Liz's Blog

Friday’s need-to-know money news

November 13, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Busting the myths about chip credit cards. Also in the news: Relying on Social Security, how to pay for taking care of your aging parents, and how to avoid airline price surges this Thanksgiving.

5 Chip Credit Card Myths Busted
Mythbusting the chip myths.

After Budget Deal’s Surprise Cuts, Can Boomers Really Count On Social Security?
Politicians are making promises they can’t keep.

Taking Care of Your Aging Parents? It’s Going to Cost You
Preparing for the costs.

How to avoid airline price surges this Thanksgiving
Finding last-minute travel deals.

Three things you can do if you’re behind in saving for retirement
There’s still time to start catching up.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 12, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What to do when your spouse is sabotaging your finances. Also in the news: Money saving tips for couples, the first thing you should do after getting a raise, and how to afford your next cold.

What to Do When Your Spouse Is Sabotaging Your Finances
Don’t call a divorce lawyer just yet.

25 Tips for Saving Money With Your Spouse
Another way to avoid a divorce lawyer.

The First Thing You Should Do With Your Paycheck After Getting a Raise
A little splurge is okay.

How to Afford Your Next Cold
That annoying cold can get expensive.

Why banks want you to drop Mint, other ‘aggregators’

November 11, 2015 By Liz Weston

Millions of people share their bank account passwords with third-party sites and apps that help them track their spending, but some of the biggest financial institutions, wary of hacking risks, are trying to scare people into not using them.

JPMorgan Chase & Co and Capital One Financial Corp, for example, warn on their websites that customers could be liable for any fraud in their accounts – even though federal regulations say otherwise.

Capital One’s site (here) tells users: “If you choose to share account access information with a third-party, Capital One is not liable for any resulting damages or losses.”

Chase (here) admonishes, “If you give out your chase.com user ID and password, you are putting your money at risk.”

In my latest for Reuters, a look at why banks are issuing these warnings, and if users should be concerned.

In my latest for MoneyWatch, why the best gift to give your kids this holiday season is a head start on investing.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 11, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Online financial information and resources for Veterans. Also in the news: Determining when to lock in your mortgage rate, what you’ll need to save for a down payment in America’s biggest cities, and why you need an emergency fund.

Online Financial Information and Resources for Veterans
Thank you for your service.

When Should I Lock In My Mortgage Rate?
How to determine the best lock in date.

Here’s How Much You Need To Save For A Down Payment In America’s Biggest Cities
Take a deep breath.

Why You Need an Emergency Fund
A single event could completely upend your finances.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

November 10, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to decide if you should refinance your student loans. Also in the news: Credit card scams to watch out for, money-saving tips for the holidays, and hidden perks in your credit cards.

This Infographic Helps You Decide If You Should Refinance Student Loans
Refinancing could give you some breathing room.

3 Credit Card Scams You Need to Watch Out For
Protect yourself.

5 smart money-saving tips for the holidays
Especially if you’re still paying off last year’s holiday shopping.

8 Perks That Might Be Hiding in Your Credit Cards
What you could be missing out on.

7 simple steps to wise charitable giving
Donating strategically.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

November 9, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to save for retirement without a 401(k). Also in the news: Checking your 401(k) fees, the tax consequences of renting your home on Airbnb, and smart money moves for soldiers and military veterans.