Personal finance tips: When to buy a new car, and more

Three top pieces of financial advice, from deciding to retire early to the dangers of campus debit cards

Nest egg
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Deciding to retire early

Stocks have been on a tear, said Liz Moyer at The Wall Street Journal, and the five-year bull market has allowed many investors to "at least ponder the possibility" of retiring early. But there are some important questions to ask before you cash in your nest egg ahead of schedule. First, have you saved enough? The market will inevitably dip, so it's important to "discount the current value of your portfolio" to account for future drops in the market. Retirement also means lifestyle changes, including learning to live on a leaner budget. Drawing on other accounts — like 401(k)s, IRAs, or Social Security — ahead of selling assets can make your money last longer. Finally, have a backup plan prepared. "Retirement isn't for everyone," and "resting early could leave you bored and restless."

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Sergio Hernandez is business editor of The Week's print edition. He has previously worked for The DailyProPublica, the Village Voice, and Gawker.