ArcaMax

Dear Readers: April Fools' Day can make for a good joke, but there are certain myths about money that, if not dispelled quickly, are no laughing matter. Misconceptions about credit and debt are right at the top of the list. Here are 10 common beliefs about credit that can lead to financial trouble. Don't fall for them!

Myth No. 1: A Credit ...Read more

Dear Readers: In the fast-paced financial world we live in, with its focus on trading trends, online platforms and market movements, it's easy to get lost in the weeds and lose sight of the grounding principles of managing money that are essential to long-term success. So with spring in the air and buds on the vine, I thought it would be fun to ...Read more

Dear Readers: In the last 15 years writing "Ask Carrie" columns, I've often written about why and how investing opens the door to financial freedom. In my mind, the advice -- and the opportunity -- should be available to everyone. Unfortunately, for too many Black Americans, that's not the case.

As a country, we've started to have some ...Read more

Dear Readers: As has happened for over a century, countries around the globe came together this month to celebrate women and promote a gender-equal world. Dubbed International Women's Day, it's a special occasion to not only acknowledge women's vast and significant contributions but also challenge ongoing inequities and plan for a future that ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I work for a small nonprofit. I love my job but don't make a lot of money, so saving for retirement is hard. The company offers a retirement plan that I contribute to, but there's no match. How can I save more? -- A Reader

Dear Readers: This is a great question -- and a great time to be asking it. With the challenges of the past ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My boyfriend is on his phone all the time trading stocks. Sometimes, he makes a lot of money quickly, and other times, he gets upset because he loses. Overall, though, he says it's fun and that I should invest too (right now, all of my money is in savings). To me, it all feels like gambling and scares me. Am I missing something? -- ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'm about to retire, and I have to decide between taking a lump sum or lifetime income payments for my pension. I'm leaning toward the lump sum. Is this a good idea? -- A Reader

Dear Readers: My first thought is to say congratulations! A pension in any form -- whether taken as a lump sum, as lifetime income (sometimes called a ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'm fairly new to investing and want to choose companies that support causes I care about -- such as the environment. Is this a good idea? -- A Reader

Dear Readers: As Kermit the Frog says, it's not easy being green. But for today's investors, it's easier than ever to invest green. That's because increased awareness and socially ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My daughter is starting high school this year, and I'm worried about paying for college. I've saved some money, but as a single mom, I'm afraid I just won't be able to cover it all. Is there anything I can do to increase her chances of receiving financial aid? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: I'm glad you're asking this question now while ...Read more

Dear Readers: The question posed in the headline is a great one because insurance can be one of the most confusing areas of finance. Now is a very good time to be asking this question, given the extreme challenges we faced in 2020 -- from the pandemic to hurricanes to wildfires.

To me, the lesson from these horrific events is that we always ...Read more

Dear Readers: Want to try something different in the new year? How about fartlek training? It's a pretty funny word for a serious way runners can train for a marathon. Don't get me wrong; I'm not suggesting we all become long-distance runners. In fact, I tried running for about a year and can say it's not for me. But the concept of going the ...Read more