credit & debt
How to Keep Tabs on Your Credit Report
How to Keep Tabs on Your Credit Report
Free weekly access is ending, but several services let you view your credit files more than once a year.
March 5, 2021
10 Things You'll Spend More on in Retirement
10 Things You'll Spend More on in Retirement
From reading materials to debt, the demands on your savings during your golden years might surprise you.
February 25, 2021
10 Things You'll Spend Less on in Retirement
10 Things You'll Spend Less on in Retirement
We spend a lot of time worrying about running out of cash in retirement. But you might be surprised to see some of the things you'll find yourself spe…
February 25, 2021
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Student Loans: Pay Down or Hold Pat?
Before you tell your lender you want to resume payments, consider whether there are better uses for your money.
February 22, 2021
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
Biden Steers PPP Loans to Smallest Businesses
For two weeks, mom-and-pop businesses will move to the front of the line for Paycheck Protection Program loans.
February 22, 2021
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FAFSA Application Changes Are Coming – What They Mean for Middle- and High-Income Families
FAFSA Application Changes Are Coming – What They Mean for Middle- and High-Income Families
Applying for college financial aid will soon get easier, but some single parents and those with multiple kids in college may not be happy about other …
February 2, 2021
The IRS Can Take Your Recovery Rebate Credit for Child Support or Other Debts Owed
The IRS Can Take Your Recovery Rebate Credit for Child Support or Other Debts Owed
Restrictions put in place to protect your stimulus check from garnishment don't apply to "recovery rebate" tax credits.
January 30, 2021
Refer a Friend to Your Bank or Credit Card—and Reap Rewards
Refer a Friend to Your Bank or Credit Card—and Reap Rewards
Some major card issuers are giving referral bonuses to eligible cardholders.
January 27, 2021
Biden Extends Student Loan Relief, Is Loan Forgiveness Next?
Biden Extends Student Loan Relief, Is Loan Forgiveness Next?
On his first day as president, Joe Biden continued the suspension of student loan payments until October.
January 22, 2021
The Financial Aid Form Gets a Makeover
The Financial Aid Form Gets a Makeover
Starting with the FAFSA available for filing in October 2022, the number of questions will be reduced from 108 to 36.
January 21, 2021
When Is Bankruptcy the Right Move?
When Is Bankruptcy the Right Move?
Seeking protection from creditors can provide a lifeline, but there are plenty of trade-offs.
January 21, 2021
Is a Fix Coming Soon for Social Security?
Is a Fix Coming Soon for Social Security?
Social Security has funding problems the COVID-19 pandemic has made worse. What are the prospects for the next Congress and administration doing somet…
January 12, 2021
The Best Way to Pay Off $250,000 in Student Loans
The Best Way to Pay Off $250,000 in Student Loans
There are many ways to pay off your student loans, but the “best” way for you may not be the cheapest at first glance. Three doctors’ stories show how…
January 8, 2021
Considering Divorce? Beware of Retirement Account Breakups
Considering Divorce? Beware of Retirement Account Breakups
Gray divorce issues include weaving through the complications of splitting pensions, 401(k)s and more before the process is complete.
January 4, 2021
Will College Students Get a Second Stimulus Check? (Hint: It Depends!)
Will College Students Get a Second Stimulus Check? (Hint: It Depends!)
College students were shut out of the first round of stimulus payments, but they're hoping for a better deal with a second stimulus check.
December 28, 2020
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Second Stimulus Check
6 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Second Stimulus Check
If you don't have to use your second stimulus check for basic necessities, consider putting the money to work for you. You'll thank yourself later.
December 28, 2020
Kids and Money: Boost Your Child's Future Credit Score
Kids and Money: Boost Your Child's Future Credit Score
Naming your child as an authorized user on your credit card can be a great way to set them up with a healthy credit report.
December 26, 2020
A Second Round of PPP Loans is Coming (With Some Improvements)
A Second Round of PPP Loans is Coming (With Some Improvements)
PPP loans are getting a second life. There will be some helpful changes, like tax deductions for expenses paid with forgiven loan proceeds.
December 23, 2020
Federal Debt: A Heavy Load
Federal Debt: A Heavy Load
The debt continues to grow, but record-low interest rates could ease the long-term damage.
December 22, 2020
Best Cards for Balance Transfers
Best Cards for Balance Transfers
Credit card issuers still offering balance transfers have tightened their approval standards.
December 16, 2020
Joe Biden’s Student Loan Plan: What’s in It for You?
Joe Biden’s Student Loan Plan: What’s in It for You?
The future of student loan debt could look quite a bit different, if President-elect Joe Biden gets his way (and Congress cooperates). From loan forgi…
December 7, 2020
My Student Loan Relief Is Set to Expire, What Now?
My Student Loan Relief Is Set to Expire, What Now?
Millions of student loan borrowers are in for a rude awakening after Jan. 31. The ability to suspend loan payments is coming to an end, so you need to…
December 7, 2020
New Venmo Card Personalizes Rewards
New Venmo Card Personalizes Rewards
The Venmo Visa Credit Card pays you 3% cash back in the category in which you spend the most.
November 30, 2020
Which Debt Is ‘Good Debt’ and Which Is ‘Bad Debt’?
Which Debt Is ‘Good Debt’ and Which Is ‘Bad Debt’?
Not all debts are created equal. Some help you get ahead. Others should be avoided at all costs. Here’s how to tell the difference and how to handle y…
November 25, 2020
Smart Strategies to Tackle Your Debt
Smart Strategies to Tackle Your Debt
Millions of Americans facing furloughs and layoffs turned to credit cards to stay afloat. Here’s how to get out from under burgeoning balances.
November 24, 2020