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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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22856641_SAToday’s top story: Tax breaks that can help pay for your kid’s college. Also in the news: How to prevent bad financial decisions in old age, when it’s time to call in a financial adviser, and the surprising answer as to whether or not you should pay off your mortgage early.

Tax breaks that can help when paying for college
See what your family may qualify for.

Preventing bad decisions in old age
Preparing for the time when you’re unable to make wise decisions.

Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Early? The Answer May Surprise You!
One of the rare occasions where paying early doesn’t pay off.

When Should You Use a Financial Advisor?
At what point should you enlist help with your finances?

3 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report Today
One in nine Americans have never checked their credit report.

Will Apple make breaches obsolete?

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download (1)If your credit or debit cards haven’t been compromised, you’re part of a shrinking demographic. Database breaches in recent months have exposed tens of millions of cards to potential fraud.

But Apple’s new payment system has the potential to sidestep the bad guys and someday, perhaps, make breaches a thing of the past, according to LowCards.com’s Bill Hardekopf.

Apple Pay, announced Monday, allows people to pay for stuff with their phones, but your credit and debit card numbers won’t live there. The system generates unique tokens that are used instead. No longer would your sensitive financial information be sent into the ether, to be stored in insecure databases.

You can read more at “Could Apple Pay Be the End of Data Breaches?“

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What to do when debt collectors harass you for someone else’s money. Also in the news: Online tools to help manage your money, what the new FICO 9 credit score could mean for those about to apply for mortgages, and seven ways you’re misusing your credit cards.

Help! I’m Getting Debt Collection Calls for Someone Else
How to convince relentless debt collectors you’re not the person they’re looking for.

4 Online Tools to Manage Your Money in the 21st Century
There’s an app for that.

What FICO’s New Credit Score Formula Means for Home Buyers
The new FICO 9 could change your mortgage prospects.

7 ways you’re using your credit card wrong
Some of them may surprise you.

More seniors on hook for student loans
Over 700,000 families headed by someone 65 or older still carry student debt.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to build your retirement nest egg on a small salary. Also in the news: Why Millennials are rejecting credit cards, tips on how to decide between saving money and paying off debt, and eight faster ways to pay off your student loans.

How to Plan for Retirement When You Don’t Make Much Money
Increasing the size of your tiny nest egg.

Why Millennials Are Rejecting Credit Cards
The massive amount of student debt is playing a big role.

5 Questions to Help You Decide Whether to Save or Pay Off Debt
What to do with your extra cash.

8 Ways to Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster
The quicker the better.

How to Balance a Fun Life With Your Financial Goals
You know what they say about all work and no play.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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budgetToday’s top story: How customizing your budget could be the key to success. Also in the news: Preparing yourself financially for a career change, products to make your teenagers money-savvy, and Home Depot confirms a months-long credit data breach.

How to Do a Budget: Customization Is Key
Tailoring your budget could be the key to its success.

5 Ways to Financially Prepare to Go After Your Dream Job
Getting ready to take the big leap.

4 Bank Products to Make Teens Money-Savvy
Prepare your teen to make wise financial choices.

Home Depot Confirms Computer Data System Breach
Retailer offers one year of free credit monitoring to customers.

6 Smart Ways to Use a Credit Card
Keeping yourself out of trouble.