Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz's Blog

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: What Trump and Harris have in store for your taxes. In other news: Credit card-bonus-friendly season is here, October mortgage outlook, and drawbacks to consider before getting metal credit card.

What Trump and Harris Have in Store for Your Taxes
Most, if not all, of the candidates’ tax proposals would need approval by Congress.

If You’re Considering a Credit Card, Bonus-Friendly Season Is Here
The October-through-December holiday window is an especially ideal time for snagging a rich welcome offer.

October Mortgage Outlook: No Rate Jumps or Scares
Mortgage rates may idle above 6% until markets and the Fed catch up.

Is Your Metal Credit Card Losing Its Edge?
Once a rare luxury enhancement, metal credit cards are more attainable for the average consumer today. And there are drawbacks to consider before getting one.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: Harris v. Trump on student loans. In other news: What the Fed’s rate cutting plans mean for the housing market, what small-business owners need to know about digital security, and how to watch football without cable.

Harris v. Trump on Student Loans: Where the Candidates Stand
As president, Harris would likely champion student loan relief and free community college. Trump would likely restrict or dismantle loan forgiveness and promote access to non-traditional degrees.

What the Fed’s Rate Cutting Plans Mean for the Housing Market
If lower mortgage interest rates are finally here, what does that portend for potential home buyers, refinancers and sellers?

What Small-Business Owners Need to Know About Digital Security
Any small-business that has an online presence may be vulnerable to digital security breaches and cyber attacks. Consulting with professionals and being proactive about policies can help protect your business.

How to Watch Football Without Cable
Finding all the football on TV isn’t as easy as it used to be, but there are good options for every fan.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: The busiest travel days around Thanksgiving. In other news: 4 social media money trends worth knowing about, what happens when the Fed finally cuts rates, and weekly mortgage rates drop.

The Busiest Travel Days Around Thanksgiving
If you can avoid traveling the Sunday after Thanksgiving, you’ll avoid the worst of the Thanksgiving travel crowds.

4 Social Media Money Trends Worth Knowing About
Here, we’re tackling four of the latter set, laying out what you need to know about these trends, how they could benefit you and some potential downsides.

What Happens When the Fed Finally Cuts Rates?
NerdWallet writers spell out what an expected rate cut will mean for mortgages, savings accounts and more.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Drop, Creating Opportunities for Refinancers
If you’ve been waiting for rates to fall in order to refinance, your wait might already be over.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: 3 side gigs for full-time working moms. In other news: Two key student debt relief programs expire Sept. 30, weekly mortgage rates, how to score a low personal loan rate in 2024.

3 Side Gigs for Full-Time Working Moms
Four moms share side gigs that are flexible and provide solid sources of extra income for their families.

Act Now: Two Key Student Debt Relief Programs Expire Sept. 30
If you have defaulted student loans or you’ve been skipping payments, you need to act by Sept. 30, 2024 — before the on-ramp and Fresh Start programs expire.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Stand Still as Housing Market Cools
They’ve fallen more than a percentage point in the last four months, and lots of people are waiting for them to drop even more before they press play.

How to Score a Low Personal Loan Rate in 2024
Borrowers who maintain high credit scores and low debt-to-income ratios have the best chances at getting a low personal loan rate.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: First-time home buyer affordability report – Q2 2024. In other news: September mortgage outlook, weekly mortgage rates drop, and pay interest while in school.

First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report – Q2 2024
Making a larger down payment or choosing a less desirable home could make this initial purchase easier, but not all homebuying hopefuls will find those options possible.

September Mortgage Outlook: Rates Should Fall Again
Mortgage rates have fallen four months in a row, and they’ll probably go down in September and extend the streak to five months.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Drop, Easing Affordability
Mortgage rates fell this week after the chair of the Federal Reserve uttered long-awaited, market-moving words.

Want Cheaper College? Pay Interest While in School
Making optional student loan payments while you’re in school or during your grace period can save thousands in the long-run.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: 6 milestones and how they might change your life insurance needs. In other news: First EV road trip, weekly mortgage rates, and how to land the financial helicopter to support grown kids.

6 Milestones and How They Might Change Your Life Insurance Needs
Getting married, welcoming kids and starting a business are some reasons you might be thinking about life insurance.

What I Learned From My First EV Road Trip
If you’re new to electric cars or just curious about what a road trip with one is like, here’s what I learned from my cross-state drive.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Remaining Low Could Offset Higher Prices
Mortgage rates held mostly steady during the week ending Aug. 22, as mortgage lenders rolled with the punches.

Supporting Grown Kids? How to Land the Financial Helicopter
Most parents financially support their young adult children. Communication and deadlines can help.