Scams

Two student loan debt relief scammers shut down

Rita R. Robison / May 8, 2023

Paying off student loans is a big job, especially since it usually takes most people years to achieve it. Consumers need to beware of debt relief companies that promise quick loan forgiveness. Scammers claim they’ll help you, for a fee, but their schemes often leave you deeper in debt. The FTC has stopped two student loan debt relief schemes.

Watch out for scams that threaten to suspend your Social Security number

Rita R. Robison / January 12, 2023

Today I received an email saying that my Social Security number was going to be suspended. Scam. Ironically, it was “signed” by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. I wonder if he was chosen for the scam because he’s a Tea Party conservative from Texas who people may think would come after them in other states.

This week's top 10 money tips

1. Take a look at these 20 ways to save money.

2. Check out whether Mint Mobile’s unlimited plan for $15 a month will work for you.

3. Consider a childcare swap, where you take turns watching each other’s children, to save money on childcare.

4. Be prepared to pay a fee if you need to call animal Poison Control if your pet ingests a chemical, pill, or other possible poison.

5. Consider having your kids attend community college for two years and live at home to save money and avoid huge student loans.

6. Take a look at a new report, which found that the typical worker can’t afford a middle-class lifestyle in any of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas.

7. Check out the scams a seller encountered when he sold a vehicle on Craigslist.

8. Be aware the U.S. government has returned about $100 billion of about $166 billion collected under President Donald Trump’s invalidated emergency tariffs. Refunds are going to the businesses not shoppers.

9. Check out these rules for portfolio planning when you’re 45.

10. Take this quiz to see if you know the importance of five milestone ages in retirement planning.

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July 13, 2026