Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Want to become a millionaire? These choices can get you there. Also in the news: Use points and miles on ordinary expenses, being partners in finances and life, and how to shore up your savings against inflation. Want to Become a Millionaire? These Choices Can Get You There The road to a […]

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Q&A: How to avoid the costly Medicare mistake that too many people make

Dear Liz: My husband retired last year at 74. He had originally signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B. But during his employment, he cancelled Part B because of the company’s private health insurance. When he retired, we used COBRA to continue that insurance coverage for our family. (I’m not Medicare eligible, and […]

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Q&A: Waiting your way to better retirement benefits

Dear Liz: You recently wrote, “When you apply for Social Security now, you’re ‘deemed’ (considered by the Social Security Administration) to be applying for both your own benefit and any available spousal benefit. If a spousal benefit is larger, you’ll get that, and you can’t switch back to your own later.” I turn 62 in […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 people who are crushing student debt. Also in the news: Skipping student loan forbearance, what it takes for early retirement, and 5 things to avoid buying during Labor Day sales. Meet 5 People Who Are Crushing Student Debt How you can follow their lead. Skip Student Loan Forbearance — Do This […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why your kid should help pay for college. Also in the news: 5 reasons for flyers to love the middle seat, tips for Labor Day sales, and why you should prioritize building up your cash reserves. Why Your Kid Should Help Pay for College It’s their education, after all. 5 Reasons for […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Being a loyal customer can score you free food. Also in the news: The average retirement savings by age, what to buy (and skip in September, and where your $100 goes furthest in the United States. When Being a Loyal Customer = Free Food Perks are plentiful. The Average Retirement Savings by […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t make this common – and costly – credit card mistake. Also in the news: Paying by credit card will increase college costs, free credit freezes, and when to buy travel insurance. Don’t Make This Common — and Costly — Credit Card Mistake Even a day late can be costly. To Make […]

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Why your kid should help pay for college

I recently heard from the parents of yet another high school senior who turned down a huge scholarship from a good college to attend her “dream school,” which of course has lousy financial aid. Now her parents are scrambling, trying to figure out how to pay for it . This madness must end. Asking teenagers […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to plan a vacation without getting into debt. Also in the news: How to save money and drive safer by plugging into your car’s computer, 9 expenses to pack in your moving budget, and 3 people show how they got control of their college debt. How to Plan a Vacation Without […]

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Q&A: How to ensure that assets end up with an heir — not that person’s spouse

Dear Liz: What would be the ownership status of assets covered in our will and our retirement accounts when our heirs and beneficiaries receive them? In the case of married heirs, do the asset ownership laws of their state of residence dictate whether inheritance proceeds get held individually or jointly? In addition to having a […]

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