credit & debt
Two Updates to Credit Reports
Two Updates to Credit Reports
The major credit bureaus are changing how they report information about medical debt and buy now, pay later.
April 26, 2022
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
7 Money-Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Nearly 60% of taxpayers expect a refund this year, and many will receive a larger amount.
April 22, 2022
More to Get Student Loan Forgiveness
More to Get Student Loan Forgiveness
On the heels of another extension of the repayment moratorium, the Biden administration takes another step to expand debt relief.
April 20, 2022
2021 Tax Returns: What's New on the 1040 Form This Year
2021 Tax Returns: What's New on the 1040 Form This Year
If you're a last-minute filer, familiarize yourself with potential changes for your 2021 tax return before tackling your 1040.
April 14, 2022
Free Credit Monitoring for Equifax Breach Victims
Free Credit Monitoring for Equifax Breach Victims
Millions of consumers whose data may have been exposed have been notified to sign up for the monitoring service.
March 17, 2022
Subscribe to Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
What You Can Do About Medical Debt
What You Can Do About Medical Debt
Millions of Americans are awash in debt from medical care. If you’re one of them, we have your options, whether the bills are new or a collector is ca…
March 14, 2022
Whatever Happened to Peer-to-Peer Lending?
Whatever Happened to Peer-to-Peer Lending?
While individuals can still invest in loans to consumers, most digital credit is underwritten by larger funding sources.
March 4, 2022
40 Ways to Earn Extra Cash in 2022
40 Ways to Earn Extra Cash in 2022
We flag a wide variety of cool side hustles to earn bonus bucks for expenses both expected and unexpected as we begin to emerge from the pandemic.
March 2, 2022
There’s No Escaping Your Credit Score (So Make It Count)
There’s No Escaping Your Credit Score (So Make It Count)
Kiplinger’s credit expert, Lisa Gerstner, joins us to talk credit strategy. Also, a number of new electric cars hit the market this year. Will one wor…
February 24, 2022
Credit Card Interest Rates to Rise, Too
Credit Card Interest Rates to Rise, Too
Many cardholders don't know their interest rates. Now would be a good time to know yours.
February 18, 2022
A Wave of Bankruptcies and Foreclosures Appears to be Building
A Wave of Bankruptcies and Foreclosures Appears to be Building
A perfect storm of COVID-related economic issues mixed with inflation and a stay-at-home workforce is bearing down on small businesses and real estate…
February 12, 2022
"Above-the-Line" Deductions for Your 2021 Tax Return
"Above-the-Line" Deductions for Your 2021 Tax Return
If, like most people, you claim the standard deduction instead of itemized deductions on your return, there are still many other tax deductions availa…
February 1, 2022
How to Benefit from Rising Interest Rates
How to Benefit from Rising Interest Rates
Savers will get the best rates from top-yielding savings and money market deposit accounts at online banks.
January 27, 2022
Conforming Mortgage Loan Limits for 2022 Rising
Conforming Mortgage Loan Limits for 2022 Rising
For 2022, the standard conforming limit for single-unit properties is $647,200, up nearly $100,000 from the 2021 cap.
January 25, 2022
Overdraft Fees Are On Their Way Out
Overdraft Fees Are On Their Way Out
New overdraft policies are emerging as consumers and government officials pressure banks to get rid of the fees.
January 24, 2022
What to Do When You Can’t Pay Holiday Debt
What to Do When You Can’t Pay Holiday Debt
More Americans borrowed money to pay for holiday purchases and now the bill is due. Balance transfer cards offer a reprieve.
January 19, 2022
Freeze Your Credit in 3 Steps
Freeze Your Credit in 3 Steps
Freezing your accounts at the three major credit bureaus is the best way to prevent thieves from opening new credit accounts in your name.
January 10, 2022
Biden Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payments
Biden Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payments
The president gave borrowers another 90 days until May 1 before they have to start paying back their student loans.
December 22, 2021
How Does Marriage Affect Your Credit Score?
How Does Marriage Affect Your Credit Score?
While credit reports aren’t merged for married couples, individual records can affect joint loans. Learn the rules to ensure good credit goes along wi…
December 21, 2021
How to Nix Checking Fees
How to Nix Checking Fees
Strictly free accounts aren’t the only way to bank - almost all banks and credit unions offer ways around paying fees.
December 20, 2021
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
What Does Your Credit Score Really Mean?
Your score helps lenders assess the likelihood you’ll repay a loan. It can also help you assess your credit health.
December 20, 2021
Am I Responsible for Paying Off My Deceased Husband’s Debt?
Am I Responsible for Paying Off My Deceased Husband’s Debt?
You may be off the hook as some debts — including even certain types of credit card charges — are forgiven at death. However, others linger much longe…
November 28, 2021
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Where to Find Emergency Cash
Even if you're debt-averse, having a credit card to pay for emergencies could be an important lifeline.
November 22, 2021
What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Closed
What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Closed
The issuer may restore your account with the previous terms, or it may request that you reapply for the card.
November 22, 2021
The Return of Student Loan Payments
The Return of Student Loan Payments
A pandemic reprieve on student loan payments ends in January. If you still need financial help, there are steps you can take.
November 22, 2021
Don't Let Your Credit Card Rewards Expire
Don't Let Your Credit Card Rewards Expire
If your miles or points are expiring too soon, see if you can reset the clock by transferring some to another loyalty program.
October 28, 2021