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Get smart with your money

Student Loans

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 proven ways to increase your home’s value. Also in the news: Paying off debt while saving for retirement, fresh ways to save some green at the farmer’s market, and how some employers are helping to pay student loans in order to attract workers.

5 Proven Ways to Increase Home Value
Enhancing your curb appeal and interior.

Q: Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement? A: Both
You don’t have to choose.

Fresh Ways to Save Some Green at the Farmers Market
Avoiding high prices at the supermarket.

Employers Help Pay Student Loans to Attract Workers
Now that’s a perk.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Does the CFPB still care about students? Also in the news: How to use your tax return to map out a better financial future, paring down the price of a move to a new state, and 6 strategies to get a divorce without going broke.

Does the CFPB Still Care About Students?
Borrowers could be losing protection.

Use Your Tax Return to Map Out a Better Financial Future
Using your tax refund strategically.

Pare Down the Price of a Move to a New State
Finding ways to cut costs.

6 strategies to get a divorce without going broke
How to avoid a big bill.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Fighting auto loan bias, despite Congress. Also in the news: What you should tell your financial advisor, how much you should spend on a Mother’s Day gift, and why you shouldn’t pay anyone to help with your student loans.

You Can Fight Auto Loan Bias, Despite Congress’ Reversal
Preapprovals are key.

What You Should Tell Your Financial Advisor
Everything they need to know.

How Much Should You Spend on a Mother’s Day Gift?
Making Mom happy.

Don’t Pay Anyone to ‘Help’ You With Your Student Loans
Beware of scams.

Why you shouldn’t co-sign your grandkid’s student loan

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College financial aid offers have been sent out, and the traditional May 1 deadline for high school seniors to pick their schools is fast approaching. That means all across this great land of ours, grandparents are getting hit up by would-be college students desperate to use their elders’ good credit.

Federal student loans don’t require co-signers, but private student loans typically do. If the student’s parents don’t have good credit scores or aren’t willing to co-sign, a loving grandparent may be asked to step in. In my latest for the Associated Press, why grandparents need to say no to co-signing student loans.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Beat the retiree crowds to these 5 places abroad. Also in the news: Better options for student loan repayments, the pros and cons of travel loans, and why millennials are piling up debt to keep up with their friends.

Beat the Retiree Crowds to These 5 Places Abroad
Before they become popular.

Student Loans: Are You Making Repayment Harder?
Finding better options.

Fly Now, Pay Later: Are Travel Loans a Good Deal?
Convenience comes at a cost.

Millennials Pile Up Debt To Keep Up With Their Friends, Survey Finds
FOMO.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How not to run out of money in retirement. Also in the news: How bountiful is tax-loss harvesting, what the (almost) end of credit card signatures means for you, and how your spouse’s student loans affect you.

How Not to Run Out of Money in Retirement
Making it through the long haul.

How Bountiful Is Tax-Loss Harvesting?
A gimmick or an advantage?

What the (Almost) End of Credit Card Signatures Means for You
Less time at the register.

How Your Spouse’s Student Loans Affect You
Everything from taxes to mortgages.