Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Recent Blog Posts

By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 ways to prepare and pack for COVID-Era travel. Also in the news: 8 safety tips for solo female travel, how doing a subscription detox could plug monthly budget leaks, and how to take advantage of (and keep) a high credit score. 5 Ways to Prepare and Pack for COVID-Era Travel A […]

By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 common debt consolidation mistakes and how to avoid them. Also in the news: Inflation could be sapping your pandemic savings, how your driving habits can lower your insurance bills, and how lifestyle creep can erode your savings one raise at a time. 4 Common Debt Consolidation Mistakes and How to Avoid […]

By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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 […]

By

Q&A: Medicare and Social Security

Dear Liz: If my wife and I wait until we are 70 to collect Social Security but retired at our full retirement age of 66 and 2 months, would we still be able to get Medicare for those 3 years and 10 months before we reach 70? Answer: You’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, […]

By

Q&A: Saving after retirement

Dear Liz: I’m retired, age 67. I have a SEP that requires me to pay taxes on any withdrawals. I also have standard savings and checking accounts. The SEP has been earning 13% to 14% annually, and of course the savings account earns very little. Where does it make sense for me to place savings […]