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The high price of money shame

April 7, 2021 By Liz Weston

The U.S. suicide rate has risen dramatically in recent years, and certified money coach Tammy Lally of Washington, D.C., is convinced money shame is a contributing factor.

Lally’s brother died by suicide in 2007 after receiving a foreclosure notice. Shortly afterward, Lally’s mortgage business collapsed in the Great Recession. She says she went from driving a Mercedes and living in an oceanfront house to filing for bankruptcy.

“It blew me away, the level of pain and sadness that I was experiencing,” Lally says. “I didn’t tell anybody. I was pretending like nothing was going on.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, the origins of money shame and what can be done about it.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt, Financial Planning, money shame

Monday’s need-to-know money news

April 5, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Prepare for COVID medical bills this year. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pandemic savings goals and inheritance taxes, how to save on supplies as kids go back to school, and why your dog needs liability insurance.

Prepare for COVID Medical Bills This Year
Find out what’s covered under the law.

Smart Money Podcast: Pandemic Savings Goals and Taxes on Inheritance
A discussion about consumers’ saving habits during the pandemic.

Save on Supplies as Kids Go Back to School in Person

Why Your Dog Needs Liability Insurance Even if She’s Perfect
Personal liability, umbrella and animal liability coverage can keep your finances safe if your dog hurts someone.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: back to school supplies, COVID medical bills, pet liability insurance, Smart Money podcast, tips

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

April 1, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: If you need to find tax help, try DIY first. Also in the news: Can you still buy a used rental car at a bargain, the mortgage outlook for April, and when to expect your delayed stimulus check if you’re a Social Security recipient.

If You Need to Find Tax Help, Try DIY First
These resources and answers to common questions may help this tax season, as the IRS continues to be overwhelmed.

Can You Still Buy a Used Rental Car at a Bargain?
What to consider if you’re looking to purchase a former rental car.

Mortgage Outlook: April Rates Begin to Grow
Rates will rise on immunity euphoria.

When to Expect Your Delayed Stimulus Check, If You’re a Social Security Recipient
Expect payments by April 7 for most programs.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: mortgage outlook, Social Security, stimulus checks, tax help, used rental cars

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

March 31, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Spring travel ahead? One airline is prioritizing customer safety. Also in the news: Considering elite airline status in 2021, taking some of the mystery out of buying a house sight unseen, and how to build your credit without a credit card.

Spring Travel Ahead? One Airline Is Prioritizing Customer Safety
Delta is now the only major airline blocking middle seats on all domestic flights through the spring.

Is Airline Elite Status Worth Considering in 2021?
The requirements to earn elite status are lower this year, so it’s easier to get these perks for 2021 and 2022.

Take Some of the Mystery Out of Buying a House Sight Unseen
Finding the right agent and getting help from others on the ground can help you buy a house even if you can’t visit it in person.

How to Build Your Credit Without a Credit Card
Credit builder loans can help.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: airline travel, buying a house sight unseen, COVID, credit building, Delta airlines, real estate, tips, travel safety

If you need to find tax help, try DIY first

March 31, 2021 By Liz Weston

Getting help from the IRS this tax season is going to be a challenge.

The IRS has finally opened the 23.4 million pieces of mail that piled up after the pandemic shuttered its processing centers last spring. But the agency still has a backlog of paperwork from last year even as it ingests this year’s returns, issues a third round of relief payments and gears up to send monthly child tax credit payments to millions of families.

The tax deadline has been moved from April 15 to May 17, giving people more time to file. Getting help is another matter. Callers face long wait times with no guarantee they’ll reach a human being. Meanwhile, many tax help sites are closed or working at reduced capacity because of COVID-19 restrictions.

In my latest for the Associated Press, common questions and answers that could save you some time or point you to resources that will help.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: tax help, tax season, Taxes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 30, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to pick the right credit card for a major purchase. Also in the news: How to adjust your credit card strategy for 2021 travel, three factors to consider (and one to ignore) when choosing investment funds, and how you can deduct masks as a medical expense on your taxes.

How to Pick the Right Credit Card for a Major Purchase
That big-ticket item could earn you loads of rewards, or you could snag a lengthy no-interest period to pay off the purchase.

How to Adjust Your Credit Card Strategy for 2021 Travel
A new survey finds many Americans are planning trips this year. Credit card spending rewards can help cover costs.
When Choosing Investment Funds, Look at 3 Factors, Ignore 1
Forget about word of mouth.

How You Can Deduct Masks as a Medical Expense on Your Taxes
Find out how to qualify.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 2021 travel, COVID masks, Credit Cards, investment funds, major purchases, tax deductions

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