Ask Liz Weston

January 26, 2021 By Liz Weston

The tax credit fix many can’t afford to miss

Families battered by the pandemic recession soon may discover that the tax refunds they’re counting on are dramatically smaller — or that they actually owe income tax. Congress offered a partial solution, but the fix hasn’t been widely publicized, consumer advocates say. Refunds are crucial to many lower- and moderate-income households, which use the money […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: tax credits, Taxes, unemployment benefits

January 25, 2021 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A guide to PPP loan forgiveness. Also in the news: High car insurance rates could be because of bad credit, 4 signs your about to get a tax surprise, and how to budget when you hate to budget. A Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness High Car Insurance Rates? Bad Credit May Be […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: bad credit, budgets, car insurance, PPP loan forgiveness, tax surprises, tips

January 25, 2021 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Survivor vs. retirement benefits

Dear Liz: I was 21 and my husband was 69 when we got married. He died in 1992 after 13 years of marriage. Our young son and I received survivor benefits for years. I got remarried in 2000 and divorced in 2008. When I reach my full retirement age of 66 years and 8 months, […]

Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement, Social Security Tagged With: q&a, retirement benefits, Social Security survivor benefits, survivor benefits

January 25, 2021 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Should you pay down debt with extra cash? It may not be the best plan during a pandemic

Dear Liz: I’m a teacher on an income-based repayment plan for my federal student loans. I don’t qualify for any loan forgiveness programs for teachers because I teach in an affluent area. Right now, interest and payments on federal education loans have been suspended because of the pandemic. I’m trying to decide what to do […]

Filed Under: Credit & Debt, Q&A, Student Loans Tagged With: debt, pandemic, q&a, Student Loans

January 22, 2021 By Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: These savings accounts give you a chance to win cash. Also in the news: How to pull off a month of no spending, how young drivers can steer clear of costly car insurance, and how to find legal advice if you can’t afford a lawyer. These Savings Accounts Give You a Chance […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car insurance, Frugal February, legal aid, prize-linked savings accounts, savings accounts, young drivers

January 21, 2021 By Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Hotels turn to elopement package to attract those planning weddings. Also in the news: Ideas for paying off credit card debt, how the pandemic has changed Americans’ financial thinking, and how President Biden’s executive orders will affect your debt. Hotels Turn to Elopement Packages to Attract Those Planning Weddings These deals can […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, executive orders, hotels, pandemic, President Biden, weddings

January 20, 2021 By Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Unpacking the myths of investing in the stock market. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on buying cryptocurrency and tackling debt, life insurance companies are becoming more marijuana-friendly, and asking for reconsideration after being denied a credit card. Unpacking the Myths of Investing in the Stock […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card reconsideration, cryptocurrency, debt, investing myths, life insurance, marijuana use, Smart Money podcast, tips

January 20, 2021 By Liz Weston

How to make budgeting as painless as possible

Budgeting is a pain. But what’s more painful is a bill you can’t easily pay, debt that costs a fortune or not having enough money to retire. Fortunately, you can have a useful, working budget without watching every penny. Automation, technology and a few simple guidelines can keep you on track. In my latest for […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Budgeting, tips

January 19, 2021 By Liz Weston

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Jump start your credit by developing two essential habits. Also in the news: Four questions to ask before buying homeowners insurance, how to handle vehicle repossession, and how much a DUI can cost you. Jump-Start Your Credit: Develop 2 Essential Habits These two habits matter most. Buying Homeowners Insurance? Ask These 4 […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit habits, DUI, homeowners insurance, vehicle repossession

January 18, 2021 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 financial experts who could steer you wrong. Also in the news: Treating investing like a subscription, 7 credit card perks to prioritize in 2021, and Disney cancels its annual Passport Program. 4 Financial ‘Experts’ Who Could Steer You Wrong Be cautious about taking advice from sources who care more about their […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card perks, Disneyland, financial experts, Investing, tips

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