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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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payday-loansToday’s top story: The dangerous trap of online payday loans. Also in the news: How to erase your credit card late fees, the best way to ask for a raise, and how to survive financially when needing time off from work.

Consumers Warned About Pitfalls of Online Payday Loans
An immediate solution can cause long term problems.

Your Personal Finance Weapon Is Within Reach: Erase Credit Card Late Fees
Banks are showing more willingness to forgive.

The best way to ask for a raise
Practice, practice, practice.

3 Ways to Take Time Off Work Without Destroying Your Finances
How to minimize the financial damage.

J.P. Morgan says about 76 million households affected by cyber breach
Another day, another massive security breach.

News you can use for retirement

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seniorslaptopReuters news service has posted its “Retirement Roadmap 2014,” a collection of good advice on topics that don’t get as much attention as they should. My favorite of the bunch is Beth Pinsker’s piece on choosing a rehab facility after surgery, either for yourself or a parent. It’s not a sexy topic, but if you’ve ever been in this situation you realize how little information is out there to help you choose well. Another important topic is choosing a new Medicare plan, since open enrollment is coming up and most people just stick with what they have–not realizing they’re paying more than they should.  This would be a great article to pass along to anyone you know who’s 65 or over.

And then, for fun, read about a couple who sold their house to travel the world…and dream a little.

Here are the links you’ll need:

Video: Guide to Healthcare Costs
From Medicare to long-term care to health savings accounts. We explore the options – and the possibilities – in episode one of our 12-part series.

Stern Advice: Should you tap your 401(k)to buy a house?

Why it pays to pore over your Medicare drug plan – every year

How to choose the best rehab facility after a hospital stay

It happens: Seniors with student debt – and smaller Social Security checks

Extreme retirement abroad: How one footloose couple sees the world

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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download (1)Today’s top story: How to boost your credit score by rearranging your debt. Also in the news: Why borrowing from your 401(k) is a bad idea, how long you need to keep your tax records, and you still have time to cut this year’s tax bill.

Can Rearranging My Debt Boost My Credit Score?
Playing the credit card shuffle.

Borrowing from 401(k) can cost more than you think
Your monthly retirement income could be reduced by hundreds.

How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records?
This time, being a pack rat can pay off.

You may still be able to cut last year’s tax bill
But you better act fast.

What Twenty-Somethings Need To Know About Retirement And Social Security
The sooner you start saving, the better off you’ll be.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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homebuyerToday’s top story: How to help a family member buy a house. Also in the news: Personal finance mythbusting, easy ways for retirees to cut spending, and how to get good financial advice for free.

The Right Way to Help a Family Member Buy a Home
Making the process easier for both of you.

Why These 4 Personal Finance Myths Perpetuate Money Problems
Some long overdue mythbusting.

Retirees: 9 easy ways to cut spending
How to painlessly reduce your spending.

How You Can Get Good Financial Advice for Free
Take advantage of free Certified Financial Planner days.

Keep Track of Your Hourly Wage, Even If You’re Salaried
Your time is as valuable as your money.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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-Autumn-autumn-32497070-800-600Today’s top story: The best money moves you can make for the end of the year. Also in the news: How to protect yourself from the next massive security flaw, hackers hit one of the country’s largest grocery store chains, and how to manage your finances when faced with cancer.

The Next Massive Security Flaw You Should Worry About: Bash
Time to check your router.

The Best Money Moves for Autumn
Preparing your budget for the end of the year.

Another card system hack at Supervalu, Albertsons
Keep an eye on your accounts if you’ve shopped at these store.

Despite insurance, 1 in 3 cancer survivors incur $10,000+ debt
What you can do when facing a serious diagnosis.

How Financially Secure Are You?
Could you survive an unexpected emergency?

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to protect yourself from credit card breaches. Also in the news: The best ways to pay for college, how to avoid year-round tax scams, and what happens to your debt after you die.

Shelter yourself from payment card breaches
How to protect both your finances and your identity while shopping.

The Best Ways to Pay for Your Child’s College Education
How to combat the rising cost of a college education.

Tax-related scams don’t hit just during tax season
Beware of these year-round scams targeting your taxes.

Who Will Inherit Your Debt When You Die?
One thing you don’t want to leave behind.

Why These 4 Personal Finance Myths Perpetuate Money Problems
Monday mythbusting.