Get smart with your money
Today’s top story: 3 ways to invest in your career this week. Also in the news: How to pick stock investments, checking accounts for seniors, and using your emergency savings to pay off credit card debt.
3 Ways to Invest in Your Career This Week
Give your career a boost.
How to Pick Stock Investments
Choosing wisely.
Checking Accounts for Seniors
Know the perks.
Should You Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt With Your Emergency Savings?
Start making short-term sacrifices.
Today’s top story: What to do about the Fed rate hike. Also in the news: How to deal with credit card fraud, driverless cars, and how your credit card debt is costing you nearly $1000 a year.
Fed Rate Hike: Here’s What to Do
Don’t panic.
First Time Dealing With Credit Card Fraud? You Got This
Important steps to take.
Are Fully Self-Driving Cars Just Around the Corner?
Should we fear the driverless car?
Credit card debt is costing you nearly $1,000 per year
Interest piles up.
Today’s top story: Costly subprime credit cards offer little help. Also in the news: Take charge of your credit score with your credit report, why you should consider a mortgage recast, and four ways to manage your credit card debt.
Costly Subprime Credit Cards Offer Little Help, NerdWallet Study Finds
Just digging a deeper hole.
If You Want a Good Credit Score, Read Your Credit Reports
Studying up.
Why You Should Consider a Mortgage Recast
Save on your monthly payment.
4 ways to manage your credit card debt
Getting it under control.
Dear Liz: I have a lot of credit card debt and am just able to make minimum payments. I feel like after doing this for four years now that I am not getting ahead. I will be 61 this summer and don’t have much saved for retirement. My rent keeps going up along with other expenses. I have an 11-year-old car that is in need of maintenance but don’t have the funds to do it. My question is, what would happen if I walk away from the credit card debt? Will I be facing garnishment?
Answer: Yes, you could be sued and face wage garnishment if you simply stopped paying your debts.
You could consider a debt management plan offered through a credit counselor, which could lower the interest rates you pay. You can get referrals from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at www.nfcc.org. But you’d be making payments for the next five years or so, when you could be putting that cash toward your retirement.
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, by contrast, would take a few months and legally erase your credit card debt to give you a fresh start. Bankruptcy is often the best of bad options when you can’t make progress on your debts. Consider meeting with both a credit counselor and a bankruptcy attorney so you understand all your options.
Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for April 2017. Also in the news: How one man dug out from $30K in debt, seniors are facing rising credit card debt, and should colleges require a financial literacy class?
NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for April 2017
The best cards for spring.
How One Man Dug Out From $30,000 in Debt
You can do it, too.
For Seniors, Rising Credit Card Debt Squeezes Tight
Medical debt is pushing seniors to the limit.
Should colleges require a financial literacy class?
Two experts weigh in.
Today’s top story: 5 essential investing moves for Millennials. Also in the news: Why your tax refund is ideal for paying credit card debt, how to make sure retirement isn’t a drag, and why you need to do your homework before meeting with a financial advisor.
5 Essential Investing Moves for Millennials
Planning for the future.
Why Your Tax Refund Is Ideal for Paying Credit Card Debt
Use it wisely.
Retirement Can Be a Drag. Here’s How to Fix That
Making the most of it.
Before You Meet With A Personal Financial Advisor, Do Your Homework
Know who you’re dealing with.