Dear Liz: You were asked a question about whether it would be wise to refinance a parent PLUS loan through a private lender and you said yes because the interest rates are so much lower. Doesn’t this ignore the benefit of the IRS tax credit? I figured out that my interest rate is effectively a […]
Recent Blog Posts
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Life without credit cards. Also in the news: What to splurge (and skimp) on for back-to-school shopping, why you should pay an extra $100 on your student loans right now, and how banks are working to gain your loyalty. Life Without Credit Cards: How Two Families Make It Work Could you do […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Mortgage refinance options for people with bad credit. Also in the news: The best cell phone deals for July, steps to financial independence, and 10 personal finance headscratchers. Mortgage Refinance Options for People With Bad Credit Hope is not lost. Best Cell Phone Deals in July Time for an upgrade? Five Essential […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Most families don’t plan ahead for college costs. Also in the news: The Brexit effect on mortgages begins to fade, the pros and cons of partial payments, and common money mindsets that are holding you back. Most Families Don’t Plan Ahead for College Costs, Study Finds High school graduation is just around […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why not all debt is bad. Also in the news: An explanation of benefits from your health coverage, why your boomerang kid may be sabotaging your retirement, and why it’s time to have the talk about estate planning. Not All Debt Is Bad Debt is getting a bad rap. Check Your Health […]
Think Twice Before Rolling Over a 401(k)
Wall Street has done a remarkably thorough job of brainwashing investors into rolling their old 401(k) accounts into individual retirement accounts. IRA rollovers are certainly a better option than cashing out, which is the stupidest thing you can do with a 401(k) account other than not fund it in the first place. But moving money […]