Credit

Men’s Health: Credit Cards for College Grads

In my latest Ask the Men’s Health Money Coach article, I discuss CardRatings.com’s list of the best cards for college graduates.

Money 911: Credit & Debt

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about ways parents can help students build credit and where you can turn for help with consolidating student loans. To learn more check out the video clip below.

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Money 911: Real Estate

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about how to invest equity in your home and choosing a short sale over foreclosure. To learn more check out the video clip below.

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Money 911: Gifts, Loans & Retirement

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about how to invest a monetary gift when the payout date is years away and where you can look for funding when you’re about to start a residency program. To learn about these topics and more check out the video clip below.

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New York Daily News: Credit Score

In this week’s New York Daily News column, I discuss seven major mistakes that blemish your credit report and how they affect your score.

Ask Jean: Name on the 529 Account

iStock_000005040646XSmallHi Jean – I know you have many questions to answer. Sorry to repeat my question again but I’m really desperate for an answer. Should I change the name on my three kid’s 529 College Accounts to my mother’s name so that $4,000 a piece is not considered with the financial aid or scholarships they may receive? We wanted that money to be for books and spending money spread out over time. We will not have extra money to send them when they are in college. This was a little cushion we thought would help. They are 16, 13, and 9. And…if we change the name to my mom rather than us (the parents) are we going to be penalized? Thanks Jean!

Don’t worry, you’re fine. A 529 is always considered a parental asset as long as your child is still a dependent on your tax returns. If your child becomes independent, only then is it treated as the asset of the child. And unfortunately, though $4000 is a very nice sum of money, it isn’t going to make a big difference where financial aid is concerned. College tuitions are just too high.

Money 911: Debt & Taxes

On Today’s Money 911 we answered viewers questions on refinancing a home, self employment tax rates and the best way to increase your credit score when paying off credit cards. To learn more check out the video clip below.

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Money 911: Real Estate & Retirement

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about ways to save above and beyond a 401(k) and if closing a credit card will hurt your credit score. To learn more watch the video clip below.

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Money 911: Divorce & Beneficiaries

On Today’s Money 911 we talked about changing beneficiaries after a divorce or marriage and how to build credit so you can purchase a future home. To learn more watch the video clip below.

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Daily Finance: Identity Theft

This week I spoke at Daily Finance on the increasing costs of identity theft and how you can protect yourself. Check out the video clip below to learn more.

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Not YOUR Parents' Money Book

I believe knowing how to manage our money is one of the most important life skills for adults - and even more important to pass on to our kids.

Money 911

A reference guide for money issues that has been carefully indexed so you can flip to the section you need and absorb the information.

Pay It Down

In this updated edition, I give you up-to-date strategies to help you get out of debt within three years.