Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Recent Blog Posts

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Financial vital signs to monitor right now

A midyear financial review is often a good idea. This year, it’s almost essential. With people going back to offices, travel resuming, and Congress making significant changes to various laws affecting your finances, consider taking some time to check in on your money. You might be able to make some smart moves to reflect the […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A Roth IRA could help you avoid taxes like the ultrawealthy. Also in the news: How one DUI can nearly double your car insurance, the Child Tax Credit scam, and flying first class for cheap(er) right now. A Roth IRA Could Help You Avoid Taxes Like the Ultrawealthy You, too, could lower […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: With student loan payments set to return, here’s how to get help. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money Podcast on managing finances abroad and a mid-year money check-in, taking financial advice from Reddit, and how to know if you’ll receive a plus-up stimulus payment. With Student Loan […]

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Q&A: Credit scores and card limits

Dear Liz: I have a 780 credit score but noted that one of my cards doesn’t count in the percent of credit used. I have had this card for 44 years and I could charge a couple hundred thousand dollars on a single purchase if I chose to, yet credit scoring formulas don’t figure in […]

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Q&A: Withdrawals from an inherited 401(k)

Dear Liz: A relative inherited a 401(k) as a listed beneficiary, and it was simply rolled over into an IRA in her name. Now another family member wants some of the money. The relative keeps trying to explain that if she pulls out any or all of the money, it will be taxed and reduce […]