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Wonder Why You’re Broke? Look in the Driveway

February 17, 2016 By Liz Weston

Rockhead126's_1951_Mercury_CustomIf you’re struggling to make ends meet, your problem may not be too many lattes or dinners out. It may be sitting in your driveway.

Your monthly car payment is the tip of the iceberg.

Counting gas, registration and taxes, depreciation, tires, insurance and finance charges, Americans spend $8,700 a year on average — $725 a month — for the privilege of owning a typical midsize sedan, according to AAA, and more than $10,600 a year for an SUV. If you’re struggling with bad credit, the increased cost of financing and insurance will push those numbers even higher.

In my latest for NerdWallet, how to determine if you have too much car in your driveway.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: auto insurance, automobiles, Budgeting, cars, debt, personal finance

Book giveaway: “Juggling with Knives”

February 17, 2016 By Liz Weston

JugglingKnivesI’m giving away two copies of my friend Jim Jubak’s new book, “Juggling with Knives: Smart Investing in the Coming Age  of Volatility.” This book arrives at the perfect time, as you can see from this description on Amazon:

Stunning volatility is the new “fact of life” that defines our age. Financial markets fall off cliffs one day, but then stage a recovery the next, only to do it all over again. The switch back and forth is emotionally draining, making us susceptible to irrational responses that can turn manageable problems into huge personal crises. But while there is danger in volatility, there is also the opportunity to profitably juggle the knives that volatility throws your way—with less risk than you might think.

To enter to win, leave a comment here on my blog (not my Facebook page). Make sure to include your email address, which won’t show up with your comment, but I’ll be able to see it.

All comments are moderated. So it may take a little while for your comment to show up. But rest assured, it will.

The winners will be chosen at random Friday night. Over the weekend, please check your email (including your spam filter). If I don’t hear from a winner by noon Pacific time on Monday, his or her prize will be forfeited and I’ll pick another winner.

Also, check back here often for other giveaways.

The deadline to enter is midnight Pacific time on Friday. So–comment away!

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: book, book giveaway, giveaway, Investing, Jim Jubak, Juggling with Knives, market drops, market volatility, markets

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

February 17, 2016 By Liz Weston

file_161555_0_tax refundToday’s top story: Investing your tax refund so it feels like splurging. Also in the news: IRS scams to avoid, financial mistakes to watch out for, and being frugal without wasting your time.

How to Invest Your Tax Refund So It Feels Like Splurging
Long term rewards.

Don’t Fall for These IRS Scams
With tax season comes scam season.

3 Big Financial Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make
Avoiding these pitfalls.

How to Be Frugal Without Wasting Your Time
Making the most of your time AND money.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: financial mistakes, IRS, scams, tax refund, Taxes, tips

Friday’s need-to-know money news

February 12, 2016 By Liz Weston

o-CREDIT-REPORT-facebookToday’s top story: The best places to find a small-dollar loan. Also in the news: What is considered a bad credit score, things you don’t have to pay taxes on, and how not to lose money on your house by following the five year rule.

Where to Find a Small-Dollar Loan
Without paying astronomical interest.

What Is a Bad Credit Score?
Knowing the numbers.

7 Things You Don’t Have to Pay Taxes On
Some of these may surprise you.

Follow the Five Year Rule to Make Sure You Don’t Lose Money on Your House
Plan on staying put for a while.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Score, Loans, real estate, small-dollar loans, Taxes

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 11, 2016 By Liz Weston

siblingsToday’s top story: How your taxes have changed if you’re recently divorced. Also in the news: What every LGBT taxpayer needs to know, financial goals every GenXer should have, and five tools to get your budget in order.

Here’s How Your Taxes Changed If You Just Got Divorced
It’s a different tax world.

Every LGBT Taxpayer Needs to Read This
Marriage equality hasn’t made filing taxes any easier.

7 Financial Goals Every GenXer Should Have
Welcome to middle age!

5 tools to get your budget in order
And how to stick to it.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budgets, couples and money, Divorce, financial goals, generation x, LGBT, Taxes, tips

5 Reasons Your Money Is Safer Today Than 10 Years Ago

February 10, 2016 By Liz Weston

Your paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough, and the stock market routinely clobbers your retirement account. You may not feel financially secure, but in many ways your money is a lot safer than it was a decade ago.

The financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession prompted a bunch of reforms that are helping you keep more of your hard-earned cash, even if you’re not always aware of the safeguards.

In my latest for Nerdwallet, five of the most important changes.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 2008, financial crisis, reforms

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