Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to know about cash-back shopping websites. Also in the news: Tips to slash unnecessary monthly expenses, what you need to know about online bill pay, and the factors that affect your credit card’s interest rate. What to Know About Cash-Back Shopping Sites Getting rewarded for shopping! 4 Tips to Slash Unnecessary […]

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5 money myths you probably believe

Managing money can be complicated, and myths are often born from people’s struggles to make it simpler. But simplistic solutions can cost you instead of saving you money. If you believe any of these five money myths, it’s time to take a closer look at the financial realities. In my latest for the Associated Press, […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage application forms will look different next year. Also in the news: 5 times you shouldn’t use a credit card, why you should say no to 72-84 month auto loans, and why you need to stop being delusional about debt. It’s Coming: The First Change to Mortgage Application Forms in 20 Years […]

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Q&A: How to get rid of home-equity loan headaches

Dear Liz: We have taken several withdrawals from our home equity line of credit. Now the balance is close to $100,000. It’s the interest-only type. We don’t know how to pay off this amount systematically. Can you help? Answer: As you’ve discovered, it’s not a good idea to pledge your home as collateral when you don’t […]

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Q&A: Getting through to Social Security

Dear Liz: I read your article about checking your Social Security earnings record and benefits. I tried to set up an account with the Social Security Administration to track my retirement benefits (I turn 65 in December). Apparently the Social Security Administration will only text a required security code to a cellphone. I do have a cellphone but […]

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Q&A: Free credit score? Be careful

Dear Liz: As a financial planner, I am surprised you pointed someone in the direction of paying for a credit score. Your score can be accessed at several credit sites for free. Why would you want your readers to pay for something they could get free?  Answer: As a financial planner, you should understand that “free” is […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Amazon launches a car comparison site. Also in the news: HARP loans get extended through September of 2017, 4 finance apps every college student needs, and what to do if you can’t afford your kids’ school supplies. Amazon Launches Car Comparison Site The online giant gets in the car game. HARP Loan […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save without using your savings account. Also in the news: Why you should have a separate bank account for your side jobs, the bad side to inactive credit, and how much it really costs to own a dog. 4 Ways to Save Without Your Savings Account Under the mattress doesn’t […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Finding your college savings “magic number.” Also in the news: What to do when your bank isn’t measuring up, what to buy (and skip) over Labor Day weekend, and how teachers are bringing financial literacy into classrooms. Finding Your ‘Magic Number’ for College Savings Coming up with a reasonable estimate. Bank Not […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Life insurance questions you’re too embarrassed to ask. Also in the news: what to do with an IRA when you leave a job, when a debt collector calls to collect money you don’t owe, and the profitable business of lending to subprime borrowers. 5 Life Insurance Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask […]

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