Ask Liz Weston

Q&A: Retail cards are often easier to get than credit cards

Dear Liz: You recently answered a question from someone who was rejected for a credit card because of a lack of credit history. Years ago, my wife was rejected for similar reasons. She signed up for a card with a local retailer, then successfully reapplied for the credit card six months later. Maybe the industry […]

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: How to make sure you have enough auto insurance coverage. In other news: Limited gender markers add hurdles for nonbinary people, consider paying workers more often to retain them, and why adding a child as an authorized user might not help their credit. How to Make Sure You Have Enough Auto Insurance […]

What college students need to know about payment apps

For college students, sending money to friends has never been easier thanks to peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App. But that convenience poses risks, including vulnerability to errors, fraud and the tendency to overspend. As a result, payment apps can contribute to financial stress at a time when young people are learning […]

Q&A: Closing accounts won’t help your credit scores

Dear Liz: I have an 834 credit score, with three credit cards. I don’t carry debt or pay annual fees. I’m considering closing one of my cards and replacing it with one available through my credit union. Is it worth the hassle? Answer: Closing accounts won’t help your credit scores and may hurt them. If […]

Q&A: Avoid deducting personal expenses

Dear Liz: I am the sole owner of a condo. I am getting ready to realize a dream of mine by traveling around the world. I will be gone indefinitely. Thus, I am thinking about renting out my condo. I know I get a write-off for repairs on the unit, cleaning supplies, etc. What about […]

Filed Under: Q&A, Taxes

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: April mortgage rates will be stuck in neutral as inflation idles. In other news: Certain borrowers should consolidate their federal student loans by April 30 to get forgiveness, defaulting on a car loan, and what a Kroger-Albertsons merger could mean for grocery shoppers. April Mortgage Rates Will Be Stuck in Neutral as […]

Q&A: Great credit, but rejected for a credit card. What gives?

Dear Liz: I recently applied online for a credit card and was rejected, as my credit reports were frozen. I thawed them and applied again, only to be declined again. I received a letter stating that the rejection was because I have no installment credit history. I have no debt, credit scores in the mid-800s and […]

Q&A: The ins and outs of what counts for probate

Dear Liz: The value of our car, furniture and personal items is well below the $185,000 that currently triggers probate in California. We no longer own real estate. Am I correct that investment and bank accounts that have designated beneficiaries do not count toward the probate limit? Answer: Yes. (Your car doesn’t count either, by the way.) […]

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