Liz's Blog

Monday’s need-to-know money news

August 23, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 3 things to do before you buy crypto. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on back to school shopping and breaking bad money habits, student debt is canceled for borrowers with disability, and 6 ways to make your business more agile.

3 Things to Do Before You Buy Crypto
All your friends are doing it. Should you invest in crypto, too? Take it slow and meet other money goals first.

Smart Money Podcast: School Supply Shopping and Breaking Bad Money Habits
How to save money when back-to-school shopping this year.

Student Debt Canceled for Borrowers With Disability; $10K Forgiveness Stalled

6 Ways to Make Your Business More Agile
Small businesses with agility can quickly pivot to survive disruptions and take advantage of opportunities.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 10, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Need cash? Your brokerage account may offer a handy solution. Also in the news: 5 tools to make your remote-work business click, how to chop remodeling costs when wood prices are high, and how to stop a gym from charging your card after canceling your membership.

Need Cash? Your Brokerage Account May Offer a Handy Solution
A securities-based line of credit, or SBLOC, could help tide you over when purse strings are tight.

5 Tools to Help Your Remote-Work Business Click
Creating a remote-work environment has its challenges. These resources can strengthen your telework arrangement.

How to Chop Remodeling Costs When Wood Prices Are High
Use recycled materials, allow for flexibility and carefully budget to avoid overpaying for your remodel project.

How to Stop a Gym From Charging Your Card After Canceling Your Membership
A step-by-step guide on resolving a disputed gym charge.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

August 9, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What to do if your home insurer won’t renew your policy. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on job scams and maxing out a Roth IRA, how to hand mixed-income friendships, and student loan payments come back for real Feb. 1st.

What to Do If Your Home Insurer Won’t Renew Your Policy
Has a high-risk property left you without insurance coverage? You still have options.

Smart Money Podcast: Job Scams and Maxing Out a Roth IRA
How to spot job scams and how to avoid them.

How to Handle Mixed-Income Friendships
Empathy and realism are key.

Get Ready: Student Loan Payments Come Back for Real Feb. 1
Your financial situation should determine how you handle the final federal student loan extension.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

August 5, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Should you pack your COVID-19 vaccine card for your next trip? Also in the news: A Travel Nerd on Basic Economy, 4 cash-raising pitfalls, and what to do if you haven’t received your child tax credit.

Should You Pack Your COVID-19 Vaccine Card for Your Next Trip?
Travelers likely won’t need to prove their vaccination status for most trips, but there are some exceptions.

Ask a Travel Nerd: What’s the Deal With Basic Economy?
Every airline has different rules, but you usually can’t change or cancel basic economy fares.

4 Cash-Raising Pitfalls (and Better Options)
When you need cash fast, stop briefly to understand which options can hurt you more in the long term.

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Child Tax Credit
Don’t panic just yet.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

August 4, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 7 ways to manage Medicare drug costs. Also in the news: Prep for hiring your first employee with these 6 steps, how to have a retirement worth saving for, and how to buy and sell a house at the same time.

7 Ways to Manage Medicare Drug Costs
Medicare beneficiaries with pricey drugs can face high out-of-pocket costs. Here are some ways to lower the tab.

Ready to Hire Your First Employee? Prep With These 6 Steps
To hire successfully, business owners need to understand their finances, find professional support and more.

How to Have a Retirement Worth Saving For
A happy retirement isn’t all about money. Make a plan for health, social connection and day-to-day enjoyment.

How to Buy and Sell a House at the Same Time

4 cash-raising pitfalls (and better options)

August 4, 2021 By Liz Weston

If you’ve got more bills than money, the usual advice is to trim expenses and find additional income. But some ways of raising cash can be a lot more expensive than others. In my latest for the Associated Press, four that should be avoided, if possible, and what to consider instead.