Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz's Blog

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Four times when you might need a financial planner. Also in the news: Understanding the Glass-Steagall Act, how to manage money in your 20s, and how the Affordable Care Act drove down personal bankruptcy.

4 Times When You Might Need a Financial Planner
Times when you shouldn’t go it alone.

The Glass-Steagall Act: What It Is and Why It Matters
Understanding the banking regulation.

How to Manage Money in Your 20s
Welcome to adulthood.

How the Affordable Care Act Drove Down Personal Bankruptcy

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The costs associated with “free” college programs. Also in the news: 4 easy ways to become a banking guru, 3 medical debt mistakes to avoid, and 9 internships that pay better than “real” jobs.

‘Free’ College Programs Will Still Cost You
Not all expenses are covered.

4 Easy Ways to Become a Banking Guru
Mastering the art of banking.

3 medical debt mistakes to avoid
Don’t bury yourself even deeper.

9 internships that pay better than “real” jobs
Some interns can make close to $100K.

Go nuclear on your debt – move away

By

Ken Ilgunas paid off $32,000 in student loans two and a half years after graduation — starting with a $9-an-hour job.

With zero job offers in his chosen field of journalism, he instead moved from Wheatfield, New York, to Coldfoot, Alaska, a truck stop and tourist camp north of the Arctic Circle, so he could put every possible dollar toward his debt.

Every possible dollar meant virtually every dollar. His job as cook, maintenance worker and tour guide provided room and board. What Coldfoot (population 10) didn’t provide was places to spend what little he was making.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how literally moving outside of your comfort zone can help you pay off debt faster.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for May 2017. Also in the news: VA loan funding fees, the best banks for multiple savings accounts, and 401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for May 2017
Which cards you should be considering.

VA Loan Funding Fee: What You’ll Pay and Why in 2017
Don’t be caught off-guard.

Need Multiple Savings Accounts? Here’s Where to Bank
Which banks offer the most bang for your bucks.

401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe
Time for some myth busting.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Making a habit of checking your financial health. Also in the news: Online business ideas for couch potatoes, how one couple paid off $20K of debt in 18 months, and how Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k).

Start a New Habit: Check Your Financial Health
Almost as important as your physical health.

3 Online Business Ideas for Couch Potatoes
Make money from your recliner.

How I Ditched Debt: Active Budgeting Pays Off
How one couple paid off $20,000 in 18 months.

How Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k)
Digging into the details.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Trump’s Tax Plan: Big Changes, Big Unknowns. Also in the news: Savings lessons from retirees for millennials, how to teach your kids about money when you’re a financial disaster, and why 40% of Americans spend up to half of their income servicing debt.

Trump’s Tax Plan: Big Changes, Big Unknowns
What we know so far.

Millennials, Take This Savings Lesson From Retirees
Retiree wisdom.

How to Teach Your Kids About Money When You Are a Financial Disaster Yourself
Learning from your mistakes.

40% of Americans spend up to half of their income servicing debt
Discretionary spending is a big part of the problem.