Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Three student loan risks parent borrowers should avoid. Also in the news: Why you don’t have to be rich to feel good about your money, how second chance checking reopens doors to banking, and the lazy person’s guide to travel hacking.

3 Student Loan Risks Parent Borrowers Should Avoid
Be careful.

You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Feel Good About Your Money
You don’t need fancy cars and mansions.

Second Chance Checking Reopens Doors to Banking
Bringing back customers.

The Lazy Person’s Guide to Travel Hacking
Rack up miles without becoming obsessive.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Which states have estate and inheritance taxes. Also in the news: Why making money with online games is a bad bet, cities with the most and fewest young homeowners, and a decade after the Great Recession, 1 in 3 Americans still haven’t recovered.

Which States Have Estate and Inheritance Taxes?
How about your state?

Making Money With Online Games Is a Bad Bet
Don’t get lured in.

Millennial Homeownership: Cities With the Most and Fewest Young Homeowners
Where does your city rank?

A decade after Great Recession, 1 in 3 Americans still haven’t recovered
Women and African-Americans have been the hardest hit.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Suing banks will get easier – if CFPB rule survives. Also in the news: 2017 Driving in America report, 7 tips for preparing your taxes in a divorce, and why you need to stop beating yourself up over past money mistakes.

Suing Banks Will Get Easier — if CFPB Rule Survives
And that’s a big “if.”

2017 Driving in America Report: The Costs and Risks
A NerdWallet report.

7 Tips for Preparing Your Taxes in a Divorce
Don’t ignore Uncle Sam.

Why You Need to Stop Beating Yourself Up Over Past Money Mistakes
Stop dwelling.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How folks took charge of their credit card fears. Also in the news: Getting tax relief from good deeds, five sales to shop on Amazon Prime Day besides Prime Day, and how to tell where your state tax dollars are actually going.

How Folks Took Charge of Their Credit Card Fears
Taking the first steps.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished — but You Can Get Tax Relief
Doing the smart thing can be costly.

5 Sales to Shop on Amazon Prime Day Besides Prime Day
Lots of good deals to be had.

This Chart Shows How Your State Government Is Funded
Where your hard-earned money is going.

Chasing a dream? Fix your finances first

By

Mark Howard of Basalt, Colorado, earned a hefty six-figure income during his 25-year career in financial services. His dream, though, was to teach high school — a job that paid about $40,000 a year.

When he floated the idea past his wife and business partner, Danielle Howard, her reaction was surprise and unease. He was 54, she was 44. They had two kids in college, a big house and a lifestyle based on their $250,000-plus income.

But her experience in the life planning branch of financial advice taught her to ask searching questions of clients and follow up on their answers.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why it’s important to fix your finances before chasing your dream.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 3 money tools to save you from yourself. Also in the news: Why paying off debt with retirement money can be dangerous, how to make money selling stuff online, and why you should think twice before giving up financial control at the altar.

3 Money Tools to Save You From Yourself
We could all use a little help.

A High-Wire Act: Paying Off Debt With Retirement Money
A dicey proposition.

How to Make Money Selling Stuff Online
Putting money in your pockets by creating room in your closet.

Think twice before giving up financial control at the altar
Create a balance instead.