Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How medical bill advocates can slash your costs. Also in the news: How two-factor authentication protects your online info, how investing apps can foil financial planning, and four credit card trends for 2017.

How Medical Bill Advocates Can Slash Your Costs
An advocate will go to bat to reduce your medical costs.

How Two-Factor Authentication Protects Your Online Info
Taking the important steps to protect your online information.

Investing apps can foil financial planning
Trusting your intuitions.

4 credit card trends for 2017 and what they mean for you
The good news and the bad news.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to prep (or not) for President Trump’s proposed tax changes. Also in the news: You could be owed money in the Western Union fraud case, why inauguration rental hosts could get a tax break, and 4 ways your expenses can skyrocket when having kids.

How to Prep (or Not) for Trump’s Proposed Tax Changes
How these changes could affect you.

Western Union Fraud Case: Are You Owed Money
A new website has been set up for victims.

Inauguration Rental Hosts May Get Tax Break
A federal tax code could save hosts money.

Thinking of Having Kids? 4 Ways Your Expenses Can Skyrocket

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

prepaid-debit-cardToday’s top story: 10 smart insurance resolutions for 2017. Also in the news: Why your prepaid debit card needs FDIC insurance, the assumptions that can make or break your financial planning, and what will cost more – and less – in 2017.

10 Smart Insurance Resolutions for 2017
Strengthening your safety net.

Why Your Prepaid Debit Card Needs FDIC Insurance
Protecting your money.

Key Assumptions That Can Make or Break Your Financial Planning
When assumptions can backfire.

What Will Cost More – and Less – in 2017
What to expect in the year ahead.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

iStock_000087400741_SmallToday’s top story: Why to avoid financial planning over the holidays. Also in the news: What President Trump will mean for mortgage rates, things banks and credit unions do that you don’t know about, and how waiting for Black Friday deals can really pay off.

Why to Avoid Financial Planning Over the Holidays
Don’t add stress on top of stress.

What the Trump Effect Means for Mortgage Rates Next Year and 5 Years From Now
What will happen to your mortgage under President Trump.

4 Things Banks and Credit Unions Do You Might Not Know About
Be informed.

Turns Out, You Really Can Save Big on Black Friday
Some deals are worth waiting for.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Financial-PlanningToday’s top story: Financial planning for the 21st century. Also in the news: Tips for buying life insurance with a pre-existing condition, mistakes people make when buying furniture, and the best new car deals for Labor Day weekend.

Financial Planning for the 21st Century
Catching up with the future.

7 Tips for Buying Life Insurance With a Pre-Existing Condition
Working your way through a complicated system.

6 Mistakes People Make When Buying Furniture
Pay close attention to financing.

4 best new car deals for Labor Day weekend
Getting the most bang for your buck.

Q&A: How much does a fee-only financial planner cost?

Dear Liz: You frequently suggest consulting a fee-only financial planner, such as those who are members of the Garrett Planning Network, which seems like great advice. Can you provide any guidance on how much one should expect to pay for the services of this type of planner? We are a couple living in Los Angeles looking for a pre-retirement evaluation. That would probably include evaluation of existing investments, insurance needs, Social Security, long-term care, etc. How should we evaluate a quote of $3,000 for a full review estimated at 10 hours or $300 an hour?

Answer: The cost for a comprehensive financial plan varies depending on where you live and the planner’s experience level, among other factors. Nationally, the range is typically from $150 to $300 an hour, so $3,000 for 10 hours in Los Angeles is at the high (but not unreasonable) end of the scale, assuming the planner has several years’ experience.

Another way to get a feel for going rates is by interviewing a couple of other fee-only planners in your area. If the cost you’re quoted is dramatically lower, though, make sure the planner isn’t accepting commissions as well. Some planners are “fee based,” which means they accept both fees from clients and commissions on the products they recommend. You can ask for the planner’s Form ADV, a form filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Part II of this form contains information about how the planner is compensated.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

medical concept -  stethoscope over the dollar billsToday’s top story: How to estimate your major medical costs. Also in the news: Financial planning for the child-free, steps to take before buying a car, and hacks to winterize your home and cut your heating bills.

How to Predict the Size of Your Next Major Medical Bill
Doing your research can save you from sticker shock.

No Kids? You’re Not Off the Hook for Financial Planning
Steps to take if you’re child-free.

Financial steps to take before buying a car
Prepare yourself for the tricks of the dealership.

Filed A Federal Tax Extension? 7 Money Must-Dos Before October 15
Tick tock…

13 Hacks to Winterize Your Home – and Trim Your Heating Bill
Winter is coming…and not just to Westeros.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Why October 1st is a big day for credit cards. Also in the news: The problem with the new credit card technology, identity theft protection, and free financial planning days.

What’s Really Happening to Your Credit Card on Oct. 1?
Introducing the credit card chip.

The problem with America’s new credit card technology
Six in ten Americans don’t have chip-enabled cards.

Identity Theft Protection is on You
No more excuses.

Financial Planning You Can Afford
Free Financial Planning Days begin on October 3rd.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: How to avoid an identity theft double whammy. Also in the news: How much you need to save for retirement, signs you need help managing your money, and how to tell that your financial plan is working.

How to Keep Scammers From Pulling an ID Theft Double Whammy
Look out for phony identity theft assistance.

How Much Should You Save for Retirement?
Four methods that can help you estimate how much you need to save.

21 Signs You Need Help Managing Your Money
Knowing when it’s time to call for backup.

How Do You Know Your Financial Plan Is Working?
Signs of progress.

10 Ways to Take the Fear Out of Budgeting
It doesn’t have to be scary.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

budgetToday’s top story: The money moves you need to make at the midyear point. Also in the news: Life events that require financial planning, common credit score killers, and why you should always read the fine print when choosing a checking account.

Your Midyear Guide to Managing Your Money
Moves you need to make now.

10 Life Events That Require Financial Planning
Both happy and sad.

5 Common Credit Score Killers
How to avoid them.

Want 1% Interest On Your Checking Account? You Can Get It, But Make Sure To Read The Fine Print
That 1% could end up costing you.