Get smart with your money
Today’s top story: Starter credit cards are still a thing but are harder to get. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on debt and refinancing, debt management as an alternative to credit card relief, and should you let your insurance company track your driving? Starter Credit Cards Are Still a […]
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Dear Liz: My VantageScores as reported by TransUnion were in the 780 to 790 range until around February, when they all dropped 40 points for no discernible reason. My FICO 8 and 9 credit scores remained unchanged around 760 and still continue to increase. What would cause that? Answer: VantageScores tend to react more than […]
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Dear Liz: My grandson bought a new car with a loan that has a 24% interest rate. He owes $17,000, and the car is now worth $5,000. What options does he have to get out of this situation? Answer: The best solution would be to refinance, but that can happen only if your grandson has […]
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Today’s top story: Fear of bankruptcy holds too many people back. Also in the news: Saving for a down payment is only the start for homeowners, pressing pause on private student loans, and it’s time to revise your pandemic budget. Fear of Bankruptcy Holds Too Many People Back Many people could benefit from bankruptcy relief […]
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Today’s top story: Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like? Also in the news: Starter credit card options, how to avoid common and costly home renovation mistakes, and what to know about Sam’s Club’s new telehealth program. Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like? It’s hard to say how […]
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Today’s top story: Are cash management accounts safe? Also in the news: 6 items to add to your packing list for COVID-era travel, 5 myths about high-yield savings accounts during COVID-19, and how to talk about debt as newlyweds. Are Cash Management Accounts Safe? How CMAs Protect Your Money What to know about FDIC insurance. […]
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Today’s top story: 6 National Parks to visit this fall and where to stay on points. Also in the news: How to find travel insurance that offers COVID coverage, 7 Personal Finance Rules it’s OK to break during a pandemic, and How to save the economy for everyone. 6 National Parks to Visit This Fall, […]
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The mystery isn’t why so many people file for bankruptcy each year. It’s why more people don’t. Each year, only a fraction of the Americans who could benefit financially from bankruptcy actually seek relief. Economists say some don’t file because collectors aren’t aggressively pursuing them, while others may strategically delay filing because bankruptcy could benefit […]
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Today’s top story: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast featuring Drag Race All-Star winner Shea Couleé talking about the drag economy. Also in the news: Online banking FAQs, how to invest in the S&P 500, and how to plan for interest rates staying low through 2023. Smart Money Podcast: Used Cars in Short Supply, […]
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