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Get smart with your money

2008

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What really matters with your first credit card. Also in the news: Getting a safer mortgage using lessons from 2008, what to do if Hurricane Florence hits your home and/or mortgage, and how to help Hurricane Florence victims.

What Really Matters With Your First Credit Card
Starting off strong.

Get a Safer Mortgage Using These Post-Crisis Tips
Lessons from 2008.

What to Do If Hurricane Florence Hits Your Home, Mortgage
Take a deep breath.

How to Help Hurricane Florence Victims
The rebuilding begins.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: What hotel credit card upgrades mean for your bottom line, why banks are still playing with financial fire, and the pros and cons of prenups.

The Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
How close are you?

What Hotel Credit Card Upgrades Mean for Your Bottom Line
Hotel credit cards are getting a makeover.

After ’08 Meltdown, Banks Still Play With Financial Fire
Lessons unlearned.

The Pros and Cons of Prenups
One touchy subject.

5 Reasons Your Money Is Safer Today Than 10 Years Ago

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Your paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough, and the stock market routinely clobbers your retirement account. You may not feel financially secure, but in many ways your money is a lot safer than it was a decade ago.

The financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession prompted a bunch of reforms that are helping you keep more of your hard-earned cash, even if you’re not always aware of the safeguards.

In my latest for Nerdwallet, five of the most important changes.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Chevy VoltSaving for the holidays, how to manage your finances while having ADHD, and how letting Big Brother ride shotgun could save you money on car insurance.

Why You Need to Save Now for Christmas
Yes, it’s only September. No, that’s not too early.

5 Years After Financial Crisis: Meet the New Consumer
The financial crisis of 2008 changed the way we shop and spend.

Budgeting After College
Even though you can finally afford more than ramen noodles, post-college life still requires budgeting.

Managing your finances when you have ADHD
Having ADHD can make managing your finances difficult, but there are strategies for making it easier.

Should You Let Your Car Insurance Company Spy On You?
Having Big Brother in the car could reduce your insurance rates.