Get smart with your money
Once, building credit meant taking on debt — sometimes expensive debt like a car loan or a credit card with a high rate.
Today, it’s possible to build a good credit score in a year without a big chunk of cash upfront or a large debt at the end. You can make yourself look better to lenders while keeping more money in your pocket. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to build credit the right way.
Today’s top story: The best way to invest $5,000. Also in the news: How a credit card helps with building credit, the life-and-death financial decision you don’t want to think about, and apps to help lazy people save money.
The Best Ways to Invest $5,000
Putting your money to work.
Building Credit? How a Credit Card ‘Gets You There Faster’
One way to build credit.
The Life-and-Death Financial Decision You Don’t Want to Think About
Life insurance is essential.
These Apps Are the Perfect Money Saving Tool For Lazy People
No more excuses.
Today’s top story: How to build credit without a credit card. Also in the news: Financial steps to take if you’re getting divorced, apps to help with moving, and how your financial behavior is manipulated.
7 Ways to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
Non-credit card options for building credit.
7 Financial Steps to Take When Getting a Divorce
Protecting yourself during a difficult time.
These Apps Will Make Your Next Move a Breeze
Taking some of the stress away from moving.
The Six Ways Your Financial Behavior Is Manipulated
Who’s pulling the strings?
Today’s top story: The benefits to joining a credit union. Also in the news:
When to sign up for a financial advisor, apps that will make next year’s taxes easier, and how to build your credit from the ground up.
6 Perks You Can Get at a Credit Union
Free checking!
When To Sign Up A Financial Advisor
Knowing when it’s time.
10 Apps to Use Now to Make Taxes Easier Next Year
Help is just an app away.
6 Ways to Build Your Credit From the Ground Up
Needing credit to get credit.
6 Ways You’re Cheating on Your Budget
Removing your hand from the cookie jar.
Today’s top story: How a good budget can help you build credit. Also in the news: Avoiding financial scams, tips on managing your elderly parent’s money, and five money rules for a successful retirement.
How Your Budget Can Help You Build Credit
A good budget can help you build a great credit score.
10 Tips To Avoid Common Financial Scams
Don’t be taken advantage of.
Managing Your Mom or Dad’s Money
Taking over a difficult task.
5 Money Rules For A Successful Retirement
How to make your money last longer.
Today’s top story: How to build credit faster. Also in the news: Debunking financial planning misconceptions, the dangers of overdraft fees, and why too many people are underestimating post-retirement health care costs.
Will More Credit Cards Help Me Build Credit Faster?
Proceed with caution.
6 Financial Planning Misconceptions — Debunked
Everyone can use a little help.
How to Avoid Paying Your Bank $70 to Borrow $6 for 6 Days
The perils of overdrafts.
Too Many Underestimate Healthcare Costs In Retirement
Planning ahead realistically is crucial.
When To Declare Bankruptcy
When to make one of life’s most difficult decisions.
Today’s top story: Look out for the latest IRS phone call scam. Also in the news: How social spending could be ruining your budget, why millennials should be pressing credit instead of debit, and how to extend the life of your child’s inherited IRA.
Don’t Fall for the ‘Steve Martin’ IRS Phone Call Scam
Watch out for this wild and crazy scam.
Fun And Finances: Is Social Spending Sabotaging Your Budget?
Putting your own financial well being first.
Pssst, Millennials! When You Pay, Choose Credit, Not Debit
How you could be losing out on interest.
Extend the life of your children’s inherited IRAs
Big changes could be in store for 2015.
Use Your Phone as a Piggy Bank: The 10 Best Personal Finance Apps
Putting that shiny new toy to good use.
Today’s top story: Building credit with a small income. Also in the news: The best time to buy virtually anything, how to make sure you can afford your next vacation, and demystifying credit card inquiries.
How to build credit if you have a small income
Strategic spending can build your credit.
The Best Months to Buy Everything
Waiting for the right month can save you money.
5 Ways to Make Sure You Can Afford Your Next Vacation
Budgeting for paradise.
The Most Misunderstood Part of Your Credit Report
Understanding inquiries.
Today’s top story: Maintaining good credit without carrying debt. Also in the news: Taking out the right amount of mortgage, how to keep your home cool for less, and what happens when your student loan co-signer dies.
How to Maintain Good Credit Without Debt
Can you build credit without going into debt?
How Much Mortgage Can You Handle?
How not to get in over your head.
How to Keep Your Home Cool this Summer for Cheap
Staying cool without breaking the bank.
Am I Completely Screwed If My Student Loan Co-Signer Dies?
Pretty much.
Today’s top story: How to build credit when you don’t want a credit card. Also in the news: Why you shouldn’t turn your 401(k) over to a broker, how to save on summer energy costs, and how to save on health care while you’re retired.
How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
For those with no interest in having a credit card.
The One Reason to Nix A 401(k) Rollover to a Broker
Two words: brokerage commissions.
7 Ways to Cut Your Summer Energy Costs
No need to make your wallet sweat too.
5 ways to reduce retiree health care costs
How to reduce the price tag on your care.
Study: When the Honeymoon is Over, Credit Scores are Extremely Important
Getting down to the nitty gritty