Liz Weston

Insure.com’s 2013 Father’s Day Index puts Dad’s household tasks at $23,344 a year, up from last year’s $20,248. The increase is largely due to higher mean hourly wages for drivers, teachers, coaches and plumbers, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

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Moms will likely feel slighted this year. Although Mom’s 2013 value is higher than Dad’s at just under $60,000, mothers have been seeing their value drop every year.

These surveys have to be taken with a grain of salt. The ones that put Mom’s value in the six figures need a whole shaker, since they typically value Mom’s contributions as chauffeur, cook and event organizer at the same rates you’d pay a top-ranked professional–rather than the amount you’d pay a nanny or other caregiver to perform the same functions.

But still, they’re kind of fun to read, and they could remind you that life without Dad (or Mom) could be expensive, which is why you want life insurance if others are financially dependent on you.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

June 14, 2013 By Liz Weston

Banks are watching your Facebook account, escaping a lease, and keeping your cool.

The Identity Theft Flu: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy

There’s no way to completely protect yourself from identity theft, but here are some ways to boost your financial immune system.

Using Social Media to Stop Online Payment Fraud

Your Facebook status updates could soon be used to verify your financial state.

Is Creating a Personal Budget a Good Idea?

Experts debate the pros and cons of personal budgets.

When and How to Break a Lease

Tips on how to break a lease as painlessly as possible.

Smart Ways to Slash Your Summer Bills

How to stay cool without melting your wallet.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

June 13, 2013 By Liz Weston

Tips on staying debt free, managing an aging parent’s finances and the importance of “the money talk” before heading down the aisle.

How to Stay Debt-Free

Small steps you can take to stay out of debt.

Does This Smell Bad to You? How Long Foods Last

Tips on how to save money by not wasting food.

10 Items Whose Prices Have Jumped the Most in the Past 10 Years

Gasoline, college tuition and…eggs?

Have a Debt Talk Before ‘I Do’

Before walking down the aisle, find out where you both stand on past, present and future debt.

How to Approach Aging Parents’ Mental Decline

Advice on how to deal with parents’ compromised financial situations in a sensitive manner.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

June 12, 2013 By Liz Weston

Father knows best, careers that simply aren’t worth the money and the double-edged sword of frugality.

Listen to Your Father! Old-School Money Tips for Today

Financial advice that stands the test of time.

The Best and Worst Careers to Go Into Debt For

If you want to see your work in print, become an advertiser, not a reporter.

Credit Expert Answers 7 Burning Personal Finance Questions

Including tips on how to improve your credit score.

When Frugality Goes Too Far

Growing your own vegetables is a great idea. Spending $3500 on a vegetable garden is not.

Overdraft Fees Cost Bank Customers Hundreds of Dollars a Year

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found overdrawing their accounts cost customers an average of $225 per year.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

June 11, 2013 By Liz Weston

Here are some important money stories to check out today:

Should the Government Mandate Free Credit Scores?

Despite an abundance of free credit score offers, consumers still lack easy access to their FICO and Vantage scores, often the determining factor in credit approval.

Applying Sage Graduation Advice to Your Financial Life

Oh, the places you and your money will go!

Maximize Rewards Offered by Your Credit Cards

A new website shows how to get the most from your reward points based on how you spend.

What Can You Afford: House, Car or Vacation?

A guide to what you can and cannot afford during the summer spending season.