Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to deal with calls from bill collectors. Also in the news: A low-tech method of tracking your spending, how to strategically pay down credit card debt, and protecting your information at post office kiosks. How to Deal With Harassing Calls From a Bill Collector Know your rights. A Slow-Tech Approach to […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get the most from your credit card rewards program. Also in the news: What to consider before moving, when to work with a financial adviser, and why low interest rates on student loans are becoming a thing of past. Maximizing Credit Card Rewards: 5 Ways to Earn Big Making your […]

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Money rules of thumb: College savings edition

A college degree today is what a high school diploma was 60 years ago, a college consultant told me. Meaning: the bare minimum for staying in the middle class. There will be exceptions, of course, but your kid is unlikely to be one of them. So here, in my ongoing “rules of thumb” series (previous […]

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Q&A: An Update

Dear Liz: I think you were way too hard on the young man who said his 30-year-old girlfriend’s lack of retirement savings was a potential deal breaker. You told him to get off his high horse. He was just being prudent. Answer: It would be prudent to regard massive debt, alcoholism or drug use as […]

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Q&A: Social Security Payouts

Dear Liz: My wife and I, 63 and 62, plan to continue working till at least 65. We will begin collecting Social Security benefits in September. Our combined income is $58,000, we own our home outright, and we have no debt, no children, $84,000 in a traditional IRA and $90,000 in a stock portfolio. I […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you should ditch your debit card. Also in the news: Knowing when it’s okay to co-sign for a loan, how much credit card debt is too much, and 3 common mistakes when choosing an insurance plan. 5 Expert Reasons to Ditch Your Debit Card Why some believe credit is better than […]

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Money rules rock

The more you learn about personal finance, the more you realize that “one size fits all” advice doesn’t really fit all. There are often too many exceptions, too many differences in upbringing, personality, culture, financial situations and goals to confidently say, “This is what everyone should do.” Yet at the same time, people want clear […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When the best times are to both purchase airfare and to travel. Also in the news: An under-the-radar retirement risk, five ways to avoid ATM fees, and how white lies about money can leave you deep in debt. Best Days to Travel, Buy Airfare Flying at certain times of the day can […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Four ways to help teach you kids about finances. Also in the news: The best jobs for the future, how to not let debt collectors ruin your life, and how to save money on the summer’s big music festivals. 4 Analogies That Help Teach Children About Finance Making a complicated subject easier […]

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What Mom really wants on Sunday…

…is a day at the spa, according to a poll commissioned by Insure.com. About two out of five moms picked pampering as their top choice for a purchased gift. A family getaway was the next most popular option, preferred by about one third of respondents. Gift cards, a nice dinner out, a romantic getaway, chocolates […]

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