Get smart with your money
Managing money can be complicated, and myths are often born from people’s struggles to make it simpler. But simplistic solutions can cost you instead of saving you money.
If you believe any of these five money myths, it’s time to take a closer look at the financial realities.
In my latest for the Associated Press, it’s time for some money myth busting.
Today’s top story: Mortgage application forms will look different next year. Also in the news: 5 times you shouldn’t use a credit card, why you should say no to 72-84 month auto loans, and why you need to stop being delusional about debt.
It’s Coming: The First Change to Mortgage Application Forms in 20 Years
An easier to understand application is on the way.
5 Times You Shouldn’t Use a Credit Card
High interest rates could leave you in a debt spiral.
5 Reasons to Say No to 72- and 84-Month Auto Loans
Long term loans set you up for years of negative equity.
Don’t be debt delusional: Quit buying stuff you can’t afford!
Time for a reality check.
Today’s top story: Amazon launches a car comparison site. Also in the news: HARP loans get extended through September of 2017, 4 finance apps every college student needs, and what to do if you can’t afford your kids’ school supplies.
Amazon Launches Car Comparison Site
The online giant gets in the car game.
HARP Loan Extended Through September 2017
Struggling homeowners have more time to refinance.
4 Finance Apps Every College Student Needs
Sticking to a budget while on campus.
What if You Can’t Afford Your Kids’ School Supplies?
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Today’s top story: How to save without using your savings account. Also in the news: Why you should have a separate bank account for your side jobs, the bad side to inactive credit, and how much it really costs to own a dog.
4 Ways to Save Without Your Savings Account
Under the mattress doesn’t count.
Why You Need a Separate Bank Account for Your Side Job
Keeping your money straight.
Inactive Credit: How Long It Takes, and How to Use a Credit Card to Prevent It
Not using credit can actually hurt your score.
This is how much it really costs to own a dog per year
Man’s best friend can get pretty pricey.
Today’s top story: Finding your college savings “magic number.” Also in the news: What to do when your bank isn’t measuring up, what to buy (and skip) over Labor Day weekend, and how teachers are bringing financial literacy into classrooms.
Finding Your ‘Magic Number’ for College Savings
Coming up with a reasonable estimate.
Bank Not Measuring Up? How to Tell and What to Do
You don’t have to stick with a bad bank.
What to Buy (and Skip) Over Labor Day Weekend
Navigating the sales.
How Teachers Are Bringing Financial Literacy Lessons to the Classroom
Getting kids excited about saving.
Today’s top story: Life insurance questions you’re too embarrassed to ask. Also in the news: what to do with an IRA when you leave a job, when a debt collector calls to collect money you don’t owe, and the profitable business of lending to subprime borrowers.
5 Life Insurance Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask
There are no dumb questions!
Why to Do an IRA Rollover When You Leave Your Job
Don’t leave money behind.
When a Collector Calls About a Debt You (Possibly) Don’t Owe
Get all the information you possibly can.
The profitable business of lending to subprime borrowers
Subprime borrowers bring in lots of extra money.