Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Does my travel insurance cover the Coronavirus? Also in the news: 3 signs that itemizing your taxes may be worth the headache, types of home inspections you should know, and why you shouldn’t pay for credit repair piggy back scams. Does My Travel Insurance Cover the Coronavirus? What to know about your […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why credit card loyalty is no virtue. Also in the news: the SmartMoney podcast tackles saving for a down payment, how to decide between buying, fixing, or building, and how to talk to a real human at the IRS without waiting on hold forever. Why Credit Card Loyalty Is No Virtue At […]

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Q&A: How IRS Free File works

Dear Liz: I wanted to alert you to the fact that online tax preparation companies are up to their old tricks again this year despite being called out last year for deceptively hiding their free tax filing from eligible filers. My son, who qualifies for free filing, was redirected to the paid “deluxe” version when […]

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Q&A: Worried about stocks? Why you shouldn’t try to time the market

Dear Liz: I’m a federal employee with a Thrift Savings Plan account. I’m 35 and have put about $125,000 into my TSP. However, I never changed it from the low-risk G fund so it’s not gaining as much interest as it should. Should I wait for the market to tank before moving it around or […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to stock up wisely, emergency or not. Also in the news: Some rental owners could get an extra tax break this year, how to unlock the debtor’s prison of student loans, and the most important money move that women aren’t making. How to Stock Up Wisely, Emergency or Not No panic […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How Gen Z (and everyone else) can combat spending regret. Also in the news: How to spot a good car salesperson – or a bad one, 4 money lessons from ‘Love is Blind,’ and 9 savings strategies to boost your finances. How Gen Z (and Everyone Else) Can Combat Spending Regret Prioritize […]

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Unlock the debtor’s prison of student loans

Earlier this year, a judge denounced the myth that student loans can’t be erased in bankruptcy court as she excused a Navy veteran from having to pay $221,000 in education debt. Bankruptcy judge Cecelia G. Morris’ decision garnered plenty of headlines, along with speculation that the ruling might make such discharges easier. The battle isn’t […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How I ditched debt: rebounding from bankruptcy. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on maximizing travel rewards, what the Coronavirus means for your home loan and mortgage rates, and what happens to your credit card if you move internationally. How I Ditched Debt: Rebounding From Bankruptcy How […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to make a student loan complaint that gets results. Also in the news: How to keep your spirits up in the long game of saving, how ex-offenders can rebuild with a bank account, and these airlines will let you change your flight for free because of Coronavirus. How to Make a […]

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Q&A: When should retirees stop actively investing?

Dear Liz: I am retired. My income is from a small pension, Social Security and dividends and interest from investments. I’ve made some bad investments, but I’m still earning a satisfactory return. Is there some kind of formula that I can use to determine whether I should sell a stock, take the loss and seek […]

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