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Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

December 13, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 4 tech tasks to keep your parents safer online. Also in the news: What to do if an ETF in your portfolio closes, 5 ideas for setting clear and effective personal finance habits in 2019, and the majority of Americans say they did not get a pay raise this year.

4 Tech Tasks to Keep Your Parents Safer Online
Protect them from fraud.

What to Do If an ETF in Your Portfolio Closes
Sell? Or wait for liquidation?

5 Ideas for Setting Clear and Effective Personal Finance Habits in 2019
Setting achievable goals.

The majority of Americans say they did not get a pay raise this year
The thriving economy isn’t showing up in paychecks.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: ETF, Identity Theft, online safety, parents and technology, pay raises, personal finance habits

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

December 12, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why you may overspend on the holidays and how to stop. Also in the news: One woman’s way out of debt, why a late credit card payment may cost more in 2019, and how to get on the same page with your partner about money.

Why You May Overspend on the Holidays and How to Stop
Curbing your holiday spending.

How I Ditched Debt: Thrifty Living and Side Gigs
One woman’s story.

A Late Credit Card Payment May Cost You More in 2019
Late fees are on the rise.

How to Get on the Same Page With Your Partner About Money
Financial compatibility is essential.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: couples and money, Credit Cards, debt diary, holiday spending, Late Fees, tips

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

December 11, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Avoid costly mistakes with the car buyer’s checklist. Also in the news: How to be the holiday host with the most credit card rewards, what you should know before making your first student loan payment, and illegal tax moves to avoid.

Avoid Costly Mistakes With the Car Buyer’s Checklist
Take this list with you to the dealership.

Be the Holiday Host With the Most Credit Card Rewards
Reward yourself for being an excellent host.

Read This Before Making Your First Student Loan Payment
The first day of the rest of your payment life.

Illegal Tax Moves to Avoid
Tiny fibs can lead to big trouble.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card rewards, penalties. car buying checklist, student loan payments, Student Loans, Taxes

4 tech tasks to keep your parents safer online

December 11, 2018 By Liz Weston

All of us are vulnerable to fraud. But the ways some older people use technology can put them at higher risk.

That’s where you come in. In my latest for the Associated Press, when you’re home for the holidays, or the next time you visit your folks, offer to help with a few tasks that can keep your parents safer online.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Identity Theft, parents and tech, security settings, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 10, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to manage student loan debt without making it worse. Also in the news: How to get credit when you have none, why it may be time to stop itemizing your tax deductions, and the state most burdened by credit card debt.

How to Manage Student Loan Debt Without Making It Worse
Don’t let interest get out of hand.

How to Get Credit When You Have None
Starting from scratch.

It May Be Time to Stop Itemizing Your Tax Deductions
The standard deduction could be enough.

This state is the most burdened by credit-card debt
Is it yours?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit, credit card debt, millennials, student loan debt, tax deductions, tips

Q&A: What to consider before becoming an estate executor

December 10, 2018 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: A lifelong friend has made me executor of his will. He has one brother who is named in the will only to be told that he is not included. My friend’s estate is left to two other lifelong friends. If his brother protests the will, what are my duties or liabilities? Can I be pulled into court at my own expense and time? Should I tell my friend that I don’t want the role?

Answer: Being an executor can be a huge hassle, but it’s also an honor and a way to offer a final, loving gesture to your friend. Learn as much as you can about the situation before deciding whether to refuse.

If the brother does contest the will, typically your friend’s estate will pay the legal fees and other expenses. Executors also can be compensated, with the amount determined by the will. If there’s no mention of a fee in the will, state law determines how much the executor can be paid. The fee would be taxable income to the executor. It’s certainly worth discussing the potential costs and fees with your friend before you decide whether to take on this role.

Family members and friends often waive the executor’s fee as a gesture of goodwill, but there’s no requirement to do so. The job typically requires considerable time and effort, even when unhappy relatives aren’t threatening lawsuits. Also, executors can be held legally and financially liable for mistakes. If you do take on this role, consider hiring an attorney to guide you through the process. The attorney’s fees also can be paid by the estate.

Filed Under: Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: Estate Planning, executor, q&a

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