Here are three of the week's top pieces of financial advice, gathered from around the web:
Making dental bills less painful
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Big fees for student loan defaulters
Borrowers who can't pay their student loans "could find it even tougher to dig out of debt now," said Susan Tompor at the Detroit Free Press. The Department of Education recently reversed an Obama administration policy that barred guaranty agencies from hitting borrowers with hefty fees, as long as they began repaying their debt within 60 days of a default. The fees, which could amount to 16 percent of the outstanding balance and accrued interest, apply only to loans taken out under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, "which hasn't issued new loans since July 2010." It's a harsh reminder that borrowers should do everything they can to keep up with their student loan repayments. "If you default, you will be subject to collection charges and wage garnishment, and the government can seize your income tax refund."
Negotiating a 'phased retirement'
More pre-retirees are hoping to "ease into their second act" by retiring gradually, said Ted Beck at The Wall Street Journal. But "what happens when your employer isn't keen on phased retirement as an option?" Parry your boss's concerns by focusing your negotiation on what's in it for the company, and be prepared to make some concessions. If the worry is that you'll be too expensive, even at half the hours, volunteer for a salary reduction. And point out that you can transition from workplace health insurance to Medicare when you turn 65. Your employer should also "weigh the risk of hiring a young person who could leave in two years against your solid commitment to a five-year phased retirement."
-
Why are Trump's health rumors about more than just presidential fitness?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION Extended absences and unexplained bruises have raised concerns about both his well-being and his administration's transparency
-
Earth's seasons have gone wackadoodleUnder the radar It may have impacted biodiversity and evolution
-
How much does it cost to move? Here's how to budget and save.the explainer Factors like move distance and the weight of your furnishings can affect the total cost — but there are several ways to economize
-
The pros and cons of noncompete agreementsThe Explainer The FTC wants to ban companies from binding their employees with noncompete agreements. Who would this benefit, and who would it hurt?
-
What experts are saying about the economy's surprise contractionThe Explainer The sharpest opinions on the debate from around the web
-
The death of cities was greatly exaggeratedThe Explainer Why the pandemic predictions about urban flight were wrong
-
The housing crisis is hereThe Explainer As the pandemic takes its toll, renters face eviction even as buyers are bidding higher
-
How to be an ally to marginalized coworkersThe Explainer Show up for your colleagues by showing that you see them and their struggles
-
What the stock market knowsThe Explainer Publicly traded companies are going to wallop small businesses
-
Can the government save small businesses?The Explainer Many are fighting for a fair share of the coronavirus rescue package
-
How the oil crash could turn into a much bigger economic shockThe Explainer This could be a huge problem for the entire economy
