Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz's Blog

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How much it costs to adopt a child. Also in the news: Why money is so confusing, and the true history of credit scores.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?
The adoption process can be long and cost anywhere from less than $1,000 to more than $50,000.

Why Is Money So Confusing?
Understanding some of the common barriers, along with strategies to cope, could help you finally get a handle on your finances.

The True History of Credit Scores
Critics contend that the system still has discriminatory effects.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: What everyone can learn from a traveler with a disability. Also in the news: Overlooked type of travel insurance that could be a lifesaver, and the USPS ‘Holiday Season’ just got longer and more expensive.

What Everyone Can Learn From a Traveler With a Disability
Sylvia Longmire writes about traveling with a disability on her blog Spin the Globe

This Overlooked Type of Travel Insurance Could Be a Lifesaver
Medical evacuation insurance could prove to be a vital component of your travel insurance package.

The USPS ‘Holiday Season’ Just Got Longer and More Expensive
You might want to start sending your packages in September.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Why one teacher changed careers and gave up loan forgiveness. Also in the news: What the signs are that I need a new bank, how to make extra cash by renting out your car, and how to get 100% of your student loans forgiven through the borrower defense program.

Why One Teacher Changed Careers and Gave Up Loan Forgiveness
A NerdWallet writer shares her experience of leaving the teaching profession — and the promise of student loan forgiveness.

Ask a Nerd: What Are the Signs That I Need a New Bank?
A few key signs can let you know if it’s time to open a new bank account elsewhere.

How to Make Extra Cash by Renting Out Your Car
A handful of Airbnb-like services bring the sharing economy to personal vehicles.

How to Get 100% of Your Student Loans Forgiven Through the Borrower Defense Program
Students who attended certain for-profit colleges may be eligible for complete federal loan relief.

Why is money so confusing?

By

Managing money is an essential life skill, yet most U.S. adults would fail a financial literacy test. Consider the results of a survey meant to measure financial literacy, called the TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index. On average, U.S. adults correctly answered only 50% of its financial literacy questions in 2022.

In other words: If you find money confusing, you’re far from alone. But the reasons you’re baffled may have more to do with how our brains work than how money does. In my latest for the Associated Press, understand what could help you to get a handle on your finances.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to check if your bank is greenwashing. In other news: Smart Money Podcast on how to manage medical debt and the meanings behind common real estate terms.

Is Your Bank Greenwashing? Here’s How to Check
Research the impact your bank has on the planet and any environmental claims or commitments it makes.

Smart Money Podcast: How to Manage Medical Debt
Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with Maloney about her own experience working in an ER as well as dealing with medical debt she accrued as a teenager.

The Meanings Behind Common Real Estate Terms
DOM, EMD, contingency, stale listing, and other housing market lingo.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The other big student loan news: changes to repayment. Also in the news: How to prepare your money and mind for a breakup, 4 travel card perks that may not be as valuable as you think, and what California’s phase-out of fossil fuel cars could mean for you.

The Other Big Student Loan News: Changes to Repayment
Experts note that this change is likely to benefit women and borrowers of color most.

How to Prepare Your Money and Mind for a Breakup
Breaking up sucks — even if it’s necessary and you’re better off without them.

4 Travel Card Perks That May Not Be as Valuable as You Think
Some benefits of your travel credit card still pack savings, but the value might be dwindling.

What Could California’s Phase-Out of Fossil Fuel Cars Mean for You?
New state regulations would require all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California to be zero emissions by 2035. The impact of the changes will be felt around the nation.