Today’s top story: How the new chip-based credit cards could accidentally hurt your credit. Also in the news: How to pay off lingering debt, which states have the best and worst financial habits, and why raiding your 401(k) is a mistake. How Your New Credit Card Could Hurt Your Credit Make sure you check your […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to get the best deal on a new cellphone. Also in the news: What happens to your debts after you die, when a loan beats a credit card, and how to decide if you need life insurance. Buying a cellphone? Here’s how to get the best deal. Read the fine print. […]
Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits and divorce
Dear Liz: My former husband is 11 years older than I am, and we were married for 15 years. I am 54 and have never remarried. When I turn 62, can I claim spousal benefits based on his work record because he will be past full retirement age? Or do I have to be at […]
Q&A: Rolling 401(k) into an IRA
Dear Liz: I’m leaving my job later this month and am trying to decide what to do with my 401(k) account. Some of my friends say to leave it where it is, and others say to roll it into a traditional individual retirement account or Roth IRA. Which is best? Answer: You can’t roll a […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Tricks to help you build good credit. Also in the news: How rising interest rates will affect your investments, understanding the credit bureau differences, and what you should know before buying a new car. 3 Simple Tricks That Can Help You Build Good Credit Improving your score a little bit at a […]
Of course college is worth it
For a nation that needs more college graduates, we seem oddly hellbent on discouraging as many people as possible from getting degrees. We have not been able to contain the ever-rising cost, simplify needlessly complicated financial aid forms or protect lower-income aspirants from the for-profit colleges that want to fleece them. Then there are all […]