Here’s an illustration of the many ways slow payment systems can inconvenience you and cost you money. Let’s say Homer is two days from payday. The family checking account at First Bank of Springfield is on fumes. There’s just enough in the account, Homer thinks, to gas up his Plymouth sedan and buy Bart a […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to stop anxiety from ruining your finances. Also in the news: How to not let try-before-you-buy shopping bust your budget, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast, and what bad money habits did your parents teach you. How to Stop Anxiety From Ruling Your Finances Knowing your attitude towards money. Don’t […]
Q&A: This nurse needs a Social Security checkup. Here’s how to check yours
Dear Liz: I’m a certified nurse midwife who is salaried. When we are fully staffed, I work 55 hours a week on average. If we cover extra shifts, we are paid a lump sum rather than hourly. (If we were paid hourly, it would work out to far less than minimum wage.) We are paid […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: You owe interest on a 0% APR credit card. How did that happen? Also in the news: How to choose the right health plan, how to win big on Black Friday, and how your travel plans affect which Medicare coverage you should choose. You Owe Interest on a 0% APR Credit Card. […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to choose the right health plan. Also in the news: Your data is out there: how to take action, 7 retirement savings mistakes financial advisors see too often, and what to do if you haven’t filed your taxes in years. How to Choose the Right Health Plan Open enrollment season is […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Your student debt doesn’t always die with you. Also in the news: 10 ways to meet a credit card’s minimum spend requirement, how today’s Fed rate cut affects you, and how to churn credit cards without getting penalized. Your Student Debt Doesn’t Always Die With You It all depends on the type […]