Dear Liz: I’m paying down credit card debts. At what ratio of debt to income would you consider my personal finances healthy? Answer: The healthiest level of credit card debt is none. Credit card interest rates tend to be high and variable, which makes this kind of debt toxic to your financial health. Congratulations for […]
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Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Turn your quarantine clutter into money. Also in the news: 10 digital banking services changing up checking, what to do when you’re a victim of debit card fraud, and how your stimulus checks will affect your taxes. Turn Your Quarantine Clutter Into Money What to do if you went a little overboard. […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you may not want to be an executor. Also in the news: 5 ways to foil catalytic converter thieves, 3 money habits to carry forward from the pandemic era, and how to avoid fees when paying your taxes. Why You May Not Want to Be an Executor Settling someone’s estate can […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Debit card fraud? Act fast to protect your money. Also in the news: How a data nerd tackled buying a house, popular 2021 home upgrades and how to pay for them, and when you don’t need to buy travel insurance. Debit Card Fraud? Act Fast to Protect Your Money When dealing with […]
Why you don’t want to be an executor
Being asked to be an executor is an honor you might want to pass up. Settling an estate typically involves tracking down and appraising assets, paying bills and creditors, filing final tax returns and distributing whatever’s left to the heirs. At best, the process is time-consuming. At worst, it takes hundreds of hours, exposes you […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why buying life insurance for your parents can make financial sense. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the 50/30/20 budget, one person’s no-spending month results, and when to hire a tax professional. Why Buying Life Insurance for Your Parents Can Make Financial Sense Life insurance […]