Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money tasks to tackle during your winter break. Also in the news: How to save thousands on a divorce, getting in the savings habit, and why your new tech toy could be a security threat. 3 Money Tasks to Tackle on Your Winter Break Assessing the holiday damage. Getting Divorced? 5 Ways […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to jump-start your 2016 debt repayment plan. Also in the news: Money resolutions for 2016, how banks fail to stop elder abuse, and how three folders can make your tax preparation easier. 3 Ways to Jump-Start Your Debt Repayment Plan in 2016 No time to waste. 7 Money Resolutions To Make […]

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Q&A: IRA maintenance fees

Dear Liz: My son has an IRA at his credit union. He puts in small amounts when he can. Recently they lowered the interest rate and started charging a $25 yearly maintenance fee, which now is taking all the interest back. Is this legal? Answer: Yes. It’s also a good reason to move the account […]

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Q&A: College savings strategy

Dear Liz: I will be 66 in May 2016. My wife is 68 and retired. She began receiving Social Security when she turned 66. I am still working, making a high six-figure income, and will continue to do so until I reach 70, when my Social Security benefit reaches its maximum. I plan to use […]

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Q&A: More on teens and cars

Dear Liz: Your answer to the parent wanting to purchase a convertible for his son reminded me of something that happened long ago. When I graduated from high school in 1966, a friend’s wealthy parents bought him a brand-new Lamborghini Miura as a graduation present. Two days after he got the car, he missed a […]

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What the Fed rate hike means to you, and your wallet

For everyone who has been saying interest rates can only go up, well – now is their time. But what does the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates actually mean for your wallet? Probably not much for the near-term. One small interest rate hike of one-quarter of a percentage point is unlikely to have […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Five of the most inspiring personal finance stories of 2015. Also in the news: How to avoid holiday fraud, helping your kids establish credit, and when it’s time to leave your bank. The 5 most inspiring personal finance stories of 2015 Inspiration for the new year. Three Ways To Avoid Holiday Fraud […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The credit card mistakes you make every year. Also in the news: How to make a stress-free loan to your adult kids, how to bounce back from a financial setback, and the questions you should ask your employer about your 401(k). 5 Credit Card Mistakes You Repeat Every Year Breaking the cycle. […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Tax mistakes newlyweds make and how to avoid them. Also in the news: What financial documents are safe to shred, how to rebuild your credit after a bankruptcy, and tips on negotiating a higher salary. 5 Tax Mistakes Newlyweds Make It’s a whole new tax world. Drowning in bank statements, etc.? Here’s […]

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Q&A: Student loans and mortgages

Dear Liz: I recently completed a master’s degree in counseling and am now paying student loans. I am punctual and consistent in my payments. How does having a $30,000 outstanding student loan look to home lenders? We recently sold our home and moved. We are planning to buy another home and have a large down […]

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