Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 10, 2016 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Financial advisors on what the election means for your money. Also in the news: sol_helpkidssave How your taxes may change in a Trump presidency, how President Trump could affect your student loans, and how to teach kids about money.

Ten Financial Advisors on What the Election Means for Your Money Plan
A look at what happens next.

How Your Taxes May Change in a Trump Presidency
Big changes ahead.

5 Ways President Trump Could Affect Your Student Loans
What this means for interest rates.

Ask Kids to Contribute to a Family Savings Goal to Teach Them About Money
Teamwork.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 9, 2016 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts Thumbnail Today’s top story: Probate, and how to avoid it. Also in the news: A Class of 2016 Postgrad student loan checklist, how to haggle down your rent by offering to do your own maintenance, and a few things to consider before moving to Canada.

Probate, and How to Avoid It
Learn the three common ways.

Class of 2016 Postgrad Student Loan Checklist
Get ready to start paying back those loans.

Haggle Down Your Rent By Offering to Do Your Own Maintenance
All they can say is no.

6 reasons to think twice before moving to Canada
Some things to consider.

Tough times ahead? Enter to win these books. Plus: discount code.

November 9, 2016 By Liz Weston

Updated to add second coupon code. I mentioned earlier this week that I’m giving away a copy of Donna Freedman’s “Playbook for Tough Times,” as well as Abigail Perry’s “Frugality for Depressives.” (Donna and Abby are mother and daughter.)

Donna just let me know that she’s also offering a short-term discount on the PDF version of “Playbook.” If you don’t win the giveaway, you can get the e-book for $5 through Nov. 30 by using the discount code ASKLIZ at this payment link: snip20161108_3

https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&ejc=2&cl=315870&i=1507332

Abby’s offering a $1.99 discount on her book as well. Use the code FRUGALITY to get the book for $5 through Nov. 30:

Visit https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?c=cart&ejc=2&cl=315870&i=1517519

You can enter to win the books by leaving a comment here on my blog (not my Facebook page). Make sure to include your email address, which won’t show up with your comment, but I’ll be able to see it.

snip20161108_2 Comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to show up.

The winners will be chosen at random Friday night. Over the weekend, please check your email (including your spam filter). If I don’t hear from a winner by noon Pacific time on Monday, his or her prize will be forfeited and I’ll pick another winner.

Also, check back here often for other giveaways.

The deadline to enter is midnight Pacific time on Friday. So–comment away!

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

November 8, 2016 By Liz Weston

Pile of Credit Cards Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for November. Also in the news: How credit card rewards can help pay for the holidays, what to do if your parents don’t have a retirement plan, and the pros and cons of a joint checking account with your parents.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for November 2016
Preparing for holiday spending.

How Credit Card Rewards Can Help Pay for the Holidays
Every little bit counts.

What to Do If Your Parents Don’t Have a Retirement Plan
An important conversation.

Helping out Mom or Dad with a joint checking account? Watch out
The pros and cons.

Book Giveaway: Playbook for Tough Times and Frugality for Depressives

November 8, 2016 By Liz Weston

snip20161108_3 I’m giving away a copy of Donna Freedman’s “Playbook for Tough Times,” and Abigail Perry’s “Frugality for Depressives.” These books have more than a topic in common–Abby is Donna’s daughter. Both books offer great, realistic advice for getting a handle on your money.

To enter to win, leave a comment here on my blog (not my Facebook page). Make sure to include your email address, which won’t show up with your comment, but I’ll be able to see it.

snip20161108_2
Comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to show up.

Also, check back here often for other giveaways.

The deadline to enter is midnight Pacific time on Friday. So–comment away!

Great credit is a powerful tool

November 7, 2016 By Liz Weston

Credit scores are a financial tool, but whether they’re a lever or a hammer depends on how good they are.

You can leverage great scores into great deals — on loans, credit cards, insurance premiums and cell phone plans. Bad scores can hammer you into missing out or paying more.

The lifetime cost of higher interest rates from bad or mediocre credit can exceed six figures. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to save thousands of dollars in interest by building great credit.