Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 business loan application mistakes and how to avoid them. Also in the news: New tax reporting requirements and the five stages of a market bubble.

3 Business Loan Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When applying for a business loan, choose the right lender, organize your paperwork and seek advice from financial professionals.

Sold $600 on Peer-to-Peer Apps? Expect a New Tax Form
Apps like PayPal and Venmo are subject to new tax reporting requirements as of Jan. 1. Here’s what’s changing for small businesses.

The Five Stages of a Market Bubble (and Where Crypto Stands)
Just because the blockchain may be here to stay doesn’t mean the current crypto market isn’t circling the drain.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Grimace-free ways to learn personal finance. Also in the news: How to stop anxiety from sabotaging your investments, and what to look for in a house if you want to start a family.

Grimace-Free Ways to Learn Personal Finance
Outrageous statements and flashy graphics grab attention, but there’s also plenty of sound, factually correct money content out there – and some of it is even entertaining.

How to Stop Anxiety From Sabotaging Your Investments
Fear is the mind-killer—don’t let it be the IRA killer, too.

What to Look for in a House If You Want to Start a Family
Beyond good schools and a quiet street, it helps if you can find these features.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 7 secrets to surviving group travel With different budgets. Also in the news: Why Puerto Rico is the ultimate travel destination this year, and 5 ways to avoid travel headaches this year.

7 Secrets to Surviving Group Travel With Different Budgets
Communication and planning are key when setting financial expectations for travel with friends.

One Big Reason Why Puerto Rico Might Be the Ultimate Travel Destination This Year
High vaccination rates and fewer travel restrictions make Puerto Rico a draw.

5 Ways to Avoid Travel Headaches This Year
COVID-19 is still negatively impacting travel, so plan accordingly.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story:  How to protect your spending power from inflation. Also in the news: How money red flags can make or break a couple, how Generation Z can jump-start savings, and how to tell if a subscription flight service is worth your money.

How to Protect Your Spending Power From Inflation
So the 7.5% spike seen over the past year in the costs of fuel, used vehicles, groceries and just about everything else is the kind of sudden and systemic rise that can give a jolt to most peoples’ everyday spending.

Money Red Flags Can Make or Break a Couple
If you both can discuss your differences with honesty and empathy, it’s an opportunity to emerge stronger. But some money red flags can’t be ignored.

How Generation Z Can Jump-start Savings (Advice Anyone Can Use)
Start saving early: Begin with a small amount, automate your deposits, earn interest and eventually level up.

How to Tell If a Subscription Flight Service Is Worth Your Money
Alaska Airlines is joining the subscription game with Flight Pass. How good of a deal is it?

Painless – even fun – ways to learn about money

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The online landscape is littered with horrible personal finance advice: teenagers promoting day trading strategies, “influencers” flogging questionable investment schemes and people with dubious credentials insisting you shouldn’t invest in a 401(k).

Outrageous statements and flashy graphics grab attention, but there’s also plenty of sound, factually correct money content out there — and some of it is even entertaining.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about managing your finances while having at least a little fun.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story:  Avoid the risks of having multiple buy now, pay later loans. Also in the news: Why you should contact the manufacturer directly, recalled infant formulas, and how to get a free upgrade to first class (or score the cheapest possible seat).

Avoid the Risks of Having Multiple Buy Now, Pay Later Loans
Taking on multiple BNPL payments can be risky.

Why You Should Contact the Manufacturer Directly (and How to Do It)
A way to get the inside scoop if your favorite product is off the shelves.

Don’t Use These Recalled Infant Formulas, FDA Says
Four babies have been hospitalized with bacterial infections after consuming formula linked to one manufacturing facility.

How to Get a Free Upgrade to First Class (or Score the Cheapest Possible Seat)
Replace the sounds of crying babies with the soft clink of champagne glasses.