Today’s top story: How being late on your taxes could ground your vacation plans. Also in the news: 5 ways to maximize ‘shoulder season’ travel, what it’s like to win money to pay down student loans, and why you shouldn’t use your debit card on anything you can’t afford to lose.
Late on Your Taxes? Your Vacation Plans May Get Grounded
Your passport could be in jeopardy.
5 Ways to Maximize ‘Shoulder Season’ Travel
Off-peak travel offers bargains.
What it’s really like to win money to pay down student loans
Pressing your luck.
Don’t Pay Debit on Anything You Can’t Afford to Lose
Learning from WOW Airlines.
Liz's Blog
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Travel rewards can take you far – but only if you pay attention. Also in the news: How blind loyalty can cost you in the points and miles game, the states where tax bills have shrunk the most, and what to do if your credit card application was rejected.
Travel Rewards Can Take You Far – but Only If You Pay Attention
Don’t overestimate their value.
In the Points and Miles Game, Blind Loyalty Can Cost You
Keeping your rewards as rewarding as possible.
These are the states where tax bills have shrunk the most
Is yours one of them?
What to Do If Your Credit Card Application Was Rejected
Make sure your credit report is correct.
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The one form that could be the root of all your tax woes. Also in the news: Income-driven student loan repayments, 4 credit score horror stories that could happen to anyone, and understanding the difference between a hobby and a side hustle.
This One Form Could Be the Root of All Your Tax Woes
The innocent looking W-4.
Income-Driven Repayment: Is It Right for You?
What to do when you can’t afford your student loan payments.
4 credit score horror stories that could happen to anyone
Tiny mistakes that could trash your credit.
Before You Do Your Taxes, Understand the Difference Between a Hobby and a Side Hustle
When your hobby becomes a job.
Your 401(k) just got more valuable
If your tax refund this year was disappointing, you may be able to do something about it: Contribute more to a retirement fund.
Tax-deductible contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement accounts are among the few remaining ways to reduce taxable income if you don’t itemize deductions. And few of us do these days: Only about 1 in 10 taxpayers
As a result, many of the traditional tips and tricks for reducing tax bills either no longer work or are of limited help. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to use your 401(k) to reduce your taxable income.
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What students can learn from the days before college loans. Also in the news: How one couple paid off over $120,000 in debt in three years, which 1.5% cash-back credit card you should choose, and how millennials racking up credit card points could backfire.
What Students Can Learn From the Days Before College Loans
Community college as a money-saver.
How I Ditched Debt: Kicking Frugality Into High Gear
How one couple paid off over $120,000 in three years.
Which 1.5% Cash-Back Credit Card Should You Choose?
Finding the perfect fit.
Millennials are racking up credit card points—here’s how that could backfire
When chasing points puts you in debt.
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Credit basics you need to know. Also in the news: How a new homeowner bought a house in Vegas, 11 cheap date ideas, and what to do if your tax preparer can’t file your taxes by April 15th.
More Than Your Score: Credit Basics You Need to Know
You’re more than just a number.
How I Bought a Home in Las Vegas
One new homeowner’s story.
11 Cheap Date Ideas
Spend less without feeling like a cheapskate.
What to Do If Your Tax Preparer Can’t File Your Taxes by April 15
A look at extensions.