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Q&A: Now is a good time to get a financial tuneup. Here’s how

March 23, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I’m hoping you could provide recommendations, referrals or tips on how to help me manage my money. I’m seeking a financial planner who can help me pay my bills on time, learn to budget and pay off credit card debt.

Answer: When you’re struggling with the basics, a financial fitness coach or an accredited financial counselor may be a better fit than a financial planner.

Financial coaches and counselors specialize in budgeting, debt management, retirement planning and creating better money habits in general. Coaches and counselors in private practice typically charge $100 to $150 an hour, although many work on a sliding scale, said Rebecca Wiggins, executive director of the Assn. for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, which grants both credentials.

These accredited financial professionals also are employed by the military, credit unions and other organizations to provide services for free or low cost. You can start your search at https://www.afcpe.org/.

Filed Under: Banking, Financial Advisors, Q&A Tagged With: financial advisor, financial coach, financial counseling, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

March 20, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: The IRS’ new tax-filing deadline is July 15th. Also in the news: Tax traps that side hustlers should avoid, what not to do when spring cleaning your finances, and what you need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The IRS’ New Tax-Filing Deadline Is July 15. Here’s What to Know Now
You have an extra three months.

Tax Traps That Side Hustlers Should Avoid
Don’t get caught with a big tax bill.

What Not to Do When Spring Cleaning Your Finances
Don’t be too drastic.

What You Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Find out how you benefit.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Families First Coronavirus Response Act, financial spring cleaning, IRS, July 15th, side hustles, tax filing deadline, tax traps

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

March 19, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Relief checks may be coming, but scammers are already here. Also in the news: 3 ways credit cards can help you ride out a crisis, your student loan bill is still due during a pandemic, and how to save energy while you’re stuck at home.

Relief Checks May Be Coming, but Scammers Are Already Here
Scammers never miss an opportunity.

3 Ways Credit Cards Can Help You Ride Out a Crisis
Preserving your cash.

Your Student Loan Bill Is Still Due During the Pandemic
Interest is halted, but you still need to pay.

How to Save Energy When You’re Stuck at Home
Keeping your electric bill in check.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Coronavirus, Credit Cards, energy saving tips, relief checks, scams, Student Loans, tips

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

March 18, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: IRS tax payments are now due in July. Here’s what that means for you. Also in the news: Taking your banking online during social distancing, why a used EV should be your teen’s first car, and what to do about your rewards travel plans.

IRS Tax Payments Are Now Due in July. Here’s What It Means for You
You still need to file by April 15th.

Social Distancing During the Coronavirus? Take Your Banking Online
It’s both convenient and safe.

Your Teen’s First Car: A Low-Cost, Low-Upkeep Used EV
A combination of factors make it an ideal choice.

What to Do About Your Rewards Travel Plans
Sorting through the confusion.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: first car suggestions, IRS, online banking, reward travel plans, tax payments, teens and driving

Tax traps that side hustlers should avoid

March 18, 2020 By Liz Weston

Millions of Americans earn extra money outside their regular jobs — as ride-hailing drivers, Airbnb hosts, eBay sellers and freelancers of all kinds. Their side hustle income may help make ends meet, but it also can create tax traps.

Side gigs usually count as self-employment, which triggers different rules, additional tax forms and plenty of confusion for people accustomed to filing as employees, tax experts say.

In my latest for the Associated Press, find out how to avoid surprises when it comes to tax time.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: side gigs, side hustles, Taxes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 17, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Even in a financial crisis, you have options. Also in the news: When will it make sense to travel again, robo-advisors bring access to a new crop of investors, and Apple Card will let you skip a payment this month.

Even in a Financial Crisis, You Have Options
Take a deep breath.

Ask a Points Nerd: When Will It Make Sense to Travel Again?
Uncertain times.

Robo-Advisors Bring Access to a New Crop of Investors
A good option for new investors.

Apple Card Will Let You Skip Your Payment This Month
But it’s not automatic.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Apple Card, financial crisis, financial help, Investing, payment options, robo-advisors, traveling

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