Dear Liz: Five years ago I co-signed on a mortgage for my daughter’s condo in another state. I provided the down payment and paid to upgrade the water, HVAC and kitchen appliances. She paid the mortgage and all other expenses. She also claimed the mortgage interest on her taxes every year. She just sold the […]
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Q&A: One big trip whacked this reader’s credit score. How is that possible?
Dear Liz: I normally use about 5% of my credit card lines and pay them off every month. I just made a major trip purchase that pushed my month’s usage to 31%. My score dropped from 820 to 708 in one day. I can’t believe that the score dropped so much. I have paid my […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 7 ways your small business can spend smarter. Also in the news: How to pay for summer fun, interest rates on new federal student loans going up for 2022-23, and why you shouldn’t wait to sell your used car. 7 Ways Your Small Business Can Spend Smarter Small-business owners detail the money […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to make more green at your next yard sale. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on using points to travel in luxury, what to do when you can’t afford car insurance, and these seven banks reimburse ATM fees. How to Make More Green at Your […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
New laws, lenders boost access to affordable small loans. Also in the news: 5 ways to prepare for better interest rates in savings accounts, why 2022 is the year of all-inclusive travel, and for meat-free meal options, a U.S. airline hits the spot. New Laws, Lenders Boost Access to Affordable Small Loans New laws have […]
How to make more green at your next yard sale
A successful yard sale involves hours of preparation and plenty of hard work. So does an unsuccessful sale. I’ve had both kinds and can confidently say the version that makes money is better. In my latest for the Associated Press, tips culled from experts (and bitter experience) for having a good sale.