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Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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1412020991000-ATMToday’s top story: What you could buy with the money you’re paying in ATM fees. Also in the news: How to fix your investment portfolio by January, what you need to do before retirement, and how to make sure your assets go to the right people when you’re gone.

What you could buy with the money you waste on out-of-network ATM fees
ATM fees have soared.

3 Ways to Fix Your Investment Portfolio Before January
Just a couple of months away.

The 4 Things to Do Before Retirement
How to avoid trouble and have piece of mind.

Your Will Might Not Leave Your Assets to the Person You Intended
Making sure your assets go to the right person.

College refinancing options open up for parent PLUS loans

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22856641_SAParents who borrowed to put their kids through college now have several options to refinance their federal PLUS loans, including, in some cases, the ability to transfer their debt to those children.

The situation is a sharp turnaround from the period after the financial crisis, when private lenders fled the student loan market and few borrowers were able to refinance their debt to take advantage of lower rates.

Lending began to thaw in 2012 when a few start-ups, credit unions and banks began offering refinancing to student borrowers, said Andy Josuweit, chief executive officer of education loan information site Student Loan Hero.

In my latest for Reuters, a look at which lenders have added PLUS refinancing.

And in my latest for CBS Moneywatch, a look at “card cracking” scams that are taking over social media.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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refinancingToday’s top story: The most affordable places to buy a home. Also in the news: Millions of T-Mobile customers have their data breached, five things you were never told about your home loan, and popular rules of thumb that can wreck your finances.

The Most Affordable Places to Buy a Home in America
Some of these may suprise you.

Millions of T-Mobile Customers Exposed in Experian Breach
What to do if T-Mobile is your carrier.

5 Things They Never Told You About Your Home Loan
Make sure you’re buying the right amount of house.

5 Popular Rules of Thumb That Can Wreck Your Finances
Time for a little mythbusting.

12 Things You Should Never Do With Your Money
Don’t even think about cashing your paycheck.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Why October 1st is a big day for credit cards. Also in the news: The problem with the new credit card technology, identity theft protection, and free financial planning days.

What’s Really Happening to Your Credit Card on Oct. 1?
Introducing the credit card chip.

The problem with America’s new credit card technology
Six in ten Americans don’t have chip-enabled cards.

Identity Theft Protection is on You
No more excuses.

Financial Planning You Can Afford
Free Financial Planning Days begin on October 3rd.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Financial-PlanningToday’s top story: How to create a one-page financial plan. Also in the news: Money leaks you might be overlooking, why Fannie Mae is making it easier to get a loan, and how being frugal can sometimes backfire.

When Simple Is Better: How To Create A One-Page Financial Plan
Sticking to the basics.

10 Money Leaks You Might Be Overlooking
The tiny drip drops that add up.

Struggling With Your Student Loan Servicer? Help May Be on the Way
You may not have to go it alone anymore.

Fannie Mae’s New Mortgage Rules Make It Easier to Get a Loan
Is this a good thing?

5 Ways Being Frugal Can Backfire
Good intentions may have bad results.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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imagesToday’s top story: Financial behaviors you don’t want to pass on to your kids. Also in the news: Facts that will change how you think about money, how to find a financial advisor, and how to choose between saving or paying off debt.

11 Financial Behaviors You Don’t Want Your Kids to Learn From You
Setting the right example.

6 facts that will change how you think about money
Game changers.

How to find a financial advisor
Finding the right one.

Save or Pay Off Debt? How to Make the Tough Choice
Which works best for you?