Liz's Blog

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 8, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Five changes lawmakers have made to your taxes for 2015. Also in the news: Keeping your low-down-payment mortgage affordable, why using a Roth IRA to pay for college could work against you, and three reasons why you can’t stick to a budget.

5 Major Changes Lawmakers Made to Your Taxes
Getting ready for 2015.

How to Keep a Low-Down-Payment Mortgage Affordable
How to handle PMI.

Using a Roth IRA to Pay for College May Work Against You
Your child’s financial aid package could take a hit.

3 reasons why you just can’t stick to a budget
Besides being human.

Retailers’ data breaches could get ‘ugly’
More like ‘uglier’.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

December 5, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to decide which debts you should pay off first. Also in the news: Financial topics you should never discuss at work, a key tax move you need to check before the end of the year, and how to offer financial advice to your adult kids.

Which Debts Should You Pay Off First?
How to develop a strategic pay off plan.

3 Financial Topics You Should Never Discuss at Work
Keep these conversations off-limits.

Don’t Let December End Without Looking at This Key Tax Move
Preparing for 2015 taxes.

How to Offer Financial Advice to Your Adult Child
Approaching a difficult conversation.

Plan Out a Year of Life as a Retiree To Jump-Start Your Saving
Giving your savings a boost in the right direction.

4 In 5 Millennials Optimistic For Future, But Half Live Paycheck To Paycheck
A look at the financial lives of millennials.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

December 3, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Time to start getting your finances ready for 2015. Also in the news: How to give yourself a holiday bonus, protecting yourself and your credit from “Santa Scams”, and an end-of-the-year financial checklist.

15 tips on turning your finances around in 2015
Start getting ready.

Give Yourself (not Uncle Sam) a Christmas Bonus
Time to look at your W-4.

Santa Claus Is Coming… for Your Credit Cards
Watch out for the Letters From Santa scam.

Your End-of-Year Financial Checklist
Starting 2015 off on the right foot.

3 Reasons Why You Just Can’t Stick to a Budget
And how to fix them.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

December 2, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Seven financial moves to make before New Year’s Eve. Also in the news: When you should use your credit card instead of your debit card, what to do when you’re 40 and have nothing saved for retirement, and busting four common myths about taxes.

7 Financial Moves to Make Before New Year’s Eve
Preparing yourself for 2015.

6 Times You Should Use a Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card
Credit cards can provide more protection.

What to Do When You’re 40 and Have Nothing Saved for Retirement
Don’t panic.

5 Ways to Combat an Online Shopping Addiction
Tips to combat a growing problem.

4 Common Myths About Taxes
Time for some tax mythbusting.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 1, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why debt doesn’t have to ruin your holiday season. Also in the news: How time can heal your credit wounds, where you’ll have to pay sales tax on Cyber Monday, and how to protect yourself from charity fraud during the holidays.

Don’t let debt ruin your holiday season
Manage and reduce your debt while still enjoying the holidays.

Time heals all wounds when it comes to credit
Time and responsibility are the best remedies for credit bruises.

On Cyber Monday, Will You Have to Pay Sales Tax?
It all depends on where you live and where you shop.

How to protect yourself against charity fraud during the holidays
Don’t let thieves take advantage of your generosity.

How Information Overload Can Hurt Your Retirement
Take small bites instead of big chunks.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

November 28, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to find the best airfare deals. Also in the news: Financially preparing for a job search, how “reason codes” can help improve your credit, and ten money moves to make before the end of the year.

3 Insider Tips for Getting the Best Airfare Deal
How to get the best possible deal on flights.

Preparing Financially for a Job Search
Three tips to help you survive the hunt.

Pay Attention to Credit Report “Reason Codes” to Improve Your Score
These codes can help you improve your credit.

10 Smart Money Moves to Make Before the Year Ends
Don’t put off your finances until the new year.

Want to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early? Not So Fast
Why you should carefully consider where your money should go.