Ask Liz Weston

January 30, 2018 By Liz Weston

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Equifax extends credit freeze deadline. Also in the news: Why single parents are turning to online colleges, how credit card rewards can take the sting out of a starter budget, and strapped families hope President Trump will tackle student loans in tonight’s State of the Union address. How to Freeze Your Credit […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budgets, credit card rewards, credit freeze, Equifax, online colleges, starter budgets, State of the Union, Student Loans, Trump

January 29, 2018 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Before doing your taxes, gather these documents. Also in the news: 3 things to do when buying a house as an unmarried couple, how credit cards can help you save on buses and trains, and 4 money lessons every teenager needs to know. Before Doing Your Taxes, Gather These Documents Putting your […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, documents. real estate, money lessons, Savings, Taxes, teens and money, transportation, unmarried couples

January 29, 2018 By Liz Weston

Q&A: How to get a higher credit limit after the card company turns you down

Dear Liz: I asked for a credit limit increase on my Visa card from $5,000 to $20,000. I was turned down because of not enough income. I was very disappointed and wonder what if anything I can do to reverse the situation. I am a 77-year-old retired widow who owns my home with no mortgage. […]

Filed Under: Credit Cards, Q&A Tagged With: Credit, Credit Cards, credit limit, Credit Score, q&a

January 29, 2018 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Don’t rush when setting up your living trust

Dear Liz: Your column recently answered a question about whether a living trust was the right move, and I thought you mentioned a free online form or worksheet that one could download and fill out. Where can I find that? Answer: Many sites offering free software or forms are actually subscription services. You typically use […]

Filed Under: Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: Estate Planning, living trust, q&a

January 26, 2018 By Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why free life insurance at work might not be enough. Also in the news: 5 personal finance books to read this year, picking a career you’ll actually like, and why your debt to income ration matters. Why Free Life Insurance at Work Might Not Be Enough Making sure you’re fully covered. 5 […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: career advice, Credit, Credit Score, debt-to-income ratio, life insurance, personal finance books

January 25, 2018 By Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 ways debt settlement may not be the fix you expect. Also in the news: NFL great Eric Dickerson shares money and life lessons, where to find low-cost checking and the reason why most people get rejected for a personal loan. 3 Ways Debt Settlement May Not Be the Fix You Expect […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: bank of america, Credit Score, debt, debt settlement, Eric Dickerson, life lessons, low-cost checking, NFL, Personal Loans

January 24, 2018 By Liz Weston

Should we pay people to save?

Long ago, people were rewarded for saving. Banks contributed something known as “interest” to the amounts deposited in savings accounts. OK, technically they still do, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing the tiny amounts added in a low-rate environment. The current average interest rate on savings accounts is 0.06 percent. Anemic rates may not […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, incentives, rewards, Savings

January 24, 2018 By Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to max out your Roth IRA in 2018. Also in the news: Why smarter cars aren’t saving us money on car insurance, 4 tax breaks that could help those caring for elderly parents, and 5 money moves that will help you retire early. How to Max Out Your Roth IRA in […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car insurance, caregivers, early retirement, money moves, Retirement, retirement savings, Roth IRA, smart cars, tax breaks, tips

January 23, 2018 By Liz Weston

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The 4 best times to file taxes. Also in the news: What’s different in this year’s tax filings, 5 traits shared by the best financial planners, and could this be the year to buy a house? The 4 Best Times to File Taxes Never Mind Tax Reform — What’s Different When I […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: financial planners, Financial Planning, real estate, tax filings, Taxes

January 22, 2018 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 ways to invest in your career this week. Also in the news: How to pick stock investments, checking accounts for seniors, and using your emergency savings to pay off credit card debt. 3 Ways to Invest in Your Career This Week Give your career a boost. How to Pick Stock Investments […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: career advice, checking, checking accounts, credit card debt, emergency fub, Investments, seniors and money, Stocks

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