Friday’s need-to-know money news

130709154122-overdue-bill-debt-collection-620xaToday’s top story: 50 ways to improve your financial life in 2015. Also in the news: Why deferred interest rates on purchases isn’t always a good idea, how to decide which debts to pay off now or later, and the lazy guide to dealing with debt collectors.

50 ways to improve your finances in 2015
You’ll want to get comfy for this.

Why you should think twice about ‘buy now, pay interest later’ deals
Deferred interest can do a number on your wallet.

5 Debts You Should Pay Off Now – or Later
Not all debt is created equal.

The Slacker’s Guide to Dealing With a Debt Collector
Dealing with debt collectors while exerting the least amount of effort.

Will You Remain a Debt Slave Until Death?
Or will you see the light?

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

uk-budget-greenest-government_233Today’s top story: How to budget when living paycheck to paycheck. Also in the news: Finding the best prepaid debit card, quick fixes that can hurt your finances, and ten good financial rules of thumb.

How to Budget When You Don’t Have a Steady Income
A budget is critical when living paycheck to paycheck.

How to Find the Best Prepaid Debit Cards
Pay close attention to hidden fees.

5 ‘Band-Aid’ Fixes That Hurt Your Finances
Beware the short-term fixes that could cause lasting damage.

10 Good Financial Rules of Thumb
Solid starting points.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

air-miles-cardToday’s top story: The best airline miles credit cards. Also in the news: Behind the scenes of a student loan deal, how to prioritize your bills when you’re low on cash, and five items to donate for a charitable tax deduction.

The Best Airline Miles Credit Cards in America
Getting the most mileage bang for your buck.

How a Little Student Loan Deal Could Spell Big Trouble for Borrowers
The ghosts of FFEL loans.

How to Prioritize Bills When You’re Low on Cash
Paying in the right order could save you time and money.

5 Items to Donate for a Charitable Tax Deduction
Every little bit healps.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

retirement-savings3Today’s top story: How to prepare your finances for the end of the year. Also in the news: Strategies to prevent holiday shopping binges, why your employer wants you to save for retirement, and what to do as you approach retirement.

5 Year-End Personal Finance Tips
Preparing for the new year.

3 Strategies to Prevent a Holiday Shopping Binge
Keeping the festivities in check.

The Surprising Reason Employers Want You to Save for Retirement
It’s all about productivity.

5 things to do now if you’re near retirement
Start preparing for one of life’s biggest changes.

7 Money Myths About Millennials
Millennial mythbusting.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: A surprising way identity theft can hurt your credit.
Also in the news: Tips on how to manage major bills, rethinking retirement for Millennials, and financial tips for veterans from military experts.

The Surprising Way an Identity Thief Can Hurt Your Credit
Pay close attention to hard inquiries.

Utilize the Half Payment Method to Budget Around Major Bills
Don’t pay all at once.

3 Ways to Rethink Retirement for Millennials
A different look at the bigger picture.

Veterans Day: 6 Financial Tips From Military Experts to Service Members
Welcome home.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How student loan servicers are trying to trick you. Also in the news: When to use your debit card instead of credit, saving for your kids’ college education, and tips on getting and staying out of debt.

6 Ways Student Loan Servicers Are Trying to Trick You
Pay close attention to every correspondence.

7 Times to Use a Debit Card Instead of a Credit Card
Don’t pay the interest unless absolutely necessary.

How Much Do You Plan on Saving for Your Kids’ College Education?
Planning for one of life’s biggest expenses.

10 Ways to Get Out — and Stay Out — of Debt
Good advice.

Does Bad Credit Last Forever?
Waiting it out.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

crop380w_istock_000009258023xsmall-dbet-ball-and-chainToday’s top story: How high your credit score needs to be in order to refinance. Also in the news: Tips on getting out of debt from people who have paid off thousands, ways to save on monthly housing costs, and how to avoid the scariest credit card fees.

What credit score do I need to refinance?
Reaching the magic number.

How to Get Out of Debt: Lessons From People Who Paid Off $100,000
Learning from the masters.

4 Ways To Save On Monthly Housing Costs
Every little bit helps.

The 5 Scariest Credit Card Fees – And How to Avoid Them
Paying even an hour late could cost you big bucks.

8 Online Banks That Let You Skip the Fees, Enjoy the Interest
Thinking outside the branch.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

imagesToday’s top story: How to tackle your financial demons this Halloween. Also in the news: What to keep an eye on during open enrollment, what next year’s cost of living increase will be, and why your tax refund check could be later than usual.

5 Financial Fears to Confront and Conquer This Halloween
Time to put your tough guy mask on.

What to watch for during open enrollment
Keep an eye out for plan changes.

Social Security benefits get another tiny raise
An average of $20.00 per recipient.

IRS Chief Warns of Possible Tax-Refund Delays
Your refund may be a bit late this year.

How Chess Players Can Win at Personal Finance
Thinking several moves ahead.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

life isurance blank bar chart and glasesToday’s top story: Life insurance mistakes you must avoid. Also in the news: The gift tax, how to get better financial advice, and seven credit card strategies that can improve your credit.

Five Life Insurance Mistakes That Can Haunt You
These mistakes can be costly for both you and your loved ones.

Remember, Some Gifts Are Taxed
The gifts that keep on giving (and taking).

A Simple Tool for Getting Better Financial Advice
It’s about more than just your money.

7 Credit Card Strategies to Help Your Credit
Using your cards to give your credit a boost.

4 Great Ideas from Hanging Around with Financial Bloggers
Tips from those in the know.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

imagesToday’s top story: Why couples should consider keeping some of their finances separate. Also in the news: Ten ways to give your credit score a boost, six ways to save $1000 by the end of the year, and what the financial world could look like in 2019.

Why Couples Shouldn’t Merge All Their Finances
The benefits of financial autonomy.

10Best: Ways to improve your credit score
Easy steps that could give your score a boost.

The 2019 Forecast: Way More Millionaires, Way More Inequality
What will the financial world look like five years from now?

6 ways to save $1,000 by the end of the year
It can be done!

How much should you tip housekeeping? A travel tipping guide
Unraveling the mysteries of tipping while traveling.