January tune-up: Your paperwork

Is anyone else drowning in paperwork? I try to “prevent, prune and process,” but paper has a way of multiplying on its own. Here’s my game plan for reducing paper clutter: Prevent. I’ve signed up for the Direct Marketing Association’s opt out list to reduce junk mail and I use Catalog Choice to cut down […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How a secret email address could protect you from identity theft. Also in the news: How to beat the banks, how to raise money-savvy kids, and 21 great personal finance tips. The Simple Email Trick That Could Protect Your Identity The benefits of a secret email address. Where the Banks Earn, You […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to boost your emergency fund. Also in the news: What you need to worry about for retirement besides money, why you should worry about medical identity theft, and deciding when it’s time to dump your credit card. 11 Ways to Boost Your Emergency Fund How to prepare for unexpected expenses. 5 […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Tax breaks for retirement savers. Also in the news: Surprising tax complaints, how to find cheap airfare, and becoming comfortable with investing using a mock portfolio. 10 tax breaks for retirement savers How to minimize the taxes on your savings. The Most Surprising Tax Complaint in America No, it’s not slow refunds. […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How Generation X should plan for retirement. Also in the news: Factors that affect your Social Security benefits, five things that can ruin your tax refund, and important financial steps widows and widowers need to take. Retirement planning steps for Generation X Time’s running out. 3 Factors That Affect Your Social Security […]

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Q&A: Keeping investments in one brokerage

Dear Liz: I recently retired at 56 and am receiving a pension. My wife is set to retire next year at 56 and will also receive a pension. I chose to leave my 401(k) in my employer’s plan but am planning to consolidate it with my wife’s 457 and four 403(b) accounts once she retires. […]

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Q&A: Could reducing your credit limit hurt your credit score?

Dear Liz: I asked one of my credit card issuers to increase my credit line from $2,000 to $5,000 but was turned down. The reason given was that I have too high credit limits from my other cards. Combined, I have about $100,000 in available credit, although I’ve never used more than $15,000 at any […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get organized for tax season. Also in the news: Credit report myths, the coverage perks hiding in your insurance policy, and how your credit card can be stolen without you noticing. Getting Organized for Tax Preparation Get your folders ready. Nine credit report myths you need to know Time for […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to avoid balance transfer mistakes. Also in the news: Saving money as an empty nester, credit cards rewards that help the environment, and how you could be accidentally improving your credit score. 5 Balance Transfer Credit Card Mistakes You Can Avoid Pay attention to time limits. A Guide to Saving Money […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How paying off your student loans could actually be a bad thing for your credit. Also in the news: Common tax filing mistakes to avoid, the best new money apps, and how to earn money during your retirement. Why Paying Off Your Student Loans Could Actually Hurt Your Credit Yes, you read […]

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