Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Big changes are coming to your credit report. Also in the news: Excuses for not saving for retirement, how your social life changes when you’re saving money, and what to do as you approach retirement.

Big Changes to Credit Reports Are on the Way: What It Means for You
A new way of handling disputes.

5 Poor Excuses People Have for Not Saving for Retirement
No excuses!

Why Saving Money Means Changing, Not Eliminating, How You Socialize
No reason to become anti-social.

5 Things to Do Now if You’re Near Retirement
Start getting ready!

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: Health insurer CareFirst is hit with a massive data breach. Also in the news: How to dive into the investment pool, when you shouldn’t use a credit card, and identity theft facts that will terrify you.

1.1 Million User Records Stolen From Health Insurer CareFirst
Another day, another data breach.

5 Tips First-Time Investors Need to Know
Jumping into the investment pool.

3 Times You Shouldn’t Use a Credit Card
Using your card wisely.

Are you susceptible to a ‘cracking card’ scam?
How to safeguard your cards.

5 Identity Theft Facts That Will Terrify You
Fear can be a good thing.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: What to do when your car loan outlasts your car. Also in the news: What to buy during this weekend’s Memorial Day sales, how to plan for semi-retirement, and how to trick yourself into spending less by using direct deposit.

What to Do If Your Car Loan Outlasts Your Car
Your options are limited, but they exist.

Best Things to Buy at Memorial Day Weekend Sales
Get the most bang for your buck.

How to Plan for Semi-Retirement
Choosing to work instead of having to work.

Direct Deposit Into Your Savings To Trick Yourself Into Spending Less
You won’t even miss it.

Is your car part of the airbag recall?

By

gravestoneIt would be good to know if your car is one of the 34 million with potentially defective airbags than can explode and kill you in an accident. You may need a little patience to find out.

The government Web site that can allow you to look up recalls by your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) seems to be overwhelmed at the moment. You also can call the hotline at 888-327-4236 and request a callback (I’m still waiting). Even if your car isn’t currently listed, you still have to check back regularly to see if it gets added.

If your car is affected, there won’t be a charge for the fix. You can contact any dealer of your vehicle to schedule the repair, according to the Consumer Federation of America. You also can ask your dealer or the manufacturer for a loaner car if there will be an extended wait.

After a decade of denial, Japanese airbag manufacturer finally admitted its airbags were defected and widened a recall to 34 million vehicles. You don’t want to ignore this serious issue–the sooner you contact a dealer, the sooner you can get on the list for a repair, said Jack Gillis, CFA’s automotive expert and author of The Car Book, published with the Center for Auto Safety.

 

Don’t pay for student loan help

By

Customer Support liarI just got another recorded call from a woman who cheerfully told me that my student loans had been “flagged” to qualify for a new federal program, just approved by Congress, to help me pay my debt. The fact that I’ve never had a student loan is, surely, just a minor detail.

People fall for these scams all the time, paying good money to get help they could have found for free. Right now, there’s a free student loan hotline you can call to get your questions answered and find out about your options. It’s available today, tomorrow and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Eastern. Check it out at The Borrowers Hotline.

If you miss the hotline window, you can find answers to your questions at the U.S. Department of Education and at Student Loan Borrower Assistance, a site run by the National Consumer Law Center.

 

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

money-vacation-saveToday’s top story: The mystery database that can sink your mortgage. Also in the news: The changes in store for your credit cards, cash flow killers, and cutting costs at the pump just in time for summer travel.

The Little-Known Database That Can Sink Your Mortgage
Getting to know CAIVRS.

4 Ways That Credit Cards Will Change by 2020
One card fits all?

How To Kill Your Cash Flow in 6 Easy Steps
You’ll want to avoid these.

How to Cut Your Costs at the Pump
Saving on summer driving.