Get smart with your money
If you think the answer is simple, you may not understand the question.
That’s often true in life, but particularly so when we’re talking about debt. Simplistic, one-size-fits-all answers actually suit relatively few real people.
At one extreme are those who curse debt as a four-letter word and vow to avoid it entirely. At the other are those who revel in the notion of using “other people’s money” as much as possible.
In my latest for NerdWallet, how to use debt, rather than be used by it.
Today’s top story: Why personal loans with no credit checks are a very bad idea. Also in the news: What business expenses are tax-deductible, free apps to track your spending, and when it makes sense to hire a tax preparer.
Personal Loans With No Credit Check: A Very Bad Idea
If it seems too good to be true, it is.
What Business Expenses Are Tax-Deductible?
What small business owners need to know.
12 Free Apps To Track Your Spending And How To Pick The Best One For You
Tracking at your fingertips.
12 Times When It Makes Sense to Hire a Tax Preparer
When it’s time to call in the big guns.
Today’s top story: What you need to look for in a tax professional. Also in the news: Banks made $11 billion dollars in overdraft fees in 2015, strategies for starting out with student debt, and how to balance saving for college and retirement.
What to Look for in a Tax Professional
Finding the right person to trust.
Banks Made $11 Billion From Overdraft Fees Last Year
How much of it was yours?
Strategies For When You’re Starting Out Saddled With Student Debt
Starting off on the right foot.
Balancing Act: Strategically Saving For College And Retirement
Finding a way to do both.
Today’s top story: How to build an emergency fund. Also in the news: Social Security mistakes to avoid, the best way to save for a down payment on a home, and what happens when your 401(k) gets too big?
How to Build an Emergency Fund
Creating a financial buffer.
Don’t Make These 3 Social Security Mistakes
Social Security isn’t one size fits all.
The best way to save for a down payment
Where you should keep your money before making a purchase.
Can your 401(k) account be too big?
How to avoid penalties and extra taxes.
Best Leap Day Sales and Deals of 2016
It only happens once every four years!
Today’s top story: What kids can learn about money by having a savings account. Also in the news: A guide to debt management, the easiest way to cut your 2015 tax bill, and how Uncle Sam is trying to help you save.
What a Savings Account Can Teach Your Child About Money
Good money habits start early.
How Does Debt Management Work?
A guide to wrangling your debt.
Here’s the Easiest Way to Cut Your Tax Bill Now
There’s still time to shelter some of your income.
How Uncle Sam wants to help you get ready to retire
The government wants you to start saving.
In debt and need cash? Payday loans are not your only option. RSVP for the NerdWallet & NAACP webinar on March 1 at 5pm to learn about alternatives.
Today’s top story: How to tackle private student loans. Also in the news: Re-evaluating your life insurance needs, a potentially embarrassing new way to pay with a credit card, and ten retirement saving strategies you should know about.
3 Ways to Tackle Private Student Loans
A whole different set of rules.
Re-Evaluating Your Life Insurance Needs
Determining how much insurance you need at different stages of your life.
MasterCard Wants You To Pay For Stuff With Selfies
What could possibly go wrong?
10 Retirement Saving Strategies You Should Know About
How to grow your savings faster.
In debt and need cash? Payday loans are not your only option. RSVP for the NerdWallet & NAACP webinar on March 1 at 5pm to learn about alternatives.