I’m hosting NerdWallet’s first Facebook Live video, “Using Debt Strategically,” on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific. I’ll be discussing ways to prioritize your debt and pay it off faster while building your overall wealth. Whether you’re struggling with debt or just trying to be smarter with it, I can help answer your questions. Like NerdWallet on Facebook for updates and alerts on this event: nerd.me/facebook.
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why university checking accounts don’t make the grade. Also in the news: Financial steps to take in your 30s, personal finance calculators, and the savings habits of the super rich.
University Checking Accounts Don’t Make the Grade
High overdraft fees are a dealbreaker.
7 Important Financial Steps to Take in Your 30s
Time to start thinking past tomorrow.
15 Personal Finance Calculators Everyone Should Use
It’s all about the numbers.
The Super Rich Start Saving Super Early
Learning from the masters.
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to improve your online banking security. Also in the news: Avoiding overwhelming student debt, getting the most out of your 401(k) plan, and 12 cheap ways to keep your kids busy this summer.
5 Ways to Improve Your Online Banking Security
Protecting your information.
8 College Planning Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Student Loan Debt
There are alternatives.
401(k) Fatigue? Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Your Plan
Don’t leave money on the table.
Summer is coming: 12 cheap ways to keep your kids busy
Summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Debt Forgiveness Always Has a Catch
The Credit Card Debt Forgiveness Act and the Obama Student Loan Forgiveness Program don’t exist. The IRS won’t erase your tax debt just because you say you can’t pay it.
Even when debt forgiveness options are available, they can be loaded with traps such as hard-to-follow rules, unexpected tax bills and damage to your credit scores.
You need to know all this because there’s a thriving industry of scam artists telling you otherwise. In their ads and email come-ons, the bad guys try to convince people drowning in debt that there are ways to escape without serious consequences.
In my latest for NerdWallet, which debts can be forgiven and the catches that come with forgiveness.
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How life insurance companies learn all of your secrets. Also in the news: How to avoid overwhelming student loan debt, questions parents should answer before paying for a wedding, and financial tips to ease the transition from military to civilian life.
How Life Insurance Companies Learn Your Best-Kept Secrets
It’s all in the data.
8 College Planning Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Student Loan Debt
Starting off on the right foot.
Paying for a Wedding: 5 Questions Parents Should Answer Now
Forget about any fancy purchases for a while.
8 Financial Tips To Ease The Transition From Military To Civilian Life
Coping with big changes.
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: College counselors spill financial aid secrets. Also in the news: How to tell if you’re on track for retirement, why new grads have a huge retirement savings advantage, and the 401(k) mistakes that could cost you a bundle.
College Counselors Spill 6 Financial Aid Secrets
Get the inside scoop.
Do the Math to Tell If You’re on Track for Retirement
Checking your progress.
New grads have a huge retirement savings advantage
How much will you have in 40 years?
The 401(k) Mistakes That Could Cost You a Bundle
Pay close attention.