The college admissions scandal — which recently led to a 14-day prison sentence for actress Felicity Huffman — exposed a group of wealthy parents’ obsession with getting their kids into the “right” school. Prosecutors say the families paid bribes, faked test results and pretended their kids were athletes to get them into selective colleges. Unfortunately, […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How one family paid off $130,000 of debt in less than four years. Also in the news: The pros and cons of cash-out refinancing, the sneaky ways burnout hurts your bottom line, and how to not let your vet bill dog you forever. How I Ditched Debt: Little Splurges on the Path […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: SmartMoney podcast on how to pay off debt faster. Also in the news: What to expect when requesting a credit limit increase, why you should always pay in local currency when traveling, and 10 money mistakes millennials should avoid. SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can I Pay Off My Debt Faster?’ Tips from the […]
Q&A: Don’t keep a mortgage just for the tax deduction
Dear Liz: Does the new tax law, with its increased standard deduction, change the calculus of maintaining my mortgage? I owe about $250,000 at 3.25% on a 30-year mortgage. I no longer itemize, so I don’t get the benefit of the tax deduction for the interest. My payments are about $1,500 a month, but I […]
Q&A: If long-term care insurance costs too much, you have a choice to make
Dear Liz: We were told to buy long-term care insurance early because waiting too long would make it more expensive and perhaps unavailable. I bought mine when I was 55. At the time, it was $2,400 a year. Unfortunately, the premiums just kept going up. I am now 77, and the premium this year was […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 4 things to do if your package arrives damaged. Also in the news: How to make the income you earn after 65 work for you, the U.S. cities with the highest job growth and wage increases in September, and a reminder to fill out the FAFSA ASAP if you want federal student […]