Expert Insight & Commentary
Credit & Debt
Mountain of Debt: What Should You Pay Off First?
May 1, 2013
To get a handle on debt you not only need to prioritize current payments—you need to manage future expenses.
May 1, 2013
To get a handle on debt you not only need to prioritize current payments—you need to manage future expenses.
Should You Ever Use Retirement Savings to Pay Off Debt?
April 4, 2012
It's generally not smart to withdraw money from your retirement account before you actually retire. But paying off high-interest debt might be an exception.
April 4, 2012
It's generally not smart to withdraw money from your retirement account before you actually retire. But paying off high-interest debt might be an exception.
Paying Off Student Debt: Can You Find a Financial Balance?
January 11, 2012
Paying off student loans is essential—but make it part of a bigger financial plan.
January 11, 2012
Paying off student loans is essential—but make it part of a bigger financial plan.
Cutting Your Credit Card Debt: How to Get Started
January 4, 2012
Credit card debt can be pernicious, especially when it starts to mount. Here's how to get started eliminating it.
January 4, 2012
Credit card debt can be pernicious, especially when it starts to mount. Here's how to get started eliminating it.
Can You Borrow from Your IRA?
November 16, 2011
While technically you can't borrow from your IRA, you can use the money tax- and penalty-free for 60 days. But beware—timing is everything.
November 16, 2011
While technically you can't borrow from your IRA, you can use the money tax- and penalty-free for 60 days. But beware—timing is everything.
A Short Course in Student Loan Management
February 23, 2011
Making a student loan last takes planning and discipline—just like studying and passing exams. Here's how to apply those skills to managing your money.
February 23, 2011
Making a student loan last takes planning and discipline—just like studying and passing exams. Here's how to apply those skills to managing your money.
Boosting Your Credit Score: A Good Idea (But Not Always Priority No. 1)
December 29, 2010
Improving your credit score is a very worthy goal; building assets for your future is an even better one.
December 29, 2010
Improving your credit score is a very worthy goal; building assets for your future is an even better one.
Need to Adjust Your Financial Attitude? Start Here—Now!
December 22, 2010
Getting out of debt is the first step to taking control of your finances. But you can't afford to stop there.
December 22, 2010
Getting out of debt is the first step to taking control of your finances. But you can't afford to stop there.
How to Build a Credit Rating—and Keep It High
July 29, 2009
Your credit rating plays a huge role in your ability to get credit—and the rate you’ll pay for credit—and that’s why it’s important to make your credit rating as high as possible.
July 29, 2009
Your credit rating plays a huge role in your ability to get credit—and the rate you’ll pay for credit—and that’s why it’s important to make your credit rating as high as possible.
Is It a Mistake to Cancel a Credit Card?
July 14, 2010
Switching credit cards doesn't necessarily affect your credit rating. It's not the card but how you use it that counts.
July 14, 2010
Switching credit cards doesn't necessarily affect your credit rating. It's not the card but how you use it that counts.
Credit Cards for People with Little or No Credit History
February 10, 2010
The 'good' credit cards—those with low rates—go to people with excellent credit history. But how do you build a credit history without a credit card?
February 10, 2010
The 'good' credit cards—those with low rates—go to people with excellent credit history. But how do you build a credit history without a credit card?
Payday Loans Out of Control? Get Help Now.
November 11, 2009
If you're at the point of needing a payday loan, stop right there
November 11, 2009
If you're at the point of needing a payday loan, stop right there
Borrowing from Your 401(k): Is It Ever a Good Idea?
March 12, 2009
If you’re drowning in a sea of credit card debt, should you raid your 401(k) plan?
March 12, 2009
If you’re drowning in a sea of credit card debt, should you raid your 401(k) plan?