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financial milestones

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 8½ birthdays that can affect your finances. Also in the news: How to navigate the costs of starting your van life, how to befriend your money and reap the benefits, and how long something stays on your credit report.

8 ½ birthdays that can affect your finances
Mark your calendars.

How to Navigate the Costs of Starting Your Van Life
Turning a vehicle into a home requires research and often a big budget. Here are some tips for getting started.

Befriend Your Money and Reap the Benefits
Looking at your money as a friend.

How Long Does Something Stay on Your Credit Report?
Most credit activity stays on your report for seven years.

8 ½ birthdays that can affect your finances

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You hit a lot of milestone birthdays when you’re young. There’s your first birthday, of course, and also the one where you turn 10 (finally, double digits!). At 13, you’re a teenager. At 16, you’re probably thinking about driving. At 18, you can vote; at 21, you can get into bars.

You hit a bunch of milestones later in life as well, and many of them have to do with retirement. Knowing these age milestones can help you better prepare for life after work. In my latest for the Associated Press, see how close you are to one of these milestones.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The myRA program is dead. But there is an alternative. Also in the news: Borrowing money from friends and family when you’re in a jam, and four financial milestones to reach before you retire.

Obama-Era Retirement Plan Is Dead. Here’s an Alternative
The myRA program is dead.

Ask Brianna: Should I Borrow Money From Family and Friends?
What to do when you’re in a jam.

4 financial milestones to reach before you retire
Giving yourself a better shot at a good retirement.