Dear Liz: Our son is graduating from college and needs a car for his new job. Is this an opportunity to help him establish a good credit rating? His credit union offers loans to first-time auto buyers who don’t have a credit history, but the interest rate is 8.4% (6 percentage points more than standard […]
Recent Blog Posts
Two out of five regret taking Social Security early
A substantial number of people file for Social Security benefits as soon as they’re eligible. Many live to regret their decision. Two out of five early retirees wish they had waited, according to a recent survey by the Nationwide Financial Retirement Institute, an arm of Nationwide Mutual Insurance. Here’s why, according to an article in […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Teaching your kids to avoid money mistakes. Also in the news: Becoming a smarter investor, cleaning up your digital life, and how your summer vacation could earn you credit card perks. Teaching Kids to Avoid Money Missteps Put them on the right path early. One Phrase That Will Make You a Smarter […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What can be learned financially during a parent’s last days. Also in the news: How to reduce your credit card debt through balance transfers, what new college grads should know about money, and should you buy life insurance for your kids. 5 financial lessons from a parent’s last days What can be […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Financial moves to make in the month of June. Also in the news: What to do if you forgot to pay your taxes, hot to create the ideal household budget, and what you need to know about your future spouse’s finances before getting married. The Financial Moves You Should Make in June […]
How not to drown in student loan debt
I recently talked to yet another recent grad who owes six figures for an undergraduate degree. The ease with which young people can drown themselves in debt makes me furious. And a lot of young people are having trouble paying this debt. The exact number of struggling borrowers is a bit of a mystery, as […]