Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Important financial steps to take before the end of the year. Also in the news: Alternatives to gifting a housing down payments to your kids, making your holiday donations pay off, and how to pay for college without student loans. Critical List: Key Financial Steps to Take Before Year End Tick tock. […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to determine when to start taking Social Security. Also in the news: Tips for getting approved for a personal loan, what to buy and not buy in November, and five surprising sources of debt. When to start Social Security? This tool can tell you Getting the most from your benefits. 4 […]

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Q&A: Automatic payments

Dear Liz: Since I lost my second job, we have fallen behind on our bills. Although we get paid on Friday, by Monday our checking account is in the red even without buying anything. It’s all going to automatic payments for things like insurance and college savings for our child. I think the bank has […]

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Q&A: 401(k) and job changes

Dear Liz: I had to resign from my job as a phlebotomist at a hospital. Did I lose the money that was in my 401(k) or do I still have it? How do I find out? Answer: Any money you contributed to a 401(k) is yours. Money contributed by your employer may be subjected to […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Understanding your free credit scores. Also in the news: What spooks us most about money, overcoming our 401(k) fears, and why it’s more about what you keep, instead of what you make. How to Make Sense of Your Free Credit Scores Deciphering the information. What Spooks Us Most About Money Getting over […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The email mistake that can hurt your credit. Also in the news: Tools to eliminate student debt, tax identity theft, and scams that target investors. The Email Mistake That Can Hurt Your Credit Unsubscribe is your friend. 2 Tools to Eliminate Student Loan Debt Income-based repayment plans could reduce your monthly payments. […]

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The end to file-and-suspend: Sorry about that

In June, I wrote a column predicting that Congress eventually would do away with “file and suspend” and other Social Security claiming strategies that the Obama Administration had labeled as “aggressive.” I thought it would take years for lawmakers to act. But the end was closer than many of us thought. The budget deal quickly […]

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A game plan for grads struggling with new loan payments

An improved economy and lower unemployment should reduce the number of recent college graduates who default on the federal student loans they are supposed to start repaying when their six-month grace periods expire – as soon as November for May graduates. Inevitably, though, some will fall behind even though there is no good reason to […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money milestones to hit while you’re in your 40s. Also in the news: Post-divorce tax deductions, tricks to boost your credit score, and signs you aren’t ready to combine finances with your partner. Five money milestones to hit while you’re in your 40s Prepping the road to retirement. The Tax Deductions You […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to stop being afraid of credit cards. Also in the news: Personal finance lessons we wish we learned in school, protecting seniors from financial scams, and how to avoid money mistakes after losing a spouse. Scared of Credit Cards? This Tool Could Help You Make the Leap There’s nothing to be […]

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