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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Financial tips that should be ignored. Also in the news: Lessons from Millennials, questions to ask about your health-care costs during retirement, and learning the basics of the 401(k). Hope

5 Financial Tips That Can Lead You Astray
Tips that belong on the Do Not Follow list.

20 Lessons We Can Learn From 20-Year-Olds
From the mouths of Millennials.

4 Questions to Ask About Your Health-Care Costs in Retirement
What you must ask while planning your retirement.

401(k)s Made Easy: The 7 Things You Really Need to Know
401(k) basics explained.

It’s Time to Start Tracking Every Single Dollar You Spend
That dollar you used yesterday to buy a losing lottery ticket? Track it.

New giveaway: “Confessions of a Credit Junkie”

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Confessions of a Credit Junkie High Res OriginalCongratulations to Kim from Davis, California, who won the copy of Mary Hunt’s “The Smart Woman’s Guide to Planning for Retirement” that I was giving away last week.

This week’s giveaway is Beverly Herzog’s “Confessions of a Credit Junkie.” Beverly made big mistakes with her credit, but was able to dig her way out. In the process, she became an expert on credit and credit cards. Whether you need inspiration for dealing with debt or just want some tips for getting the most out of your cards, Beverly’s book will be a big help.

To enter, leave a comment here on my blog (not my Facebook page).

Click on the tab above the post that says “comments.” Make sure to include your email address, which won’t show up with your comment, but I’ll be able to see it.

If you haven’t commented before, it may take a little while for your comment to show up since comments are moderated. But rest assured, it will.

The winners will be chosen at random Friday night. Over the weekend, please check your email (including your spam filter). If I don’t hear from a winner by noon Pacific time on Monday, his or her prize will be forfeited and I’ll pick another winner.

Also, check back here often for other giveaways.

The deadline to enter is midnight Pacific time on Friday. So–comment away!

Credit myths that need to die

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YCS4 coverThe more you understand about how credit works, the more frustrated you get with how much misinformation is floating around out there. At least, that’s true for me and the three experts who joined me last week on a Google hangout to talk about “Credit myths that need to die.”

John Ulzheimer, who’s worked at Equifax and Fair Isaac, has unique insight into the credit reporting world. One thing that drives him around the bend is the persistent myth that employers use credit scores to evaluate applicants. Another myth he hates: the one about how closing accounts hurts your credit scores.

Gerri Detweiler, who writes for Credit.com and runs the DebtCollectionAnswers.com, discusses how medical debts affect your credits and debunks the myth that you need to carry balances to improve your credit scores.

Maxine Sweet heads consumer education at Experian and battles the myth that there’s just one credit score.

Take some time today to check out our discussion. You’ll come away from it a lot more informed about credit and how to make yours the best.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to stop the barrage of credit card offers. Also in the news: How to lower your property tax bills, keeping your financial resolutions, and why playing a lottery that you’ll never, ever win could be a good thing. 3509554-lottery-ticket

How to Stop Getting Credit Card Offers in the Mail
Opting out of the onslaught.

How to Lower Your Property Taxes
Three steps to cutting your tax bill.

Three Ways to Keep Your Financial Resolutions in 2014
How not to break your resolutions by January 2nd.

Why Playing The Lottery Is A Good Investment
Yes, you read that correctly.

Rules to Follow When Giving Gifts in the Office
Navigating the dreaded gift swap.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Changes are coming to the 2014 mortgage market. Also in the news: The privacy of your credit score, financial predictions for 2014, and how to avoid charitable giving tax mishaps. credit

What You Need to Know About the 2014 Mortgage Market
Seven possible changes to next year’s mortgage market.

How Private Is Your Credit Score?
The amount of people who know your credit score might surprise you.

10 Personal Finance Predictions for 2014
NerdWallet reads the financial tea leaves.

Giving to Charity? Watch Out for These Tax Traps
Your generosity could come with a hefty price tag.

Will Banks Ever Pay Savers More?
Why banks hate people who save their money.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 things home-buyers forget to ask their lenders. Also in the news: Retirement mistakes 30-somethings need to avoid, renting versus buying a home, and how to escape from a job that you hate.Offering Advice

5 Things Homebuyers Forget to Ask Their Lenders
Five questions that are absolutely essential to ask.

4 Retirement Mistakes 30-Somethings Make–And How They Can Avoid Them In 2014
Don’t assume it’ll be easier to save money when you’re older.

Renting vs. Buying a Home: Which Is Smarter?
Are you prepared to handle the stress of home ownership?

5 Tips for Changing Careers on a Budget
You don’t have to suffer through a job you hate.

Smart Spending: Buy these items after Christmas
Unless you’re a child, you can wait a day or two for your presents.