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Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Wake up to the truth about ‘dream schools.’ Also in the news: 4 things to stop doing online immediately, recognizing the signs of financial abuse, and why carrying a balance won’t boost your credit score.

Wake Up to the Truth About ‘Dream Schools’
Thinking beyond the elites.

Stop Doing These 4 Things Online — Immediately
It’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Financial Abuse
Nearly 70% of millennial women have experienced financial abuse.

Carrying a Balance Won’t Boost Your Credit Score
Busting a myth.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Understanding the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Also in the news: How hungry college students can get help, Robinhood takes another shot at cash management accounts, and a new scam that asks for your bank PIN on the phone.

Hunger on Campus: How College Students Can Get Help

What Is the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?
Understanding the government-run health care plans.

Robinhood Takes Another Shot at Cash Management Accounts
This time with FDIC backup.

Beware a New Scam That Asks for Your Bank PIN on the Phone
This is a particularly savvy scam.

Wake up to the truth about ‘dream schools’

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The college admissions scandal — which recently led to a 14-day prison sentence for actress Felicity Huffman — exposed a group of wealthy parents’ obsession with getting their kids into the “right” school. Prosecutors say the families paid bribes, faked test results and pretended their kids were athletes to get them into selective colleges.

Unfortunately, many less affluent families also fall for the delusion that some schools offer golden tickets for their children’s futures, says Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of “The College Solution.” Whether it’s an Ivy League college or a high-priced “dream school,” too many people believe certain educations are worth endless effort, stress — and debt.

In my latest for the Associated Press, the most important facts to know as you navigate the college admissions process and decide how much to spend.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How one family paid off $130,000 of debt in less than four years. Also in the news: The pros and cons of cash-out refinancing, the sneaky ways burnout hurts your bottom line, and how to not let your vet bill dog you forever.

How I Ditched Debt: Little Splurges on the Path to Freedom
One family’s story of paying off $130,000 in less than four years.

Cash-Out Refinance Pros and Cons
A good way to pay for home improvements.

Sneaky Ways Burnout Hurts Your Bottom Line
Millennials are struggling.

Don’t Let Your Vet Bill Dog You Forever
Taking care of your best pal.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: SmartMoney podcast on how to pay off debt faster. Also in the news: What to expect when requesting a credit limit increase, why you should always pay in local currency when traveling, and 10 money mistakes millennials should avoid.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can I Pay Off My Debt Faster?’
Tips from the experts.

Requesting a Credit Limit Increase? Here’s What to Expect
Question and answerr

Why You Should Always Pay in Local Currency When Traveling
Avoid markups and fees.

10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid (No. 10’s a Shocker)
These mistakes could come back to haunt you.

Q&A: Don’t keep a mortgage just for the tax deduction

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Dear Liz: Does the new tax law, with its increased standard deduction, change the calculus of maintaining my mortgage? I owe about $250,000 at 3.25% on a 30-year mortgage. I no longer itemize, so I don’t get the benefit of the tax deduction for the interest. My payments are about $1,500 a month, but I could easily pay it off.

Answer: It never made much sense to keep a mortgage just for the tax deduction. The tax savings offset only a portion of the interest you pay. (If you’re in a 33% combined state and federal tax bracket, for example, you’d get at most 33 cents back for every $1 in mortgage interest you paid.)

A more compelling reason to keep a mortgage would be if you were able to get a better return on your money by investing it, or if you didn’t want to have a big chunk of your wealth tied up in a single, illiquid asset.