Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The pros and cons of airline credit cards. Also in the news: How to maximize your points and miles this holiday season, your car crash checklist, and how to maximize the tax benefits that come with medical expenses.

Are Airline Credit Cards Worth It?
The pros and cons.

How to Maximize Your Points and Miles This Holiday Season
Giving yourself a gift.

Your Car Crash Checklist: 6 Life- and Money-Saving Tips
What to do before and after.

Medical expenses come with tax benefits. Here’s how to maximize yours this year
The average American spends $17K on healthcare per year.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do when your first student loan payment is due. Also in the news: Van life reality check – 7 questions to shape your travels, why you should stop hoarding your credit card points and travel rewards, and how to spend less when you’re moving on short notice.

What to Do When Your First Student Loan Payment Is Due
Take a deep breath.

Van Life Reality Check: 7 Questions to Shape Your Travels
Do you really want to spend a week in the back of a van?

Why you should stop hoarding your credit card points and travel rewards
They depreciate in value.

How to Spend Less When You’re Moving on Short Notice
Asking for help is key.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: ‘Perks’ don’t make the bank – rates do. Also in the news: 3 major ways credit cards have changed in the past decade, 5 money hacks hiding in your wallet, and the 6 worst ways to redeem your credit card rewards.

‘Perks’ Don’t Make the Bank — Rates Do
Free ATMs aren’t really a perk.

3 Major Ways Credit Cards Have Changed in the Past Decade
Consumer protections are much improved.

5 Money Hacks Hiding in Your Wallet
Finding untapped benefits.

The 6 worst ways to redeem your credit card rewards
Redemption options to avoid.

It’s time to let go of shame over your debt

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Many of us feel bad about our debt. Most of us probably shouldn’t.

Three-quarters of U.S. households owe money, but the vast majority pay their bills on time and have debt loads that are reasonable given their incomes.

But many people still report being embarrassed about owing money. In one study, nearly everyone with debt believed they would be happier without it. Researchers have also found a “strong relationship” between debt and several mental health issues, including depression.

Sometimes, stress and anxiety over debt is perfectly appropriate. If you’re about to lose your home, have more student loan debt than you could pay in a lifetime or are headed to bankruptcy court, some angst is understandable.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to put aside the shame over your debt and take back control over your finances.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How young investors can prepare for the next recession. Also in the news: A new episode of SmartMoney podcast on family holiday travel, how to break free from your parents’ money patterns, and should you trust online shopping apps like Honey?

Is a Recession Coming? How Young Investors Can Prepare
Safeguarding your portfolio.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘What Are Your Best Tips to Save on Family Holiday Travel?’
How to find the best deals.

How to Break Free of Your Parents’ Money Patterns
Creating your own financial legacy.

Should You Trust Online Shopping Apps Like Honey?
The discounts come at the expense of your privacy.

Q&A: Direct tuition payment pros, cons

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Dear Liz: You recently answered a question from someone whose parents misused trust funds intended for their child’s education. I chose to pay the colleges directly each semester once my grandchildren enrolled rather than give money to the parents. I decided that was the only way I could be assured the money went for what grandma intended.

Answer: Your grandchildren are fortunate to have a generous grandmother, but your strategy has some drawbacks as well as advantages.

Direct tuition payments aren’t considered gifts to the child, which means no gift tax return is required. Your payments could, however, reduce any need-based financial aid the children could get. Also, your approach requires that you be ready and able to make the tuition payments when the children reached college age. Your death or a financial setback could have turned your good intentions into an empty promise.