Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to calculate your retirement number. Also in the news: Hilton HHonors program suffers a data breach, the biggest mistakes people make when saving for retirement, and a beginner’s guide to taxes for newly married couples.

3 Ways to Calculate Your Retirement Number
Determining how much you need to retire.

Newest Target for Data Thieves: Your Hilton HHonors Points
Thieves are selling HHonors points on the dark market.

The 6 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Saving for Retirement
Realistic goals are key.

A Beginner’s Guide to Taxes When You’re Married
It’s a whole different world.

5 Habits of Highly Effective Credit Card Users
Learning from the pros.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How student loan servicers are trying to trick you. Also in the news: When to use your debit card instead of credit, saving for your kids’ college education, and tips on getting and staying out of debt.

6 Ways Student Loan Servicers Are Trying to Trick You
Pay close attention to every correspondence.

7 Times to Use a Debit Card Instead of a Credit Card
Don’t pay the interest unless absolutely necessary.

How Much Do You Plan on Saving for Your Kids’ College Education?
Planning for one of life’s biggest expenses.

10 Ways to Get Out — and Stay Out — of Debt
Good advice.

Does Bad Credit Last Forever?
Waiting it out.

Please join me at Lunafest

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UntitledLunafest is an annual film festival of short films by, for and about women. It’s the main fundraiser for the Bloom Again Foundation, which helps poor working women.

I’ll be joining award-winning artist Sylvia Saint James and my friend Lois Frankel (author of several books, including “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office”) on Sunday, Dec. 7 for the films and the reception at the Autry Center in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children, and include admission to the museum (which currently has a special exhibition on Route 66).

For more information, please visit Bloom Again’s site.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: How often you need to change your passwords. Also in the news: The truth about life insurance, annuities, and financial aid, how to catch up on your retirement savings after 50, and the four necessities for a successful retirement.

How Often Should You Change Your Passwords?
More often than you think.

Consumers Beware: The Truth About Life Insurance, Annuities And College Financial Aid
How they all tie together.

Over Age 50? How to Catch Up on Retirement Savings
There’s still time.

4 Necessities for a Successful Retirement
It takes more than just money.

A Prescription for Financial Wellness
Getting yourself financially healthy.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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financial-toolboxToday’s top story: The best additions to your financial toolbox. Also in the news: Safeguarding your digital assets, saving money on moving expenses, and what you should look for when choosing a new bank.

10 Best Personal-Finance Tools to Better Manage Your Money
Additions to your financial toolbox.

Safeguard Your Digital Assets — In Just 10 Minutes
Ten minutes you can’t afford not to spare.

Moving on a Tight Budget: 7 Ways to Save a Ton of Money
Moving expenses don’t have to break the bank.

7 Tips for Finding a New Bank
The most important things to look for.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to save money on your upcoming tax bill. Also in the news: Tracking your wasteful spending, how to get the best deal on car insurance, and why it pays to shop around for Medicare insurance plans.

7 Money-Saving Tips to Cut Your Tax Bill
How to make tax season a little less painful.

How to Track Your Most Ridiculously Wasteful Spending
Shame yourself into frugality.

Here’s How to Get the Best Deal on Car Insurance – Eventually
The older you get, the less you’ll pay.

It pays to shop for Medicare insurance plans
Welcome to open enrollment season.

Parents of special needs kids can bank on trusts
Providing for your child’s needs after you’re gone.