Get smart with your money
People are angry. Voters demanding change have helped make Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee for president and fueled Bernie Sanders’ ferocious challenge to Democrat Hillary Clinton.
But what are they angry about? Ask and you’ll hear about Washington gridlock, Wall Street greed, trade, stagnant pay, immigration. In my latest for NerdWallet, the one huge factor that’s making this election especially unique.
If you think the answer is simple, you may not understand the question.
That’s often true in life, but particularly so when we’re talking about debt. Simplistic, one-size-fits-all answers actually suit relatively few real people.
At one extreme are those who curse debt as a four-letter word and vow to avoid it entirely. At the other are those who revel in the notion of using “other people’s money” as much as possible.
In my latest for NerdWallet, how to use debt, rather than be used by it.
If you’re struggling to make ends meet, your problem may not be too many lattes or dinners out. It may be sitting in your driveway.
Your monthly car payment is the tip of the iceberg.
Counting gas, registration and taxes, depreciation, tires, insurance and finance charges, Americans spend $8,700 a year on average — $725 a month — for the privilege of owning a typical midsize sedan, according to AAA, and more than $10,600 a year for an SUV. If you’re struggling with bad credit, the increased cost of financing and insurance will push those numbers even higher.
In my latest for NerdWallet, how to determine if you have too much car in your driveway.
Today’s top story: The high cost of winning a billion dollars. Also in the news: Tips for tackling your student loan costs, how banks are earning billions in ATM and overdraft fees, and basic personal finance facts people constantly get wrong.
The High Cost of Claiming Your Powerball Jackpot
Winning a billion dollars is awfully expensive.
5 tips for tackling your student loan costs
Tackling them head on.
ATM and overdraft fees top $6 billion at the big 3 banks
How much did you contribute?
Six Basic Personal Finance Facts People Constantly Get Wrong
No more excuses.
Today’s top story: How to stop being afraid of credit cards. Also in the news: Personal finance lessons we wish we learned in school, protecting seniors from financial scams, and how to avoid money mistakes after losing a spouse.
Scared of Credit Cards? This Tool Could Help You Make the Leap
There’s nothing to be afraid of if you do it right.
6 personal finance lessons we wish were taught in school
Probably more helpful than trigonometry.
How to Guard Against Common Scams That Target Seniors
Protecting your loved ones from predators.
4 Money Mistakes People Often Make After a Spouse Dies
Don’t make any impulsive decisions.
Today’s top story: When it’s time to look for a new bank. Also in the news: Personal finance questions you need to answer, how to upgrade your financial life, and ten ways to have a financially happy marriage.
6 Signs It May Be Time to Switch Banks
Time for a new relationship?
8 Personal Finance Questions Most of Us Flunk
How did you do?
10 Steps to an Upgraded Financial Life
Give yourself a boost.
10 Ways to Have a Financially Happy Marriage
There are better things to argue about.