April 23, 2019 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: In the points and miles game, blind loyalty can cost you. Also in the news: The best mortgage lenders with no origination fee, how a personal loan affects your credit score, and how thinking like an optimist could help you save more.

In the Points and Miles Game, Blind Loyalty Can Cost You
You could end up losing the points game.

Best Mortgage Lenders with No Origination Fee of 2019
They’re not easy to find.

How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score?
A chance to improve your score.

To Save More, Think Like an Optimist
The saving power of positive thinking.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
April 3, 2019 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How your tax refund could improve your credit. Also in the news: 5 smart ways to invest your tax refund, how the Apple Card stacks up against the competition, and how moving between states could raise or lower your tax burden.

How your tax refund could improve your credit
Using your refund strategically.

5 Smart Ways to Invest Your Tax Refund
Your refund could help fund your future.

How the Apple Card Stacks up Against the Competition
Comparing features.

Will Moving Between States Raise or Lower Your Tax Burden?
Dramatic swings in both directions.





Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,
October 30, 2018 By

How to score luxury travel for less

Let’s shatter one myth right now: Airline passengers typically can’t talk their way into upgrades from the cheapest coach seats to first class just by dressing up and asking politely.

Travel providers usually save their best experiences — comfortable seats, spacious hotel suites, quick check-in lines — for those willing to pay more. When upgrades are handed out for free, the goodies typically go to frequent travelers who spend a lot with those providers.

There are ways, however, of getting a much better travel experience without paying top dollar.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a few approaches to consider if you want to make your next trip a little more luxurious.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , ,
August 29, 2018 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Being a loyal customer can score you free food. Also in the news: The average retirement savings by age, what to buy (and skip in September, and where your $100 goes furthest in the United States.

When Being a Loyal Customer = Free Food
Perks are plentiful.

The Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
Do you have enough?

What to Buy (and Skip) in September
Finding fall bargains.

Want the most for your $100? Avoid San Jose
Consider West Virginia.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 3, 2018 By

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: What hotel credit card upgrades mean for your bottom line, why banks are still playing with financial fire, and the pros and cons of prenups.

The Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
How close are you?

What Hotel Credit Card Upgrades Mean for Your Bottom Line
Hotel credit cards are getting a makeover.

After ’08 Meltdown, Banks Still Play With Financial Fire
Lessons unlearned.

The Pros and Cons of Prenups
One touchy subject.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
June 4, 2018 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Your store credit card wants to be your everyday card. Also in the news: Weathering life’s storms with an affordable disaster kit, how to wring the most business value from a personal loan, and which industries could feel the bite of a trade war.

Your Store Credit Card Wants to Be Your Everyday Card
Making the rewards more enticing.

Weather Life’s Storms With an Affordable Disaster Kit
Don’t be caught unprepared.

How to Wring the Most Business Value From a Personal Loan
Making a personal loan pay off.

These U.S. industries could feel the bite of a trade war
Is yours one of them?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,
February 5, 2018 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: More credit cards pile on rewards for mobile wallet spending. Also in the news: Dog-friendly designs attract home buyers and remodelers, new rules to help protect old Americans from financial fraud, and the reckless financial habit that will ruin your chances of ever finding love.

More Credit Cards Pile on Rewards for Mobile Wallet Spending
Perks for paying with your phone.

Dog-Friendly Designs Attract Home Buyers and Remodelers
Not your typical dog house.

These new rules will help protect older Americans from financial fraud
New protections put in place.

This reckless financial habit will ruin your chances of ever finding love
Show some restraint.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
January 24, 2018 By

Should we pay people to save?

Long ago, people were rewarded for saving. Banks contributed something known as “interest” to the amounts deposited in savings accounts.

OK, technically they still do, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing the tiny amounts added in a low-rate environment. The current average interest rate on savings accounts is 0.06 percent.

Anemic rates may not be a major reason why Americans don’t save enough, but there’s some evidence that better rewards could induce more people to save. Two approaches that seem to work: matching funds and prize-linked accounts.

In my latest for the Associated Press, could rewarding people for saving get them to save more?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , ,
July 23, 2017 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to have healthy finances. Also in the news: Credit cards to pack for your road trip, learning about a Solo 401(k), and ten ridiculously easy ways to save $300 a month.

Want Healthy Finances? Start Here
Getting your finances in shape.

Credit Card Perks to Pack for Your Road Trip
Getting the biggest bang for your buck.

What Is a Solo 401(k)?
A retirement plan for the self-employed.

10 ridiculously easy ways to save $300 a month
You can do it!

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,
June 10, 2013 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Flying Piggy BankHow to get the most out of your summer vacation, protecting yourself from medical identity theft, correcting financial myths and how to start saving for retirement.

3 Ways to Maximize Your Frequent Flier Miles This Summer

While holiday blackouts can make redeeming frequent flier miles difficult during the summer, there are still good deals to be had if you know where to look.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud at the Hospital

Identity thieves are targeting victims at their most vulnerable. Find out what you can do to protect yourself.

Want More Time Off? Some Employers Let You Buy It

A novel approach to managing vacation time could allow you to purchase a day off or sell time you’re not going to use.

Financial Advisers Correct Common Personal Finance Myths

Meet the five common personal finance myths and how to avoid them.

How To Start Saving For Retirement

The good news is that it’s not too late. The bad news is that it will be if you wait any longer.

Filed Under: Identity Theft, Liz's Blog, Retirement, Saving Money, The Basics Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,