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Liz Weston

Q&A: Different approaches to marital finances

March 2, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Thank you for mentioning that many couples like to keep their finances entirely or mostly separate. Our solution was to create a joint bank account just for paying joint expenses, such as rent, food, entertainment together, vacations and so on. We each funded this account proportionately, based on our income (for example, the person earning 65% of the total income contributed 65% of the funds). Expenses, such as gifts to our separate children, entertainment on our own, car payments and all personal expenses were paid out of our own separate accounts. Each year at tax time, we’d revise the proportion of the joint account, if necessary, based on our separate tax return figures. It was so simple and tension-free. This was a second marriage for both of us, and we never had disagreements about money.

Answer: Congratulations for finding an approach that worked so well for both of you. As you demonstrate, there’s no one right way for couples to handle their money. Some prefer to have everything in joint accounts, others keep everything separate, and most are somewhere in between.

Filed Under: Couples & Money, Follow Up, Q&A Tagged With: couples and money, follow up, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

February 28, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Concerned about Coronoavirus? How to prepare your house, mind and bank account. Also in the news: 3 ways Millennials are getting money right, what to buy (and skip) in March, and 6 moves to make if you’ve saved more than $1,000 in your checking account.

Concerned About Coronavirus? How to Prepare Your House, Mind and Bank Account
Practical steps.

3 Ways Millennials Are Getting Money Right
Forget the avocado toast trope.

What to Buy (and Skip) in March
Deep discounts on tax software.

If You’ve Saved More Than $1,000 in Your Checking Account, Make These 6 Moves
Don’t let it sit there.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, checking accounts, Coronavirus, March shopping, millennials and money, money moves, tips

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 27, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: When the market drops, play the long game with retirement savings. Also in the news: Is booking a last-minute spring break flight with miles a good idea, a credit union’s new card goes all-in with 3X points, and how to get a credit card when you’re already in debt.

When the Market Drops, Play the Long Game With Retirement Savings
Don’t panic.

Ask a Points Nerd: Should I Book Last-Minute Spring Break Flights With Miles?
The Points Nerd weighs in.

Credit Union’s New Card Goes All-In With 3X Points
A Florida credit union is about to get popular.

How to Get a Credit Card When You’re Already in Debt
When you need a little wiggle room.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: ask a points nerd, Credit Cards, credit union, miles, retirement savings, rewards, spring break, stock market, Tropical financial credit union

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

February 26, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases. Also in the news: Most Americans go mobile with payment apps, why you shouldn’t let your credit score define you, and the best tax preparation software of 2020.

Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back or More on Purchases
Reward simplicity.

Most Americans Go Mobile With Payment Apps — Here’s How They Roll
Nearly 80% of Americans are using these apps.

Keeping (Credit) Score: Don’t Let a 3-Digit Number Define You
You are more than your credit score.

The best tax preparation software of 2020
NerdWallet ranks the options.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card rewards, Credit Score, mobile payment apps, tax preparation software

Should you shift to a cash management account?

February 26, 2020 By Liz Weston

High-yield cash management accounts are popping up at brokerages nationwide, promising customers much better returns and higher insurance limits than they can get from traditional banks.

The accounts are a twist on the sweep accounts brokerages have long offered their customers, where idle cash is swept into a money market account or affiliated bank account so it can earn interest while waiting to be reinvested.

In my latest for the Associated Press, more on high-yield cash management accounts and how to decide if one is right for you.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, cash management accounts, Savings

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

February 25, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Home Down payment – more attainable than you may think. Also in the news: The best balance transfer credit cards for business, the SmartMoney podcast tackles converting an IRA to a Roth, and how to avoid higher airline baggage fees.

Home Down Payment: More Attainable Than You May Think
Big down payments don’t have to be an obstacle.

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards for Business
Three great options.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Should I Convert My IRA to a Roth?’
How to decide if and when to convert.

To Avoid Higher Airline Baggage Fees, Plan Ahead
Pay online to pay less.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: airline baggage fees, balance transfer credit cards, IRA, Roth, SmartMoney podcast

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