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College refinancing options open up for parent PLUS loans

October 2, 2015 By Liz Weston

22856641_SAParents who borrowed to put their kids through college now have several options to refinance their federal PLUS loans, including, in some cases, the ability to transfer their debt to those children.

The situation is a sharp turnaround from the period after the financial crisis, when private lenders fled the student loan market and few borrowers were able to refinance their debt to take advantage of lower rates.

Lending began to thaw in 2012 when a few start-ups, credit unions and banks began offering refinancing to student borrowers, said Andy Josuweit, chief executive officer of education loan information site Student Loan Hero.

In my latest for Reuters, a look at which lenders have added PLUS refinancing.

And in my latest for CBS Moneywatch, a look at “card cracking” scams that are taking over social media.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: card cracking, Credit Cards, PLUS loans, Student Loans

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

October 1, 2015 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Why October 1st is a big day for credit cards. Also in the news: The problem with the new credit card technology, identity theft protection, and free financial planning days.

What’s Really Happening to Your Credit Card on Oct. 1?
Introducing the credit card chip.

The problem with America’s new credit card technology
Six in ten Americans don’t have chip-enabled cards.

Identity Theft Protection is on You
No more excuses.

Financial Planning You Can Afford
Free Financial Planning Days begin on October 3rd.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, Financial Planning, Identity Theft

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 28, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to decide how much life insurance you really need. Also in the news:2014-08-15-lifeinsurance1 What you should know before opening a credit card, money habits that could save you thousands, and what you need to know before buying or leasing a car.

How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need?
How to evaluate this important decision.

Read This Before Opening a Credit Card
Analyzing the fine print.

9 Habits That Could Help You Save Thousands
Changing the way you spend and save.

Top 10 Things You Should Know About Buying or Leasing a Car
Even more fine print!

5 Ways Your Health Insurance Plan May Change in 2016
What to expect in the new year.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car buying. health insurance, Credit Cards, life insurance, money habits, tips. car leasing

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 18, 2015 By Liz Weston

Pile of Credit CardsToday’s top story: How to fix common credit card problems. Also in the news: Why Millennials are delaying retirement savings, how to get a great deal on a car lease, and how medical debt can affect your credit score.

5 Common Credit Card Problems & How To Fix Them
Solutions to common problems.

Millennials Crushed By Debt Delay Saving For Retirement
A very costly delay.

5 Ways to Get a Great Deal on a Car Lease
Do your research.

How Medical Debt Can Affect Your Credit Score
Pay close attention to inaccuracies.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car leasing, Credit Cards, Credit Score, medical debt, millennials, Retirement, Savings

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 16, 2015 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Why you shouldn’t cancel your old credit cards. Also in the news: How to outsmart financial spies, why Millennials should automate their savings, and the biggest money worries in your state.

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Cancel Old Credit Cards
Protecting your debt usage ratio.

12 Tips to Outsmart Financial Spies
Be the James Bond of identity theft.

A Pre-Retiree Message To Millennials — Automate Your Savings
Saving for retirement is essential, and automation makes it easier.

This is the biggest money worry in your state…
What is your state stressing out about?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, Identity Theft, millennials, money worries, Savings

Q&A: Credit card useage

September 14, 2015 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I recently refinanced my home and one of the perks was a 0% interest credit card. The problem is that I have two credit cards and I am happy with them, but I am afraid that having a third will adversely affect my credit score. I have no plans to borrow money in the near future but I can’t shake the feeling that it is a detriment to have the card. I haven’t activated the new card and I never carry a balance on either of the older cards I use. What do you advise?

Answer: The new card affects your credit reports and scores whether or not you activate it. Chances are good, though, that the overall effect will be positive.

Yes, your scores may have been dinged a few points when the new card was issued, but over time responsibly handling multiple credit cards will help, not hurt, your numbers.

Failing to use the card, on the other hand, could cause the issuer to close it, and that could negatively affect your scores.

Just do what you do with your other cards: Charge lightly (no more than about 30% of the card’s limit) and pay the bill on time and in full. There’s no credit score advantage to carrying debt.

Filed Under: Credit Cards, Q&A Tagged With: Credit Cards, q&a

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