Great money books to get or give

Donna Freedman was kind enough to include a couple of my books in her recent post, “The gift of personal finance,” which made me realize that there was an unusually good crop of money tomes that appeared this year. I’m delighted to recommend the following for anyone who’s interested in making the most of his […]

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Should you bail on your 529 plan?

Long-time readers know I’m a big fan of using state-run 529 college plans to save for higher education expenses. (Remember the mantra: if you can save for college, you should!) Money in these plans grows tax-free when used for qualified college costs and doesn’t have much impact on financial aid (which is going to be […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mythbusting your FICO score. Also in the news: Steps retiring entrepreneurs should take, tax moves Boomers should make right away, and how retailers trick you into spending money. 5 Myths About Late Payments & Your FICO Scores Mythbusting, FICO style. 10 Steps for Retiring Entrepreneurs Using your company as a cash cow […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should real estate be a part of your retirement plan? Also in the news: How to avoid resetting the mortgage clock, finding the right financial advisor, and how to manage erratic prescription drug costs. How Real Estate Fits Into Your Retirement The risks and rewards of including real estate in your retirement […]

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Failed business loan strains couples’ finances

Dear Liz: We took a home equity loan against our house to open a business in 2006. We also ran up credit card debt for the business. The business went under, and we’re struggling to pay off the loan, which is $150,000 (a $1,150 payment every month), and the credit card debt, which we got […]

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Should daughters be forced to give money to Mom?

Dear Liz: I read with interest your recent column about the filial obligation law possibly coming into effect in California. I hope this is true. I have three grown daughters who make terrific money and who will not offer a pittance to me. I live on Social Security, period. I could really use a few […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Compiling your year-end tax list. Also in the news: What high schoolers need to know about personal finance, smart money moves for uncertain times, and what hip hop can teach us about finance. Your Year-End Tax To-Do List It’s not too late to add deductions. What Do High Schoolers Need to Know […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mistakes to avoid while holiday shopping. Also in the news: Maximizing your retirement goals, conversations to avoid during the holidays, and five store credit cards that are worth applying for. 5 Holiday Money Mistakes Don’t let your purchases be driven by guilt. Three must-dos to maximize retirement goals Getting the most from […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Avoiding panic on Black Friday. Also in the news: Shopping strategies for Black Friday, how to earn the most credit card rewards during holiday shopping, and what to consider before applying for a medical credit card. How to Avoid Panic Buying on Black Friday Keep Calm and Shop On. How to Win […]

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Will you shop on Thanksgiving?

I once made a disparaging comment to a friend about people who rush the doors of their local retailers to snag Black Friday deals. She told me I was being elitist. I had money to buy nice presents for my family. Many of those waiting in the cold, dark night for the Walmart doors to […]

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