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Credit Reports

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

October 15, 2014 By Liz Weston

847_interestrates1Today’s top story: The everyday things that are hurting your credit. Also in the news: Whipping your 401(k) into shape, how to cope with low interest rates, and the ten best places to retire on Social Security alone.

5 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Credit
Your furry best friend could be trouble.

How to Whip Your 401(k) Into Shape
Unlocking your 401(k)’s full potential.

4 Strategies for Coping with Low Interest Rates
Counteract low interest rates by avoiding risky investments.

10 Best Places to Retire on Social Security Alone
The locations may surprise you.

8 secrets to building a budget you can live with
Budgeting doesn’t have to be painful.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), Credit, Credit Reports, interest rates, Investing, Retirement

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 15, 2014 By Liz Weston

22856641_SAToday’s top story: Tax breaks that can help pay for your kid’s college. Also in the news: How to prevent bad financial decisions in old age, when it’s time to call in a financial adviser, and the surprising answer as to whether or not you should pay off your mortgage early.

Tax breaks that can help when paying for college
See what your family may qualify for.

Preventing bad decisions in old age
Preparing for the time when you’re unable to make wise decisions.

Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Early? The Answer May Surprise You!
One of the rare occasions where paying early doesn’t pay off.

When Should You Use a Financial Advisor?
At what point should you enlist help with your finances?

3 Reasons to Check Your Credit Report Today
One in nine Americans have never checked their credit report.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college tuition, Credit Reports, financial advising, financial aid, mortgages, tax credits

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 5, 2014 By Liz Weston

retirement-savings3Today’s top story: The easy solution to our retirement savings crisis. Also in the news: How to supercharge your retirement savings, how long credit flaws will stay on your report, and why it’s time to start saving for the holidays.

Our Retirement Savings Crisis—and the Easy Solution
A slight bump in savings rates could be a game changer.

6 Tools to Supercharge Retirement Savings
Where to find the aforementioned bump.

How Long Different Credit Flaws Stay on Your Report
Find out how long that late payment will linger.

You Need to Start Saving for Your Holiday Budget Now
The holidays are right around the corner.

Three Money Disruptors Making Your Financial Nightmares Less Scary
Tech disruptors are making our financial lives a bit easier.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Reports, Credit Score, holiday spending, money disruptors, Retirement, retirement savings

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

September 2, 2014 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’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.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budget tips, building credit, Credit Reports, inquiries, vacations

Q&A: Student loans and credit reports

August 4, 2014 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: My daughter graduated from college seven years ago and moved to London. She has not paid her student loans. Do they drop off her credit reports like other unpaid debt? What about the government’s ability to collect? Does that expire as well?

Answer: The government can pursue people who owe federal student loan debt to their graves. There is no statute of limitations for collections activity, as there is on most other debt. Furthermore, the government has powers any private collection agency would envy. The feds can seize tax refunds, garnish wages without a court order and even take a portion of a debtor’s Social Security checks.

Your daughter shouldn’t expect the unpaid debt to vanish from her credit reports either. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act limits the length of time other negative marks can remain, but that doesn’t apply to federal student loans.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act “is silent as it pertains to government-guaranteed student loans,” said credit expert John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at CreditSesame.com. “The Higher Education Act allows them to remain on credit reports as long as they’re unpaid.”

There are so many affordable repayment options these days for federal student loans that it makes little sense to default. In cases of extreme hardship or low income, payments can be reduced to zero and the loans would still be considered current.

Your daughter needs to make arrangements to pay what she owes, especially if she ever plans to come home. The good news is that the Department of Education will work with her to get her loans out of default status, and clear up her credit, with an affordable payment program. She can start by visiting the department’s site at studentaid.ed.gov.

Filed Under: Q&A, Student Loans Tagged With: Credit Reports, q&a, Student Loans

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

July 23, 2014 By Liz Weston

siblingsToday’s top story: What happens when couples disagree on the right time to retire? Also in the news: Bad financial habits you could be passing on to your kids, understanding charge-offs, and how to avoid extra costs when renting a car this summer.

When couples disagree on when to retire
Hot to reach common ground.

5 Bad Financial Habits You May Be Passing On to Your Children
Not the kind of legacy you want to leave.

I Paid My Debt. Why is it Still ‘Charged Off’?
Understanding your credit report.

7 Costly Car Rental Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t pay more than you already have to.

10 Terms You Need to Know If You Ever Plan to Retire
Becoming familiar with the vocabulary of retirement.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car rental, charge-offs, Credit Reports, financial habits, kids and money, Retirement

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