Today’s top story: Fed raises target rate again. Also in the news: How big wheels cost you big bucks at the pump, how to cope with Airbnb cleaning fees, and how airline prices are going up in more ways than one. Fed Raises Target Rate Again, but Mortgage Rates Are Unfazed Each Federal Reserve announcement […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 3 times debt can be a helpful tool. Also in the news: How to buy stuff that lasts, how to plan for big expenditures, and how small daily purchases really affect your long-term finances. 3 times debt can be a helpful tool When debt serves a purpose. How to Buy Stuff That […]
How to budget realistically for home repairs
If you’re a homeowner and haven’t faced a big repair bill yet, just wait. Even in the best-maintained homes, stuff will wear out or break. Budgeting for these inevitable bills isn’t always easy. One commonly cited rule of thumb — to save 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 ways to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on questioning the 50/30/20 budget, 5 credit card mistakes to avoid during tough times, and the cheapest places to buy an acre of land in the United States. 5 Ways to Protect […]
Q&A: Starting Social Security too early
Dear Liz: Does the Social Security Administration still allow a person to start taking Social Security benefits at age 62 and then later return the full amount received and begin taking the higher delayed benefits? For people who don’t need the income, this seems like a smart strategy as they could obtain the investment income […]
Q&A: Saving at online banks
Dear Liz: My wife keeps over $60,000 in her checking account at a brick-and-mortar bank. I think that is a bad idea. Too easy for possible fraud. I have tried to convince her the safest place to keep the bulk of her cash is in a savings account, preferably in an online bank, which I […]