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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Credit cards tips that’ll last a lifetime. Also in the news: Why your credit score matters the most in your twenties, how to wrangle your W-2s from your employer, and millionaire money tips for the rest of us.

8 Credit Card Tips That Will Last a Lifetime
Solid advice.

Why Your Credit Score Matters Most In Your Twenties
The long lasting impact.

How to bug your employer for your W-2 and other timely tax, budget tips
April 15th will be here before you know it.

8 Millionaire Money Tips for the Rest of Us
You don’t have to be a millionaire to manage your money like one.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to get your credit card’s annual fee to pay for itself. Also in the news: Balancing debt reduction and retirement savings, money lessons to teach your kids, and why you should check your FAFSA status.

How to Get Your Credit Card’s Annual Fee to Pay for Itself
Getting the most out of your credit card.

How to Balance Debt Reduction and Retirement Savings
You can do both.

4 Money Lessons Smart Parents Teach Their Kids
It’s never too early to start teaching them.

How and Why to Check Your FAFSA Status
Staying on top of the financial aid process.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: The worst online passwords of 2015. Also in the news: Why you should beware of the word “afford,” how to start saving for your retirement in your 20s and 30s, and steps to get more college financial aid.

The Worst Passwords of 2015
Stop making life easy for identity thieves.

Be Suspicious of the Word “Afford” to Keep Your Budget Balanced
Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you should buy it.

6 Steps to Saving for Retirement in Your 20s and 30s
It’s never too early to start saving.

3 Steps to More College Financial Aid From FAFSA
The sooner you fill out the form, the better.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Free ways to improve your credit score. Also in the news: Financial habits to break, how a money club could improve your financial life, and tips to avoid a tax audit.

5 Free Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
Small things you can do to boost your numbers.

Break These Financial Habits in 2016
Getting back on track.

Start a Money Club to Improve Your Financial Life
Power in numbers.

7 Tips for Avoiding a Tax Audit
Honesty is the key.

7 in 10 Americans See Added Stigma in Credit Card Debt, Survey Shows
Are you ashamed of your debt?

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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images (2)Today’s top story: How to make your retirement savings last. Also in the news: Why it pays to file your FAFSA early, how to survive rising health care costs, and how the Rule of 72 can help you build your retirement savings.

The Easy Way to Make Your Retirement Savings Last
Stretching your savings.

It Pays to File Your FAFSA Early
You could receive twice as much financial aid.

10 Ways to Survive Rising Health Care Costs
Keeping costs in check.

How the Rule of 72 Can Help You Build Up Your Retirement Nest Egg
Building your savings.

Is a FICO Score the Best Credit Score?
Does your FICO score tell the whole story?

Three reasons not to simplify your financial life

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January seems to beg for fresh starts, organizing binges and articles about simplifying your life. In some ways, though, a little complexity is a good thing.

Of course, paring and consolidating your financial accounts, for example, can help you better track your money. You may find it easier to coordinate your investments, save on account fees and spot fraud.

But there are times when less is not more. In my latest for Reuters, three reasons why you may not want to take simplification too far.

In my latest for DailyWorth, a look at seven smart ways to save for retirement.