Get smart with your money
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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Dear Liz: Should we take out a home equity loan so we can do some improvements on our house and make it work better for us, or should we sell it and upgrade to a bigger house? We are not in a rush to move, so we are content to take our time to find […]
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Dear Liz: I’m considering converting an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA. Will the gains from the 401(k) account be treated as capital gains? And can you only convert 401(k) plans you no longer participate in, or can you convert both current and former 401(k) plans? Answer: You’ll pay income taxes on the conversion. Retirement […]
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Dear Liz: Because of COVID, my 27-year-old son lost his job and health insurance. He was unable to afford continued health insurance and did not qualify for Medicaid. He contracted spinal meningitis and was hospitalized 12 days. The hospital reduced his bill to $28,000 from the original $80,000, but he is still unable to pay. […]
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