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Student Loans

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Relief checks may be coming, but scammers are already here. Also in the news: 3 ways credit cards can help you ride out a crisis, your student loan bill is still due during a pandemic, and how to save energy while you’re stuck at home.

Relief Checks May Be Coming, but Scammers Are Already Here
Scammers never miss an opportunity.

3 Ways Credit Cards Can Help You Ride Out a Crisis
Preserving your cash.

Your Student Loan Bill Is Still Due During the Pandemic
Interest is halted, but you still need to pay.

How to Save Energy When You’re Stuck at Home
Keeping your electric bill in check.

Unlock the debtor’s prison of student loans

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Earlier this year, a judge denounced the myth that student loans can’t be erased in bankruptcy court as she excused a Navy veteran from having to pay $221,000 in education debt. Bankruptcy judge Cecelia G. Morris’ decision garnered plenty of headlines, along with speculation that the ruling might make such discharges easier.

The battle isn’t over, though. A few days later, Morris’ ruling was appealed by the Education Credit Management Corporation, a nonprofit company that guarantees and services federal student loans for the U.S. Department of Education.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy recommends to begin freeing borrowers from their loans.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to make a student loan complaint that gets results. Also in the news: How to keep your spirits up in the long game of saving, how ex-offenders can rebuild with a bank account, and these airlines will let you change your flight for free because of Coronavirus.

How to Make a Student Loan Complaint That Gets Results
Effective complaints.

How to Keep Your Spirits Up in the Long Game of Saving
Sticking it out.

How Ex-Offenders Can Rebuild With a Bank Account
How to start over.

These Airlines Will Let You Change Your Flight for Free Because of Coronavirus
Don’t forget to wash your hands.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Haven’t filed a tax return lately? You can still get a refund. Also in the news: The ultimate travel tip for couples, a new tax form that may help simplify filing for seniors, and what Trump’s budget plan would mean for you student loan debt.

Haven’t Filed a Tax Return Lately? You Can Still Get a Refund
You’re owed what you’re owed.

Ask a Points Nerd: Our Ultimate Travel Tip for Couples
Companion tickets make it easier.

This New Tax Form May Help Simplify Filing for Seniors
The 1040-SR.

What Trump’s Budget Plan Would Mean for Your Student Loan Debt
Looking at the key cuts.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Should your student loans and your spouse’s get hitched? Also in the news: Investing vs paying student loans, the blunt truth about medical expenses, marijuana, and your tax returns, and how to figure out your finances when you’re single.

Should Your Student Loans and Your Spouse’s Get Hitched?
A look at the pros and cons.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Should I Invest or Pay Down My Student Loans?’
Where should your money go?

Blunt Truths About Medical Expenses, Marijuana and Your Tax Return
The IRS needs to chill.

How to Figure Out Your Finances When You’re Single
Making the budget that works solely for you.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Mastering the awkward financial talk. Also in the news: Co-signing a student loan with bad credit, younger consumers getting a credit boost from their elders, and one in five fear they’ll owe the IRS money this spring.

Mastering the Awkward Financial Talk
Tackling tough topics with ease.

Can I Co-Sign a Student Loan With Bad Credit?
It’s not a good idea.

Younger Consumers, Get a Credit Boost From Your Elders
Authorized user status could give you score a bump.

One in five fear they’ll owe the IRS money this spring
Are you one of them?