Get smart with your money
Americans’ debt loads, like our waistlines, tend to expand as we approach middle age and then gradually diminish as we get older.
Some people, though, are yo-yo debtors, fighting an ongoing up-and-down battle with debt. They pay it off, or come close, only to find themselves battling bills once again. But there are ways to break that cycle.
In my latest for the Associated Press, how to break the cycle of yo-yo debt.
Today’s top story: The best cities for recent college graduates. Also in the news: Why paying bills is a grind for almost half of Americans, how to trim expensive wedding frills without cutting guests’ fun, and everything you wanted to know about your credit report but were afraid to ask.
Best Cities for Recent College Grads
Starting someplace new.
Paying Bills Is a Grind for 43% of Americans, CFPB Finds
Living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Trim Expensive Wedding Frills Without Cutting Guests’ Fun
Concentrating on the important things.
Everything you wanted to know about your credit report — but were afraid to ask
No dumb questions.
Today’s top story: How to boostrap your credit for free or cheap. Also in the news: 3 ways to get your business up and selling on Amazon, three things to do for the best online banking, and how to save at the start of your career.
How to Bootstrap Your Credit for Free — or Cheap
Slow and steady.
3 Ways to Get Your Business Up and Selling on Amazon
Start making money.
For the Best Online Banking, Do These 3 Things
Easy steps.
How to save at the start of your career
The earlier the better.
Today’s top story: Confusion about overdraft coverage can cost you dearly. Also in the news: 3 reasons why college students need to submit the FAFSA every year, appealing your flood insurance claim denial, and opening a subaccount to save for an epic vacation.
Confusion About Overdraft Coverage Can Cost You Dearly
Don’t pay the bank for access to your own money.
3 Reasons College Students Need to Submit the FAFSA Every Year
Financial circumstances change.
Flood Insurance Claim Denied? Don’t Panic; Appeal
Take a deep breath.
Open a Subaccount to Save for That Epic Vacation
Get the details.
Today’s top story: How to join a deluge of insurance claims for flooded cars. Also in the news: The pros and cons of zero down payment mortgages, what investors need to know about the SEC hack, and 5 budgeting apps that will save you money.
How to Join a Deluge of Insurance Claims for Flooded Cars
Drying out after Harvey and Irma.
Ins, Outs, Pros and Cons of Zero Down Payment Mortgages
What to look out for.
The SEC Hack: What Investors Need to Know
Could you be affected?
5 Budgeting Apps That Will Save You Money
A budget right in your pocket.
Credit report with score on a desk
‘Pay for Delete’ Might Help Your Credit — If You’re Lucky
Negotiating with a creditor.
19 Less-Obvious Wedding Costs to Bake Into Your Budget
Budgeting the entire package.
Not Made of Money? Financial Advice Is Still for You
You don’t need to be to rich.
Make Sure You’re Not Going to an Equifax Phishing Site
Don’t make matters worse.
Today’s top story: Want to graduate with minimal debt? Choose the right college. Also in the news: How to budget, save, and even win money with today’s prepaid debit cards, 5 key facts about earthquakes and insurance, and hackers are stealing home buyers’ down payments.
Want to Graduate With Minimal Debt? Choose the Right College
Comparison shopping.
Budget, Save, Even Win Money With Today’s Prepaid Debit Cards
Getting your spending in order.
5 Key Facts About Earthquakes and Insurance
Important information.
Hackers stealing home buyers’ down payments
Targeting hopes and dreams.
Today’s top story: 3 ways to scrub a collections stain off a credit report. Also in the news:
Why you probably need title insurance, socially responsible investing, and the Equifax hack just got worse.
3 Ways to Scrub a Collections Stain Off a Credit Report
Do your homework.
Title Insurance: What It Is and Why You (Probably) Need It
Title insurance protects the insured from a financial loss related to the ownership of a property.
Socially Responsible Investing Takes Clearing a Few Hurdles
Align your investments with your values.
Your Credit Cards May Also Have Been Compromised in the Equifax Hack
It keeps getting worse.
Bedbugs. Weird smells. The possibility of imminent breakdowns. People have all sorts of excuses for not buying used stuff.
Those who deliberately buy used items, though, say such fears are not just overblown — they’re also expensive.
In my latest for the Associated Press, how buying used items can save you money while not sacrificing quality.
Today’s top story: You could be overspending with credit cards. Yes, you. Also in the news: Your excuses for not contributing to a 401(k) are dwindling, which is the best way for you to zap your debt, and how millennials can prepare for the next financial crisis.
You Could Be Overspending With Credit Cards. Yes, You.
Keeping your spending in check.
Your Excuses for Not Contributing to a 401(k) Are Dwindling
No more excuses.
Different Ways to Zap Your Debt: Which Is for You?
Finding the best way to conquer your debt.
How millennials can prepare for the next financial crisis
Preparing for the inevitable.