Most financial to-do lists focus on what you need to get done by Dec. 31, but there’s also a brief window early in the new year to save yourself some significant cash.
In my latest for the Associated Press, three tasks to consider doing now.
Liz's Blog
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Quick ways to save more money in 2019. Also in the news: Medical bills plague millennials, 3 simple strategies to max out your 401(k), and the basics of Parent PLUS loan forgiveness.
Quick Ways to Save More Money in 2019
Focusing on the simple.
Medical Bills Plague Millennials; These Tips May Be the Cure
Making medical debt more managable.
3 Simple Strategies to Max Out Your 401(k)
Increasing your retirement savings at any income level.
The Basics of Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
Who’s responsible for repayment?
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 3 ways a separate credit card could soup up your side hustle. Also in the news: Travel insurance and winter weather woes, exercise options besides an annual gym membership, and 15 money moves to make in 2019.
3 Ways a Separate Credit Card Could Soup Up Your Side Hustle
Double-dip on rewards.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Winter Weather Woes?
What to know before you book.
Exercise Options Besides an Annual Gym Membership
Cheaper alternatives.
15 money moves to make in 2019
Spending less and saving more.
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Scrub these expenses from your budget in 2019. Also in the news: 3 simple strategies to max out your 401(k), how your slow cooker saves you money, and unnecessary fees to stop paying in the new year.
Scrub These Expenses From Your Budget in 2019
Hitting reset on your expenses.
3 Simple Strategies to Max Out Your 401(k)
It’s easier than you think.
How Your Slow Cooker Saves You Money
Set it and forget it.
Stop Paying Unnecessary Fees in the New Year
The most common fees and how to avoid them.
It’s time to fix Social Security’s tax burden
People on Social Security need a tax break. The rest of us need to make sure they get it — for everyone’s sake.
When Congress made Social Security benefits taxable in 1983, lawmakers didn’t index the tax thresholds to inflation. They “forgot” inflation again when adding a second layer of taxation in 1993.
That means the proportion of recipients who have to pay federal income taxes on their benefits keeps increasing. Initially, only 1 in 10 Social Security recipients had to pay any federal tax. Now, it’s over half.
In my latest for the Associated Press, why this sneaky way of boosting taxes is unfair to those who have already paid their dues.
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 smart ways to use and repay holiday debt. Also in the news: Gamifying your financial goals, what your credit card rental car coverage doesn’t include, and how much the wrong savings account cost you in 2018.
5 Smart Ways to Use and Repay Holiday Debt
Reward yourself for giving.
Budgeting No Fun? Try Gamifying Your Financial Goals
Winning the budget game.
What Your Credit Card Rental Car Coverage Doesn’t Include
Reading the fine print.
How Much the Wrong Savings Account Cost You in 2018
Don’t make the same mistake in 2019.