Here’s a column I never thought I’d write: “Sometimes, leasing a car is the right option.” Most people are way better off financially if they buy cars slightly used and own them for at least 10 years. Even if you want to buy new, you’ll save a fortune (at least $250,000, by my calculations) by […]
Recent Blog Posts
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Determining credit worthiness, how money problems distract workers, how to develop good financial habits, and what to do when you have student loans from multiple lenders. The Non-Credit Score Numbers Your Lender Wants to Know Looking beyond your credit score to determine your credit worthiness. Personal Finance Problems Distract Workers Stress over finances can cause […]
Spousal vs. survivor benefits: a primer
Judging from emails and comments, plenty of people are confused about how Social Security benefits for spouses and ex-spouses are supposed to work. That’s unfortunate, since these benefits can help many people get larger checks than what their own earnings record will give them. If you are or ever have been married to someone whose […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Debt collectors are spying on creditors through social media, what consumers can learn from Detroit, and is it time to become the boss? Are Debt Collectors Stalking You Online? That friend request you just accepted might not be someone interested in playing Candy Crush with you. 3 Personal Finance Lessons Learned From Detroit’s Bankruptcy Control […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Getting a mortgage with bad credit, busting financial myths, and how to survive back-to-school shopping with your teenager. How to Get a Mortgage With Bad Credit Buying a home is still possible even with bad credit. 7 Personal Finance Myths That May Have Fooled You Mythbusting, finance style. 5 Financial Decisions That Sound Smart But […]
How to deal with your debt
Debt may be a four-letter word, but it’s not necessarily the enemy. Some debts are much, much worse than others, and knowing which to tackle first can leave you richer. That’s the central idea of my book “Deal with Your Debt,” and I go into more detail in this interview with Experian’s Mike Delgado. (Also, […]