Car payments have morphed from a temporary nuisance into a permanent part of many people’s budgets. Whether that’s a bad thing depends on what you do with the rest of your money. One-third of millennial car buyers chose a lease last year, which helped push auto lease volume to a record of 4.3 million and […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What retirement savers need to know about Trump’s action on the advisor rule. Also in the news: Using your emergency fund to pay off debt, breaking up with your bank, and what to do if the IRS breaks the rules. What Trump’s Action on Advisor Rule Means for Retirement Savers The fiduciary […]
Q&A: Will closing high-interest cards hurt your credit score?
Dear Liz: I have a few credit cards with very high interest rates — in the mid-teens. My FICO has improved (805 to 830) and I carry little or no balance on the credit cards. I have contacted the issuers asking for lower interest rates but they won’t budge. I have other credit cards with […]
Q&A: Options for a pension payout
Dear Liz: I am a single, 52-year-old female. I just received some information about my pension from a previous employer that gives me the option to take a lump sum of $18,701 that I can roll it into an eligible retirement plan. Or I could also take it now and be subject to penalty and […]
Q&A: What happens to debts after death?
Dear Liz: When a person passes away, what happens to their debt obligations? A brother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and my husband is listed as the beneficiary. His residence is paid off but has monthly homeowners association fees and property taxes that we would expect to pay. However, he has had low income […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: NerdWallet Survey: Nearly half of Americans emotionally overspend. Also in the news: RushCard holders are in for a $10 million payout, the best way to make extra money, and why some are worried student loan robocalls could increase under Trump. NerdWallet Survey: Nearly Half of Americans Emotionally Overspend Are you one of […]