Get smart with your money
Americans’ debt loads, like our waistlines, tend to expand as we approach middle age and then gradually diminish as we get older.
Some people, though, are yo-yo debtors, fighting an ongoing up-and-down battle with debt. They pay it off, or come close, only to find themselves battling bills once again. But there are ways to break that cycle.
In my latest for the Associated Press, how to break the cycle of yo-yo debt.
Today’s top story: The best cities for recent college graduates. Also in the news: Why paying bills is a grind for almost half of Americans, how to trim expensive wedding frills without cutting guests’ fun, and everything you wanted to know about your credit report but were afraid to ask.
Best Cities for Recent College Grads
Starting someplace new.
Paying Bills Is a Grind for 43% of Americans, CFPB Finds
Living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Trim Expensive Wedding Frills Without Cutting Guests’ Fun
Concentrating on the important things.
Everything you wanted to know about your credit report — but were afraid to ask
No dumb questions.
Bedbugs. Weird smells. The possibility of imminent breakdowns. People have all sorts of excuses for not buying used stuff.
Those who deliberately buy used items, though, say such fears are not just overblown — they’re also expensive.
In my latest for the Associated Press, how buying used items can save you money while not sacrificing quality.
Today’s top story: You could be overspending with credit cards. Yes, you. Also in the news: Your excuses for not contributing to a 401(k) are dwindling, which is the best way for you to zap your debt, and how millennials can prepare for the next financial crisis.
You Could Be Overspending With Credit Cards. Yes, You.
Keeping your spending in check.
Your Excuses for Not Contributing to a 401(k) Are Dwindling
No more excuses.
Different Ways to Zap Your Debt: Which Is for You?
Finding the best way to conquer your debt.
How millennials can prepare for the next financial crisis
Preparing for the inevitable.
Today’s top story: Lock down your data right now after Equifax breach.Also in the news: Health insurers ease rules for Harvey Victims, protecting critical documents from disaster with a bug-out bag, and the credit move than can bump your score in 30 days.
Lock Down Your Data After Equifax Breach — Right Now
Immediately.
Health Insurers Ease Rules for Harvey Victims
Checking your options.
Protect Critical Documents From Disaster With a ‘Bug-Out Bag’
Be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
The credit move that can bump up your score in 30 days
Pay your bill early.
Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for September. Also in the news: The pros and cons of adjustable rate mortgages, how to start working odd jobs at TaskRabbit, and watching out for penalty APRs if you miss a credit card payment.
NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for September 2017
Finding the best offers.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: The Pros and Cons
Know what you’re getting into.
How to Start Working Odd Jobs at TaskRabbit
Starting a side hustle.
Watch Out for Penalty APRs If You Miss a Credit Card Payment
Your interest rate can increase dramatically.