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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Q&A: Culture and parental advice

Dear Liz: You recently answered a question from a parent who wanted to know how to fix a financial issue in an adult child’s marriage. Your advice was basically to butt out. I think that may depend on culture. What if your advice saved your child’s marriage? What if it prevented your child from going […]

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Q&A: Different approaches to marital finances

Dear Liz: Thank you for mentioning that many couples like to keep their finances entirely or mostly separate. Our solution was to create a joint bank account just for paying joint expenses, such as rent, food, entertainment together, vacations and so on. We each funded this account proportionately, based on our income (for example, the […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Concerned about Coronoavirus? How to prepare your house, mind and bank account. Also in the news: 3 ways Millennials are getting money right, what to buy (and skip) in March, and 6 moves to make if you’ve saved more than $1,000 in your checking account. Concerned About Coronavirus? How to Prepare Your […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When the market drops, play the long game with retirement savings. Also in the news: Is booking a last-minute spring break flight with miles a good idea, a credit union’s new card goes all-in with 3X points, and how to get a credit card when you’re already in debt. When the Market […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases. Also in the news: Most Americans go mobile with payment apps, why you shouldn’t let your credit score define you, and the best tax preparation software of 2020. Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back or More on Purchases Reward simplicity. […]

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Should you shift to a cash management account?

High-yield cash management accounts are popping up at brokerages nationwide, promising customers much better returns and higher insurance limits than they can get from traditional banks. The accounts are a twist on the sweep accounts brokerages have long offered their customers, where idle cash is swept into a money market account or affiliated bank account […]

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