Get smart with your money
The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could be profound. Many people are already losing jobs, with unemployment jumping at a record pace. Even those who stay employed may face reduced hours or uncertainty about how long their paychecks will continue.
If you’re in a situation where you can’t pay all your bills, or likely to be there soon, you may have some options to limit the damage to your finances. In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at those options.
Today’s top story: Smart things to do with your tax refund. Also in the news: New options for payday loan borrowers, how to build an emergency fund on a low income, and how to decide when to claim Social Security.
Smart Things To Do With Your Tax Refund
Putting your refund to good use.
A New Option for Payday Loan Borrowers
Borrowers in California and Texas may have better options.
Build Your Emergency Fund On a Low Income With a Simple Bill Tweak
A slight tweak in how you pay your bills could save the day.
3 fast facts that can help you decide when to claim Social Security
Making the best decision for your retirement.
Today’s top story: The bills you need to prioritize when you’re short on cash. Also in the news: Divorcing your financial adviser before your spouse, what to do when you get an inheritance, and the potential drawbacks to buying a home with an FHA loan.
Prioritize These 5 Bills When You’re Short on Cash
Creating an order of importance.
Before divorcing your spouse, consider divorcing your financial adviser
You’ll need someone who’s only in your corner.
What to do when you get an inheritance
Besides tapdancing, of course.
The Drawbacks of Buying a Home With an FHA Loan
Knowing the potential downsides.
FTC Shuts Down 12 ‘Rogue’ Debt Collectors
The tactics they used to collect a debt will stun you.
Today’s top story: What you need to know about divorce and credit. Also in the news: Things that surprisingly don’t affect your credit, back-to-school shopping hacks, and what to consider when deciding whether to sell your house or rent.
Help! I’m Getting Divorced. How Do We Split Our Credit?
What you need to know about divorce and credit.
9 Things That Surprisingly Won’t Affect Your Credit
When paying your bills on time doesn’t make a difference.
14 Back-to-School Shopping Hacks
Keeping more money in your wallet.
Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out? – Things to Consider
The pros and cons of each.
Today’s top story: How you could be spending too little in retirement. Also in the news: How a late payment could disable your car, what bills to pay when you can’t pay them all, and deciphering the “Nanny Tax”.
7 Signs You’re Spending Too Little In Retirement
Yes, you read that correctly.
Miss a Payment? Good Luck Moving That Car
A late payment could leave you stuck in the driveway.
What Order Do You Pay Bills When You Can’t Pay Them All?
How to manage your finances in difficult times.
Do I Have to Pay ‘Nanny Tax’ on a Babysitter?
If you pay more than $1900 a year, the answer is yes.
How to Be Frugal and Invest the Difference
Even saving small amounts can make a difference.