Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t freak out about an emergency fund – just start one. Also in the news: Deciding on hiring a tax planner or DIY, how one couple paid off $100K in debt in 5 years, and the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries.

Don’t Freak Out About an Emergency Fund — Just Start One
The sooner, the better.

Hire a Tax Preparer or DIY? This Year the Decision May Be Harder
New tax laws may complicate things.

How I Ditched Debt: Side Jobs, Meal Planning and Faith
How one couple paid off $100K in 5 years.

The Difference Between Hard and Soft Credit Inquiries
How they impact your credit score.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Could you live on your retirement savings for 23 years? Also in the news: How a new pilot manages $116,000+ in loans, what your tax refund will look like this year, and the top 10 colleges for financial aid.

Could You Live on Your Retirement Savings for 23 Years?
How long will your money last?

Debt Diary: How a New Pilot Manages $116,000+ in Loans
A payoff strategy.

What Your Tax Refund Will Look Like This Year
It might not be as much as you think.

The top 10 colleges for financial aid
Some colleges are quite generous.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you may overspend on the holidays and how to stop. Also in the news: One woman’s way out of debt, why a late credit card payment may cost more in 2019, and how to get on the same page with your partner about money.

Why You May Overspend on the Holidays and How to Stop
Curbing your holiday spending.

How I Ditched Debt: Thrifty Living and Side Gigs
One woman’s story.

A Late Credit Card Payment May Cost You More in 2019
Late fees are on the rise.

How to Get on the Same Page With Your Partner About Money
Financial compatibility is essential.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Get to know your 401(k) plan. Also in the news: How one couple ditched debt, having the talk about college costs with your teen, and what to do if you’re affected by Marriott’s huge data breach.

Get to Know Your 401(k) Plan
Everything you need to know.

How I Ditched Debt: ‘We Have Choices Again’
One couple’s story.

Having ‘The Talk’ About College Costs With Your Teen
Keeping expectations in check.

What to Do If You’re Affected by Marriott’s Data Breach
Over 500,000,000 customers are affected.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Using your employer as a payday lender. Also in the news: One woman’s debt diary, how to get online coupons, and 10 things not to do if you win a billion dollars.

Short on Cash? Use Your Employer as a ‘Payday Lender’
A much lower interest rate.

Debt Diary: Feeling ‘Stretched Thin’ on Over $85,000
Curbing expenses.

Sign Up and Save: How to Get an Online Coupon
Never pay full price online.

10 things NOT to do if you win a billion dollars
Advice for South Carolina’s newest billionaire.