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Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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pokemon-goToday’s top story: Protecting your kids and your data while playing Pokemon GO. Also in the news: Bankruptcy means test, the hidden student loan cost no one talks about, and what to do when you’ve been dumped by your bank.

Pokémon Go: How to Keep Your Kids and Your Data Safe
Gotta catch ’em all!

The Bankruptcy Means Test: What It Is, Why It Matters
Determining your bankruptcy eligibility.

The Hidden Student Loan Cost No One Talks About
Introducing interest capitalization.

Help! My Bank Dumped Me
What to do when your bank breaks up with you.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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hidden-fees1Today’s top story: Scams to watch out for. Also in the news: Understanding Social Security spousal benefits after divorce, fixing a critical 401(k) flaw, and new airline luggage fees.

Scams Called ‘Worst’ of Consumers’ Top 10 Complaints
Don’t fall for them.

Divorce Doesn’t Preclude Social Security Spousal Benefits
Understanding the complicated rules.

How fix a critical flaw in 401(k) plans
Adjusting your retirement savings.

Some Airlines Have Rolled Out a New Luggage Fee
Pack appropriately.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Social-Security-benefitsToday’s top story: Timing is everything when it comes to Social Security benefits. Also in the news: How Wi-Fi calling can save you money, a quiz to test your money smarts, and four concepts that’ll help you master your money.

For Social Security Benefits, Timing Is Key
Picking the right time.

What Wi-Fi Calling Is and How It Can Save You Money
Saving your minutes.

Do you have money smarts?
Take the quiz.

Focus on These Four Concepts to Finally Master Your Money
What to concentrate on.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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siblingsToday’s top story: How couples can talk about money without a blowup. Also in the news: Amazon Prime Day, tax mistakes to avoid, and how to make good financial decisions.

How Couples Can Talk Money Without a Blowup
Remembering what’s important.

Prime Day Kicks Off With Low Prices on Amazon Kindle, Echo and More
Bargain hunting.

11 Big Tax Mistakes to Avoid
Proceed with caution.

How to Make Good Financial Decisions
Thinking before you spend.

The Smartest Financial Decision You’ll Ever Make

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common-retirement-mistakesThere’s really only one thing young people need know about money: Save for retirement, starting now.

Yes, at some point you’ll want to pay off your debt, have an emergency fund and buy a home. Right now, though, you’re burning through your most limited resource, which is time. You can’t make more of it, you can’t get it back when it’s gone, and you have a limited window to harness its power.

In my latest for NerdWallet, why it’s imperative for young people to start saving for retirement immediately.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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bigstock-U-s-Income-Tax-Return-Form-28476797-e1390508229663Today’s top story: The best time to file your tax returns. Also in the news: Picking the right financial advisor, overcoming retirement obstacles, and what the Presidential candidates have planned for your wallet.

The Best Time to File Your Tax Return
What’s the optimum time for you?

Key Steps to Researching a Financial Advisor
Finding the right advisor.

5 ways to overcome obstacles between you and retirement
Don’t let them get in your way.

Keep an eye on candidates’ plans for your wallet: Advisors
They’re both after your money.