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Credit Score

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The lowdown on the new tools to jump-start your credit. Also in the news: How to pass a smog test – and what to do if your car fails, how insurance quotes affect your credit score, and what happens if you hit the Roth IRA income cap.

The Lowdown on New Tools to Jump-Start Your Credit
How Boost and UltraFICO work.

How to Pass a Smog Test — And What to Do If Your Car Fails
One man’s hard-earned advice.

Does Getting Insurance Quotes Affect Your Credit Score?
The bigger problem is the reverse.

What Happens If You Hit the Roth IRA Income Cap?
Know your contribution limits.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What you need to know about student loan deferment. Also in the news: How to pass a smog test, exposing your data for better credit, and the best rewards credit cards of 2019.

Student Loan Deferment: What It Is and Who May Benefit
Putting your payments on hold.

How to Pass a Smog Test — And What to Do If Your Car Fails
Don’t panic.

Should you risk exposing your data just for better credit?A tempting offer, but read the fine print.

The Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2019
Putting your spending to work.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The lowdown on new tools to jump-start your credit. Also in the news: The new credit card that pays cash-back rewards for on-time payments, tuition discounts grow at private colleges and universities, and what to do in your 20s and 30s to be set in your 60s and 70s.

The Lowdown on New Tools to Jump-Start Your Credit
Learn how they work and if you should use them.

No credit history? This new credit card pays cash-back rewards for on-time bill payments
Introducing Petal.

Tuition discounting grows at private colleges and universities
Tuition costs are dropping.

What to do in your 20s and 30s to be set in your 60s and 70s
It’s never too early to prepare.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Is better credit worth exposing your banking data? Also in the news: The average 401(k) balance by age, 8 common and costly homebuying myths, and why debt collectors may soon be able to text you.

Is Better Credit Worth Exposing Your Bank Data?
Other ways to build credit.

The average 401(k) balance by age
Balances typically increase as you age.

8 Common and Costly Homebuying Myths
Don’t get trapped.

Why Debt Collectors May Soon Be Able to Text You
And email you.

Is better credit worth exposing your bank data?

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America’s credit bureaus haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory when it comes to protecting your private data. So you might well be skeptical about two new credit-enhancing products that require not just credit information but also access to your bank accounts.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why the boost in your score might not be worth the exposure of your banking data.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Are you robbing your parents’ retirement. Also in the news: When is your credit score high enough, when a cash back card is better than travel rewards, and how to pay for your pet’s healthcare.

Are You Robbing Your Parents’ Retirement?
Parents helping their adult kids at the expense of their future.

When Is Your Credit Score High Enough?
Your credit health matters.

It’s OK If Travel Rewards Cards Aren’t for You
A cash back card could be better.

How to Pay for Your Pet’s Healthcare
Taking care of your furkids.