Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you shouldn’t be spooked by student loans. Also in the news: A judge approves a $14.7 billion dollar settlement in the VW Diesel scandal, the new low down on low down payment mortgage programs, and how personal finance chatbots could help you control your spending.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Spooked by Student Loans
Don’t be afraid.

Judge Approves $14.7 Billion Settlement in VW Diesel Scandal
What this means for VW owners.

The Low Down on New Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs
What you need to know.

How Personal Finance Chatbots Could Help You Get Your Spending Under Control
Your new financial best friend.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

budgetToday’s top story: Mapping your financial journey. Also in the news: What Wells Fargo’s settlement might mean for you, six unusual ways to get out of debt, and surprising Social Security benefits for divorced spouses.

Mapping Your Financial Journey
Building a roadmap to success.

What Wells Fargo’s $185 Million Settlement May Mean for You
The Wells Fargo wagon has rolled into some big trouble.

6 Unusual Ways to Get Out of Debt
You don’t have to deliver pizzas.

2 surprising Social Security benefits some divorced spouses can get
All is not lost.

Q&A: The legitimacy of tax reduction companies

Dear Liz: I fell behind on making my quarterly estimated tax payments for a long list of reasons, and when I file my return, the IRS will find out. I have heard they can seize your IRAs, which I have but do not want to cash out to pay.

I found a service on the Internet with good references and no bad reviews. The company said it can help get a payment program and often a reduction in the amount owed. It seems worth a couple thousand dollars to try it. Your thoughts?

Answer: There are a number of reasons why a company might have no negative reviews online. Maybe it’s a great company. Or maybe it’s not, but it just launched or took over a legitimate firm with the intention of fleecing as many people as possible.

Don’t be persuaded by the idea that the company might reduce what you owe. Settlements aren’t impossible, but the taxpayers who get them (typically after long and drawn-out battles) are those whose financial situations are dire and not expected to improve.

The IRS has many, many ways to collect its due and won’t just roll over because you don’t want to pay.

In any case, you don’t need to hire someone else to set up a payment plan for you.

If you owe $50,000 or less as an individual or $25,000 or less as a business, you can request an installment plan online and get an immediate response. If you owe more than those amounts, you can request an installment agreement using Form 433F.

The costs are low. If you can pay your balance within 120 days, the plan is free. Otherwise you’ll pay $52 for a direct debit agreement or $105 for a standard or payroll deduction agreement. Lower-income taxpayers can get a reduced fee of $43.

For more, visit http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Payment-Plans-Installment-Agreements.

If you can’t pay your balance in the allotted time, you may need to hire some help. You can get referrals to CPAs who can represent you in front of the IRS from www.aicpa.org.