Credit & Debt
News, insights and expert analysis on credit & debt from the team at Kiplinger.
Latest
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Should You Tap Your Home Equity Before 2026?As borrowing rates and tax law shifts converge, here's what homeowners need to know before pulling equity out of their home.
By Choncé Maddox
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I'm 61 and need $50,000 for home repairs. Should I borrow, given today's rates, or take a withdrawal from my $950,000 401(k)?We asked financial experts for advice.
By Maurie Backman
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Credit Score News Could Help First-Time HomebuyersLenders who sell mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac used to only be able to use FICO for loan qualification. Now there's VantageScore, owned by the three major credit bureaus.
By Ella Vincent
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Planning a Major Home Renovation? 3 Smart Ways to Finance ItSponsored
From HELOCs to personal loans, here’s how to pay for a major home renovation without draining your savings.
By Paige Cerulli
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Treat Home Equity Like Your Other Retirement InvestmentsHomeowners who are considering using home equity in their retirement plan can analyze it like they do their other investments. Here's how.
By Jerry Golden, Investment Adviser Representative
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Extended payment plans can help ease the sting of a big-ticket purchase. But beware of costly missteps that can add to your price.Don't Make These 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Mistakes
By Kerri Anne Renzulli
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Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It HelpsSaving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.
By Anthony Martin
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Quiz: Do You Know Annuities? What About Recent Student Loan Changes and Boomer Retirement Challenges?Quiz The financial professionals who contribute to Kiplinger's Adviser Intel recently wrote about myths about annuities, Boomers' retirement reality check and OBBB changes to federal student loans.
By Kiplinger Staff
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Student Loan Shake-Up: What the OBBB Means for Parent PLUS Borrowers, From a Financial Aid ExpertFor students starting a new program on/after July 1, 2026, loans will be capped at $20,000 annually, and parents can borrow no more than $65,000 total, a big change from the unlimited borrowing setup.
By Elaine Rubin
