30+ years of personal finance
  Celebrating 30+ years of Emmy Award winning personal finance news and advice
Broke senior opening empty wallet10 Dumb Ways Retirees Blow Their Savings
Halloween decorations at Costco15 New Products at Costco in October 2026
Money in a Minute for the Week Ending Feb. 20Money in a Minute for the Week Ending Feb. 20

Ask Stacy

Ask Stacy: Why Are My Credit Limits Going up?

on January 31, 2018

He’s not complaining, just wondering: His credit card companies are suddenly offering him more credit when he didn’t ask for it – Is this a gift horse that he should look in the mouth?

Ask Stacy: Do My Taxes With Software or Use an Accountant?

on January 31, 2018

Lorraine has used software to do her taxes in the past, but now she’s bought a house and is wondering if the additional complexity should send her to an accountant. As a CPA myself, what do you think I said?

Ask Stacy: How Can My Car Insurance Go up Like This?

on January 31, 2018

Linda’s insurance company raised her car premiums by $55/month just for being divorced rather than married. Isn’t that discrimination?

Ask Stacy: Do I Keep My Savings or Pay off Debt?

on January 31, 2018

It’s a question many of us face: We have money in a savings account earning next to nothing, while at the same time we’re paying interest on borrowed money. Crazy? Maybe. But maybe not…

Ask Stacy: Is It OK to Buy Insurance Online?

on January 31, 2018

This reader has been told that when it comes to things like insurance, local is better than online and long distance. What do you think?

Ask Stacy: How Do I Diversify My Credit Portfolio?

on January 31, 2018

To have the best possible credit score, it’s a good idea to have more than one type of credit. But how do you go shopping for different types of loans?

Ask Stacy: Why Aren’t You Buying Stocks? Also: Are Gift Cards Taxable?

on January 31, 2018

Steve wants to know what stocks I’m buying now, why he got charged sales tax on a gift card purchase, and if I’d like to join him on his next ride in Florida.

Ask Stacy: When is it OK to Walk Away?

on January 31, 2018

This reader is unemployed, has a home that’s seriously underwater, and has $35,000 worth of credit card debt that she can’t pay. What would you advise?

Ask Stacy: Can I Make Money at Home?

on January 31, 2018

One reader wants to find a legitimate work-at-home job, and another wants to know if taking out a credit card will help her rebuild her credit history.

Ask Stacy: Who the Heck Do You Think You Are?

on January 31, 2018

I recently did a story suggesting that gold might not be a good investment this year. One reader is so convinced I’m wrong, he’s threatening to sic the Federal Communications Commission on me.

Ask Stacy: I’d Like to Invest… Should I?

on January 31, 2018

The stock market might be a great way to make more than the measly interest paid by bank savings accounts – but it’s definitely not the right place for everyone.

Ask Stacy: How Come I Have to Repay the Home Buyers Tax Credit?

on January 31, 2018

If you bought a house in 2008, the tax “credit” you received wasn’t really a credit at all – it was an interest-free loan from Uncle Sam.

Ask Stacy: I Need Help With Debts Other Than Credit Cards!

on January 31, 2018

Lots of agencies out there are falling all over themselves to help you with your credit card debt. But why are so few willing to tackle other stuff?

Ask Stacy: What Can I Do With My Timeshare?

on January 31, 2018

A timeshare might make sense for a select group of people – but never for anyone who has to borrow the money to purchase or might need to sell someday.

Ask Stacy: Should I Buy a Mortgage Acceleration Program?

on January 31, 2018

Is there a way to pay off your mortgage in seven to 10 years by using sophisticated techniques involving software and credit lines? No, but the people behind these programs are hoping you’ll bite.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Know When an Email Is Safe?

on January 31, 2018

Remember when you were new to email? It was hard to tell who you should respond to. That’s this week’s question – check it out and see if you know the answers.

Ask Stacy: How Do I Work from Home without Getting Worked Over?

on January 31, 2018

Can you really make money working from home? Sure, but it’ll take some work to separate the scams from the scores.

Ask Stacy: Pre-Qualified for a Refinance – Should We Bite?

on January 31, 2018

What would you do if you got unsolicited mail saying you’re qualified for a special government program and pre-qualified for a special mortgage rate? Here’s what I’d do.

Ask Stacy: Zombie Debt Haunts Consumer

on January 31, 2018

Can old debt be reloaded onto a new credit card? How Zombie debt is stalking one consumer and what she can do about it.

Ask Stacy: Credit Reports are Free – Why Aren’t Scores?

on January 31, 2018

It’s easy to confuse credit reports and credit scores, especially since both are crucial. But here’s one big difference: you can get a free report, but not a free look at your credit score.

301 - 320 of 331