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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Suing banks will get easier – if CFPB rule survives. Also in the news: 2017 Driving in America report, 7 tips for preparing your taxes in a divorce, and why you need to stop beating yourself up over past money mistakes.

Suing Banks Will Get Easier — if CFPB Rule Survives
And that’s a big “if.”

2017 Driving in America Report: The Costs and Risks
A NerdWallet report.

7 Tips for Preparing Your Taxes in a Divorce
Don’t ignore Uncle Sam.

Why You Need to Stop Beating Yourself Up Over Past Money Mistakes
Stop dwelling.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How folks took charge of their credit card fears. Also in the news: Getting tax relief from good deeds, five sales to shop on Amazon Prime Day besides Prime Day, and how to tell where your state tax dollars are actually going.

How Folks Took Charge of Their Credit Card Fears
Taking the first steps.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished — but You Can Get Tax Relief
Doing the smart thing can be costly.

5 Sales to Shop on Amazon Prime Day Besides Prime Day
Lots of good deals to be had.

This Chart Shows How Your State Government Is Funded
Where your hard-earned money is going.

Chasing a dream? Fix your finances first

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Mark Howard of Basalt, Colorado, earned a hefty six-figure income during his 25-year career in financial services. His dream, though, was to teach high school — a job that paid about $40,000 a year.

When he floated the idea past his wife and business partner, Danielle Howard, her reaction was surprise and unease. He was 54, she was 44. They had two kids in college, a big house and a lifestyle based on their $250,000-plus income.

But her experience in the life planning branch of financial advice taught her to ask searching questions of clients and follow up on their answers.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why it’s important to fix your finances before chasing your dream.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 money tools to save you from yourself. Also in the news: Why paying off debt with retirement money can be dangerous, how to make money selling stuff online, and why you should think twice before giving up financial control at the altar.

3 Money Tools to Save You From Yourself
We could all use a little help.

A High-Wire Act: Paying Off Debt With Retirement Money
A dicey proposition.

How to Make Money Selling Stuff Online
Putting money in your pockets by creating room in your closet.

Think twice before giving up financial control at the altar
Create a balance instead.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why you might be down in an up market. Also in the news: 5 Warren Buffett quotes that can make you a better investor, 5 reasons why pay isn’t rising much for many, and how to get the most out of customer loyalty programs.

This May Be Why You’re Down in an Up Market
Don’t take unnecessary risks.

5 Warren Buffett Quotes Can Make You a Better Investor
Wisdom from The Oracle of Omaha.

Where’s my raise? 5 reasons pay isn’t rising much for many
Wages are stuck in the mud.

How to get the most out of customer loyalty programs
Playing the rewards game.

Free of debt – with regrets

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Stories about how ordinary people pay off debt quickly can be amazing, inspiring — and somewhat deceptive.

These tales often mention the sacrifices debtors made but may gloss over the cost to their quality of life or the misguided choices they made. Becoming debt-free can be a worthy goal, but understanding the pitfalls can keep you from repeating others’ mistakes.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why some folks wish they hadn’t paid off their debt in such a rush.