Liz's Blog

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

September 8, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How your house payments can unexpectedly increase. Also in the news: Why grandparents should be careful with 529 plans, why right now could be the right time to refinance your student loans, and six reasons why early retirement could be a mistake.

4 Ways Your House Payment Could Unexpectedly Go Up
Don’t get caught off guard.

Grandparents: Don’t Make a 529 Plan Mistake
529 disbursements come with some risks.

Now Could Be the Right Time to Refinance Your Student Loans
Taking stock of your student loan situation.

6 reasons early retirement might be wrong for you
What sounds like a good idea might not be.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 4, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to avoid money mistakes after a spouse’s death. Also in the news: A retirement reality check for homemakers, how to downsize the smart way, and the hidden costs of credit card rewards.

Money mistakes to avoid after a spouse’s death
Treading carefully through difficult times.

7 Step Retirement Reality Check For Homemakers
Being part of the retirement planning process is essential.

6 Tips to Downsize the Smart Way
Simplifying your life can become expensive.

Rewards Credit Cards Can Be Costly, Report Finds
Those free rewards can come at a price.

5 Things You Must Consider Before Borrowing Money
Hidden dangers may lie ahead.

4 Ways to Protect Your Retirement Money From Scammers

September 3, 2015 By Liz Weston

The good news: Through hard work, thrift, and wise choices, you’re set for retirement. The bad news: You might find it harder someday to make sound financial decisions. On average, money smarts peak at age 53, the Center for Retirement Research reported in 2010. The older you get, the greater your vulnerability to scams, unscrupulous advisers, or just poor judgment.

The stakes are high: Fraud victims 65 and older lost an average of $30,000, Allianz found last year. One in 10 lost more than $100,000.

In my latest for Money magazine, I discuss measures to take that can protect your finances, or the finances of a parent or older relative.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

September 3, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How transferring a credit card balance could affect your credit score. Also in the news: How helicopter parents can damage their child’s financial future, what grandparents can do to help their grandchildren grow financially, and why planning on working through retirement could be a disaster.

Will Transferring a Credit Card Balance Hurt My Credit?
Where credit utilization ratio comes into play.

4 Ways Helicopter Parents Can Harm Their Kids’ Chances At Success
Building financial insecurity.

6 Ways to Help Your Grandchildren to a Great Financial Future
Counteracting helicopter parenting.

Why Planning to Work in Retirement Is a Risky Business
Health problems could interfere.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

September 1, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to stay safe while shopping for Labor Day bargains. Also in the news: Trusting apps that access your credit card, how to clear your ChexSystems record, and financial planning tips for college students.

Labor Day Deals: How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online
Don’t get taken for a ride while bargain hunting.

Should You Trust Apps That Access Your Credit Card Information?
Convenience doesn’t always mean safety.

5 Steps for Getting Your ChexSystems Record Cleared
When’s the last time your checked your ChexSystems record?

10 Financial Planning Tips for College Students
It’s all about the budget.

Calculate the Expected Salary (and Debt) With Your Degree
How much you’ll make and how much it’ll cost you.