Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Recent Blog Posts

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mastering the awkward financial talk. Also in the news: Co-signing a student loan with bad credit, younger consumers getting a credit boost from their elders, and one in five fear they’ll owe the IRS money this spring. Mastering the Awkward Financial Talk Tackling tough topics with ease. Can I Co-Sign a Student […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to quickly drop holiday debt. Also in the news: What to know when you hire a tax pro, what to buy (and skip) in February, and when to add your kid as an authorized user on your credit card. How to Quickly Drop Holiday Debt Shake off those extra zeroes. What […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why credit cards are targeting ‘convenience’ spending. Also in the news: When you tax refund can hurt more than it can help, how to master the awkward financial talk, and why $3 million is the new $1 million when it comes to retirement. Why Credit Card Rewards Are Targeting ‘Convenience’ Spending Convenience […]

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Q&A: Survivor benefits and earnings tests

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you suggested someone might not want to apply for early survivor benefits if they were still working because earnings over $18,240 will be reduced by $1 for every $2 earned. I don’t understand the logic. One can still earn $18,240, plus half of additional earnings plus the survivor benefit. […]

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Q&A:Don’t make this mistake with your retirement savings

Dear Liz: My wife and I are in our mid-40s and planning to buy what likely will be the last house we’ll purchase. I’ve decided to withdraw around $15,000 from my IRA to buy down the rate, which will guarantee returns in the form of interest savings, even if those will be less than the […]