Today’s top story: What you need to know when negotiating with a debt collector. Also in the news: Quick ways to get your finances in order, how you may be unintentionally damaging your credit score, and what you need to know about funeral costs. 3 Things You Need When Negotiating With a Debt Collector Know […]
Recent Blog Posts
How many borrowers struggle to pay student loan debt?
We know about how much outstanding student loan debt there is ($1.2 trillion, per the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). We have numbers about how many borrowers default on their federal student loans (the two-year default rate is 10%, which means one out of 10 of borrowers who entered repayment in 2010-11 let 270 days pass […]
Two months, ten countries–one carry-on
We’re heading off for a European sabbatical soon, and we know from previous trips that dragging along a lot of luggage is a bad idea. If you’ve ever tried to roll a heavy bag down a cobbled street, or had to haul it up five flights of stairs because your quaint rented flat had no […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Tips on how to raise your credit score. Also in the news: How to save money while on a road trip this summer, the proper amount of allowance you should give your kids, and how to be prepared for unscheduled home repairs. 7 Ways to Increase Your Credit Score Fast Closing your […]
Q&A: Medicare premiums
Dear Liz: I wanted to comment on the person who was wondering why her multimillionaire friend receives less Social Security. One reason could be that higher-income people pay more for Medicare, the health insurance program for people 65 and older. Instead of the standard $104 a month that most people pay, my wife and I […]
Q&A: The best form of money to use while traveling through Europe
Dear Liz: My friend and I are widowed and really not money-wise. What is the best form of money to use in Europe, including Budapest, Vienna and various small towns? I’ve heard small-town merchants (and maybe even those in cities) don’t take credit cards, but even if they do, our bank charges substantial fees. I’ve […]