t the only gage of financial health. Also in the news: Car buying tips from an undercover salesman, 8 things that won’t hurt your credit, and how to control what could take a big bite out of your retirement nest egg.

Your Credit Score Isn’t the Only Gauge of Financial Health
The numbers you need to pay attention to.

5 Car-Buying Tips From My Days as an Undercover Salesman
How to navigate the car buying process.

8 Things That Won’t Hurt (Whew!) Your Credit
Starting with checking your credit score.

Here’s what could take a big bite out of your retirement nest egg — and how you can control it
Pacing yourself for the long haul.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Making a habit of checking your financial health. Also in the news: Online business ideas for couch potatoes, how one couple paid off $20K of debt in 18 months, and how Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k).

Start a New Habit: Check Your Financial Health
Almost as important as your physical health.

3 Online Business Ideas for Couch Potatoes
Make money from your recliner.

How I Ditched Debt: Active Budgeting Pays Off
How one couple paid off $20,000 in 18 months.

How Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k)
Digging into the details.

Quiz: How’s Your Financial Health?

How’s your financial health? NerdWallet’s eight question quiz can help you find out–and point you to ways to improve it. Start here:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/financial-literacy/

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Only 1 in 10 Americans are at Peak Financial Health. Also in the news: How to dodge stock market scams, when a tax refund means bankruptcy, and millennial parents face the reality of baby costs.

Only 1 in 10 Americans at Peak Financial Health
Where Americans are falling short.

How to Dodge Stock Market Scams
Protecting your investments.

When a Tax Refund Means Bankruptcy
Using a refund as a budget tool or a chance at a fresh start.

Millennial parents face the reality of baby costs
Babies are both adorable and expensive.

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 Bureau and financial think tanks such as the Center for Financial Services Innovation — are promoting the concept of financial health.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what you can do to improve your financial health.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

imagesToday’s top story: Choosing the best student loan refinancing offer. Also in the news: Taking 15 minutes a month for your financial health, using your 1040 for a retirement savings check-up, and how couples can financially prepare for the inevitable.

How to Choose the Best Student Loan Refinancing Offer for You
Sorting through the options.

15 Minutes a Month to Maintain Financial Health
Easy steps that can build longterm success.

Use Your 1040 For A Retirement Savings And Investment Tax Check-Up
The perfect time to take stock of your finances.

Widow/widower financial preparedness 101: 5 things to do right now
Making a difficult time less complicated.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What you need to know about the huge US data breach. Also in the news: What lenders are looking for, checking in on your financial health, and making sure your extra student loan payments are going to the right place.

The Massive U.S. Government Hack: What You Need to Know
Four million current and former federal employees are at risk.

Lenders Look at More Than Just Your Credit Score
What lenders are looking for.

6 Telltale Signs You’re in Great Financial Health
Taking your financial temperature.

Make Sure Your Extra Student Loan Payment is Applied Correctly
Make sure it’s going to the principal, not the interest.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story : How to avoid annoying mortgage hurdles. Also in the news: A financial health checkup, how to keep your online tax returns safe, and what to do if you win tonight’s Powerball jackpot.

4 Annoying Mortgage Hurdles & How to Overcome Them
How to have all your ducks in a row.

The 4 Most Important Money Issues That Determine Your Financial Health
Time for a temperature check.

Tips for Keeping Online Tax Returns Safe From Thieves
How to protect your money and your information.

What You Should Do If You Win the Powerball Jackpot
Besides fainting from shock.

10 Simple Money-Saving Tips That Carry A Big Bang At The End Of The Year
Small actions that could lead to big savings by the end of the year.