Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 13, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Decode your credit card’s fine print like a pro. Also in the news: How to turn your upside-down car loan right-side up, a handy trick to help you save more for your next vacation, and what to do if your credit score drops.

Decode Your Credit Card’s Fine Print Like a Pro
Understanding the small type.

Is Your Car Loan Upside-Down? How to Steer Back to Safety
Don’t get pulled off the road.

Try this handy trick to help you save more for your next vacation
It’s all in the name.

What to Do if Your Credit Score Drops
Make sure there isn’t a security issue.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

September 12, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Moving to escape taxes? Make sure it’s a clean break. Also in the news: 4 smart ways to split bills with friends while traveling abroad, 5 auto-buying tips from a former undercover car salesman, and 7 tips for becoming an ethical shopper.

Moving to Escape Taxes? Make Sure It’s a Clean Break
You could face a residency audit.

4 Smart Ways to Split Bills With Friends While Traveling Abroad
Thinking outside the app box.

5 auto-buying tips from a former undercover car salesman
Don’t get taken for a ride.

7 tips for becoming an ethical shopper
Finding companies that align with your values.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 11, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What to do if you lose your credit card. Also in the news: Chime and Varo launch free programs to pay account overdrafts, half of student loan borrowers fear they’ll be in debt forever, and why you should never spend the money a bank accidentally deposits into your account.

What to Do If You Lose Your Credit Card
Don’t panic, but act quickly.

Chime, Varo Launch Free Programs to Pay Account Overdrafts
New programs from the mobile banks.

Half of student loan borrowers worry they’ll be in debt forever, study finds
Graduates have major financial regrets.

If the Bank Accidentally Deposits Money in Your Account, Don’t Spend It
Fight the temptation.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

September 10, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to make living in a new place a reality. Also in the news: How one couple paid off $300k of debt in three years, what workers can learn from retirees’ regrets, and the average FICO score hits an all-time high.

Dreaming of Living in a New Place? Here’s How to Make It a Reality
One step at a time.

How I Ditched Debt: Small Wins Help Achieve a Big Dream
How one couple paid off over $300K in three years.

What Workers Can Learn From Retirees’ Regrets: Save More Now
The sooner, the better.

Average FICO score hits all-time high
The nation’s average score is now 706.

Moving to escape taxes? Make it a clean break

September 10, 2019 By Liz Weston

Breaking up can be hard to do if the other party doesn’t want to let you go. People who move out of high-tax states may learn this the hard way — through a residency audit.

States such as New York, California and Illinois use the audits to claim that your recent interstate move was just a tax dodge and that you still owe their state income taxes. Proving you’ve actually moved and plan to make the new place your permanent home — yes, the burden of proof is on you in a residency audit — often requires far more than flashing your new driver’s license or spending a certain number of days outside the old state. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to prepare for a residency audit.