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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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downloadToday’s top story: How to apply for a credit card after bankruptcy. Also in the news: Avoiding stress while paying down debt, the biggest tax “break” you shouldn’t forget, and how to slash your cable bill.

Applying for a Credit Card After Bankruptcy
Starting over.

Avoid Over-Stressing Your Budget When Paying Down Debt
Be patient with yourself.

The Single Biggest Tax Break You Shouldn’t Forget
Shrinking your capital gains tax.

7 Tips for Slashing Your Cable Bill From Guys Who Do It for a Living
Meet the BillFixers.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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refinancingToday’s top story: How to win a bidding war in a hot housing market. Also in the news: How to retire during a bear market, how to get your financial priorities straight, and how to survive an IRS audit.

6 Ways to Win a Bidding War in a Hot Housing Market
Strategies to help you come out a winner.

How to retire in a bear market
Quitting work when the market isn’t cooperating.

Is Your Money Going Where It Needs To? How To Get Your Financial Priorities Straight.
Time to get things sorted.

The IRS Audit Survival Guide
Don’t panic.

How to Pay Bills When You Can’t Pay Your Bills

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stack-of-billsWhen Bruce McClary was a housing counselor, his clients regularly showed up for appointments with grocery bags full of unopened bills.

“It wasn’t unusual. They couldn’t pay the bills, so they didn’t open them,” says McClary, who now works in public relations for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Ignoring bills seems to work — at least for a while. The repo man typically won’t take your car if you’re a little late with your payment (although he can). Credit card companies and student lenders may start to call, but you can always send them to voicemail. Foreclosures can take months, if not years, depending on where you live.

In my latest for NerdWallet, how to put a plan together when the money you have just isn’t enough.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Home-related tax deductions you shouldn’t overlook. Also in the news: What to do if you’re behind on your health insurance premiums, the benefits to itemizing your taxes, and secrets to getting the best deal on a new car.

4 Home-Related Tax Deductions You Shouldn’t Overlook
Every deduction helps.

Behind on Health Insurance Premiums? Here’s What to Do
Act quickly.

Is itemizing your taxes worth the hassle?
You could be leaving money on the table.

20 secrets to getting the best deal on a new car
Don’t get taken for a ride.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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img_online-bankingToday’s top story: The biggest mistakes you can make while banking online. Also in the news: Making tax time easier, the single best thing you can do for your financial wellbeing, and how debt can wreck your retirement.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make Banking Online
Small mistakes can result in big consequences.

Tips to Make Tax Time Easier
Getting through a stressful time of the year.

The Single Best Thing You Can Do For Your Financial Wellbeing
Just a Hamilton a day.

Here’s how debt can wreck your retirement
Physical as well as mental consequences.