Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Preparing to deal with debt collectors. Also in the news: Getting financial help while caring for elderly parents, why parents’ personal finance decisions are changing, and how to avoid being scammed by the wolves of Wall Street. Hope

What to Do Before Debt Collectors Call
Have your numbers in order.

Retirement: Get financial help for caring for parents
Getting help for the help you’re giving.

Is a Joint Bank Account the Secret to a Happy Marriage?
It’s all about transparency.

Personal Finance Decisions Parents Are Changing in 2014
Saving money to avoid student loan debt.

5 Tips to Avoid a Real “Wolf of Wall Street”
Never give your savings to a guy named “Wolfie”.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A guide to dealing with debt collectors. Also in the news: Steps you can take to avoid tax identity theft, the advantages of a 30-year mortgage, and what to do when a relative hits you up for money. Tax return check

The Ultimate Guide to Debt Collectors
How to handle some of the world’s least favorite people.

4 Steps to Avoid Tax Identity Theft
Keep a close eye on your paperwork.

Why a 30-Year Mortgage Might Be Your Best Bet
The flexibility of a 30-Year could come in handy.

How to manage family asking to borrow money
What to do when Cousin Eddie hits you up for cash.

Your Social Security Benefit in 4 Easy Slides
Understanding your Social Security benefits.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

credit card detailed 1Getting along with debt collectors, saving big on life insurance, and what to take into consideration as your work towards retirement.

6 Important Things You Need to Know About Debt Collectors
Working with debt collectors doesn’t have to be a miserable situation.

5 Smart Ways to Save Big on Life Insurance
Getting the most bang for your life insurance bucks.

First Credit Card? Six Tips for College Students
Avoiding the temptations that come with your first credit card.

How to Spot Hidden 401(k) Fees
Discovering the hidden fees lurking below the surface of your 401(K).

5 Irrational Retirement Decisions
How to avoid decisions that work against your own best interests.

10 Keys To Retirement’s Holy Grail
The top 10 things to consider as you look towards retirement.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Detroit stationDebt collectors are spying on creditors through social media, what consumers can learn from Detroit, and is it time to become the boss?

Are Debt Collectors Stalking You Online?
That friend request you just accepted might not be someone interested in playing Candy Crush with you.

3 Personal Finance Lessons Learned From Detroit’s Bankruptcy

Control your debt before it takes control you.

6 Ways to Prepare for Unexpected Financial Events
Expecting the unexpected could be the thing that pulls you through.

5 Basic Money Errors Retirees Make
From giving away money to relatives, to not keeping a budget, these mistakes can tarnish your golden years.

Making the Jump to Self-Employment
Are you ready to become your own boss?