Obamacare: You're not insured until you pay

 

http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/05/news/economy/obamacare-insured/index.html?iid=H_E_News

 

 

Just because you've picked an Obamacare insurance policy doesn't mean you've got coverage.

If you want to be insured come Jan. 1, you have to pay your first month's premium by your insurer's due date, often Dec. 31.

Sounds simple enough, but federal officials and insurers are concerned that many consumers don't realize they have to take this last step and will remain uninsured. What's more, those who don't pay by then may have their Obamacare applications terminated, forcing them to re-enroll via healthcare.gov for coverage that will begin later in 2014.

Job growth drives mortgage rate jump

 

http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/05/real_estate/mortgage-rate-rise/index.html

 

 

 

By Les Christie 

Mortgage rates jumped this week on stronger-than-expected economic reports, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey.

The 30-year, fixed-rate loan, the most popular product for homebuyers, rose to 4.46% from 4.29% last week. The average rate on a 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage, typically used for refinancing higher interest mortgages, also jumped 0.17 percentage point to 3.47%.

Warning signs for holiday credit card debt

 

Looking for a gift that always fits and doesn't require wrapping? How about a new year that's free from lingering credit card debt?
For many, staying out of debt at this time of year is about as easy as losing 10 pounds. But it's actually quite simple: Know how much you owe. Read your credit card statements. Keep a budget.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/warning-signs-holiday-credit-card-debt.aspx#slide=1#ixzz2nBlZzxIS

What to Do When Your Ex Won't (or Can't) Pay Child Support

 

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/11/21/what-to-do-when-your-ex-wont-cant-pay-child-support/

 

 Your options are few, but there are some strategies worth employing.

By Geoff Williams

Andi Kimbrough would have an easier time budgeting if her ex-husband was paying the child support he owes her. Currently, his tab is $11,000, which she doesn't expect to be repaid soon. Her ex is unemployed, and his location is unknown. In fact, there's a warrant out for his arrest.

How to Know You're Ready to Buy a Home

 

 

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/12/10/how-to-know-your-ready-to-buy-home/

 

By Dave Ramsey

 

Dear Dave,
I’m in the military, and my wife and I have $13,000 in the bank along with $35,000 in a Roth IRA. We also have no debt, and we put $3,500 into our savings account each month. Our new baby is due to arrive in January, so do you think this would be a good time to buy our first home?
 

5 Common Reasons People Retire Early

 

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/12/07/5-common-reasons-people-retire-early/ 

Some people plan to work until they drop. Saving for retirement is difficult, and some people simply give up on it. A recent Wells Fargo (WFC) survey found that 34 percent of respondents think they will work until at least age 80 before they can retire. An even larger 37 percent said they will never retire and will continue to work until they are too sick or die.

3 Things You Need to Do Now to Buy a Home Next Year

 

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/12/05/3-things-need-to-do-now-to-buy-home-next-year/

 

 

By Christine DiGangi

 

With big changes coming to the mortgage industry at the beginning of next year, many consumers will want to evaluate their home-buying plans. Regulations drafted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will change the definition of a qualified mortgage for any loan applications received on and after Jan. 10, and many consumers may find themselves unable to meet the new requirements.