Get smart with your money
Budgeting is a pain. But what’s more painful is a bill you can’t easily pay, debt that costs a fortune or not having enough money to retire.
Fortunately, you can have a useful, working budget without watching every penny. Automation, technology and a few simple guidelines can keep you on track. In my latest for the Associated Press, finding the budget plan that best suits your needs.
Today’s top story: 4 financial experts who could steer you wrong. Also in the news: Treating investing like a subscription, 7 credit card perks to prioritize in 2021, and Disney cancels its annual Passport Program.
4 Financial ‘Experts’ Who Could Steer You Wrong
Be cautious about taking advice from sources who care more about their profits than your financial health.
Want to Invest More This Year? Treat It Like a Subscription
A better financial future for just $49.99 a month sounds like a late-night infomercial, but it’s not as crazy as it seems.
7 Credit Card Perks to Prioritize in 2021
Resolve to examine your cards’ features and ensure they’re still getting the job done and saving you money.
Disney Cancels Its Annual Passport Program
Over one million customers impacted.
Today’s top story: 4 financial experts who could steer your wrong. Also in the news; More Americans are saving than ever before, though in unequal amounts, do’s and don’ts for planning your travel on points this year, and how to make debt less costly when you need it in a crisis.
4 Financial ‘Experts’ Who Could Steer You Wrong
Be cautious about taking advice from sources who care more about their profits than your financial health.
More Americans Are Saving Than Ever Before, Though in Unequal Amounts
Ask a Points Nerd: Should I Book Award Travel for 2021?
Here are some do’s and don’ts for planning your travel on points this year.
How to Make Debt Less Costly When You Need It in a Crisis
Americans have taken on more debt as the pandemic brought widespread job and income losses, according to a survey.
Today’s top story: Simplifying and saving during the pandemic. Also in the news: Hoping for student loan forgiveness won’t pay the bills, alternatives to Simple, and how to apply for rent assistance.
A Pandemic Shift in Finances: Simplifying and Saving
People are reassessing their priorities, finding ways to simplify life and put more money aside.
Hoping for Student Loan Forgiveness Won’t Pay the Bills
Even with payments currently paused, borrowers need a strategy that doesn’t count on forgiveness for federal loans.
Losing Your Simple Account? Some Alternatives Worth a Look
Fans of the soon-to-close app might like options including Radius Bank, Varo and Personal Capital, among others.
How to Apply for Emergency Rent Assistance
How to take advantage of the newly-released plan.
Today’s top story: How to nail a no-spend month. Also in the news: New credit card benefits we’d love to see for 2021, the popular online banking service Simple is shutting down, and TurboTax customers will still get their stimulus payment.
How to Nail a No-Spend Month
Recover from the holidays.
New Credit Card Benefits We’d Love to See for 2021
The pandemic forced credit card issuers to revamp their travel card benefits. Why stop there?
Simple, the Popular Banking Service, Is Shutting Down
What to do if you have an account.
TurboTax Customers Will Still Get Their Stimulus Payments
Understanding the glitch.
After the train wreck that was 2020, you may well question whether it’s worth trying to plan anything. But knocking off a few financial tasks early in the year can better prepare you for whatever 2021 has in store. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to start off 2021 on the right financial foot.