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Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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images (2)Today’s top story: How to make your retirement savings last. Also in the news: Why it pays to file your FAFSA early, how to survive rising health care costs, and how the Rule of 72 can help you build your retirement savings.

The Easy Way to Make Your Retirement Savings Last
Stretching your savings.

It Pays to File Your FAFSA Early
You could receive twice as much financial aid.

10 Ways to Survive Rising Health Care Costs
Keeping costs in check.

How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Up Your Retirement Nest Egg
Building your savings.

Is a FICO Score the Best Credit Score?
Does your FICO score tell the whole story?

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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refundToday’s top story: How to get your bank to fix a credit card error. Also in the news: How to overcome money anxiety, 12 odd tax deductions that could save you money, and a new government crackdown on aggressive debt collectors.

How Do I Get My Bank to Fix a Credit Card Error?
Be prepared to be patient.

The First Step to Overcoming Money Anxiety Is Facing Your Own Finances
Taking that first step.

Could these 12 odd tax deductions save you money?
Some of these mught surprise you.

The Government Cracks Down on More Debt Collectors
No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Three reasons not to simplify your financial life

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January seems to beg for fresh starts, organizing binges and articles about simplifying your life. In some ways, though, a little complexity is a good thing.

Of course, paring and consolidating your financial accounts, for example, can help you better track your money. You may find it easier to coordinate your investments, save on account fees and spot fraud.

But there are times when less is not more. In my latest for Reuters, three reasons why you may not want to take simplification too far.

In my latest for DailyWorth, a look at seven smart ways to save for retirement.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What your credit score doesn’t say about your finances. Also in the news: Putting yourself on a money diet, financial lessons to master before 40, and what to do if you actually win tonight’s Powerball jackpot.

4 Things Your Credit Score Doesn’t Say About You
What isn’t revealed.

How to Put Yourself on a Money Diet
Getting in financial shape.

8 personal finance lessons you must master by age 40
Putting yourself in a better position for retirement.

What to Do with the Money If You Actually Win Tonight’s Powerball Jackpot
After you stop screaming.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: The most important number in your financial life. Also in the news: How to get the most from a balance transfer credit card, how to build up your emergency fund, and how to audit your financial products.

The 5 Most Important Numbers in Your Financial Life
The numbers you need to know.

7 Ways to Get the Most From a Balance Transfer Credit Card
Tips to keep mind.

5 Tips to Build Up an Emergency Fund This Year
Easy tricks to fill up your emergency fund.

How to Audit Your Financial Products
Making sure your financial products are truly working for you.

One Absolute Must For Everyone Who Has An Aging Parent With Memory Problems
Protecting your parents from financial disaster.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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download (1)Today’s top story: How to put an end to credit card solicitations. Also in the news: How a two checking account system could help automate your budget, how to maximize your pension, and five surprising sources of debt.

How to Stop Credit Card Solicitations for Good
Reclaiming your mailbox.

Use the Two Checking Account System to Automate Your Budget
Why two accounts could make budgeting easier.

Maximize Your Pension With This Calculator
Calculating the best option for your retirement.

5 Surprising Sources of Debt
Racking up debt from unexpected sources.