financial aid

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

July 14, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What happens if you get caught lying on your FAFSA? Also in the news: Why your financial life is a mess, which interest rate you should choose, and the credit score every small business owner should understand.

What Happens If You Lie on Your FAFSA?
Resist the temptation.

Fixed or Variable: Which Interest Rate Should You Choose?
Which interest rate is best for you?

The Credit Score Every Small Business Owner Needs to Understand
Introducing the FICO SBSS.

Top Seven Reasons Why Your Financial Life Is A Mess
Getting your financial house in order.

If You Won’t Remember Something in a Week, Don’t Buy It
Smart advice.

Don’t pay for student loan help

May 19, 2015 By Liz Weston

I just got another recorded call from a woman who cheerfully told me that my student loans had been “flagged” to qualify for a new federal program, just approved by Congress, to help me pay my debt. The fact that I’ve never had a student loan is, surely, just a minor detail.

People fall for these scams all the time, paying good money to get help they could have found for free. Right now, there’s a free student loan hotline you can call to get your questions answered and find out about your options. It’s available today, tomorrow and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Eastern. Check it out at The Borrowers Hotline.

If you miss the hotline window, you can find answers to your questions at the U.S. Department of Education and at Student Loan Borrower Assistance, a site run by the National Consumer Law Center.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

May 1, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Balance transfer mistakes to avoid. Also in the news: What to do with an unexpected windfall, the savings cell phone carriers don’t want you to know about, and the eight loans to use for paying college tuition.

4 Balance Transfer Credit Card Mistakes
Making sure your transfers go smoothly.

Got a load of unexpected cash? Here’s what to do
What a great problem to have!

Savings Big Cell Carriers Don’t Want You to Know About
Contracts are becoming a thing of the past.

Use These 8 Loans To Pay For College in 2015-2016
Not all at once, of course.

Avoid “Keeping Up With the Frugals” to Improve Your Finances
It’s not a race to see who’s the cheapest.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

April 29, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Time for some financial spring cleaning. Also in the news: Apps that can make your summer vacation less expensive, how to appeal a college financial aid offer, and how banks and credit unions protect your information.

Financial Spring Cleaning; 5 Steps To Get Your House In Order
Getting rid of the winter dust.

9 Helpful Apps, Sites That Make Summer Vacation Cheaper
More money for souvenirs!

How to Appeal College Financial Aid Offers
Making your case.

How Banks and Credit Unions Protect Your Personal Information
Protecting you from identity theft.

How to Make Sense of Your Paycheck
Deciphering your pay stub.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

April 23, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Common money mistakes you need to avoid. Also in the news: When should you get professional help for education expenses, what you need to do in order to retire in the next five years, and five of the craziest credit card perks.

11 Common Money Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
Watch out.

When To Pay For Education-Related Financial Help
Knowing when to call in the experts.

If You Want to Retire in the Next Five Years, Do These 9 Things Now
Time to get busy.

5 Crazy Credit Card Perks
Virtual flight simulator!