Ask Liz Weston

August 3, 2015 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to protect your bank account. Also in the news: How to financially survive moving, how to rebuild your credit, and how to curb your impulse buying. 5 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Bank Account Defending your assets. Married and moving? Heed these money tips Packing is stressful enough. How […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budgets, couples and money, Credit, Credit Score, Identity Theft, impulse purchases, moving

August 3, 2015 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Paying off student loans vs saving for retirement

Dear Liz: I’m engaged to be married and need your advice on getting started in the world of shared finances. My fiance is 43, I’m 31. He’s debt free, with a savings account but no retirement fund. I have $34,000 in student loans (consolidated at 4.25%) and it weighs heavily on my mind as I’m […]

Filed Under: Couples & Money, Credit & Debt, Q&A, Student Loans Tagged With: couples and money, debt, q&a, retirement savings, Student Loans

August 3, 2015 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Delaying Social Security benefits

Dear Liz: I’d like to get something straightened out. Between things that you and other columnists have said, we laymen have been told that if we wait until we’re 70 to start taking Social Security, we’ll get 8% more for each year we delay, and a total of 40% more than if we start taking […]

Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement Tagged With: q&a, Retirement, Social Security

July 31, 2015 By Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Where you can do your back-to-school shopping tax-free! Also in the news: Personal finance apps for young people, what to do when your identity is stolen, and money moves every 20-something should make before the end of summer. 18 States Where You Can Do Your Back-to-School Shopping Tax-Free More money for school […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: back-to-school shopping, financial apps, Identity Theft, money moves, Retirement, tax-free shopping

July 30, 2015 By Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Avoiding financial aid scams. Also in the news: Escaping the credit card fee trap, a beginner’s guide to your company’s stock plan, and the credit score for small businesses. Not So FAFSA: How to Avoid a Student Aid Scam Protecting both your information and your child’s. How to Escape the Credit-Card Fee […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card fees, Credit Cards, Credit Scores, employee stocks, FICO SBSS, Identity Theft, Student Loans

July 29, 2015 By Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What your bank won’t tell you when you get a mortgage. Also in the news: Retiring your debts before retirement, health care to-dos that can save you money, and apps that can keep your cell phone safe from security threats. 4 Things Your Bank Won’t Tell You When You Get a Mortgage […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, debt, health care, Identity Theft, mortgage, Retirement

July 28, 2015 By Liz Weston

Should you send your kid to college with a credit card?

Savvy parents know the importance of building a good credit history. They also know that paying with a credit card can be more convenient and secure than other methods. But personal finance expert Janet Bodnar has one word of advice for parents thinking of providing their college-bound children with a credit card: don’t. “It’s dangerous […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college, college students, Credit Cards, Credit Scores, kids and money, Kiplingers

July 28, 2015 By Liz Weston

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: More than half of college students don’t check their credit scores. Also in the news: Avoiding common home buying mistakes, the habits of successful savers, and three employee benefits you may be missing. More Than Half of Students Don’t Check Their Credit Scores A very big mistake. How To Avoid Common Home […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, Credit Scores, employee benefits, home buying mistakes, saving tips, tax consultants, Taxes

July 27, 2015 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What can lead to a black mark on your credit report. Also in the news: Rules to follow for starting a business with a friend, how to reduce student loan costs, and the most undervalued cities in the United States. What Will Leave a Black Mark on My Credit Report? Discovering what […]

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: black mark, Credit, credit report, starting a business, Student Loans, undervalued cities

July 27, 2015 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse

Dear Liz: I have heard conflicting information about Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse. We divorced after 18 years and I have not remarried. What percent of his benefit is available to me? My own Social Security is low as it started as a disability payment and then converted to regular Social Security […]

Filed Under: Divorce & Money, Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: death benefits, Divorce, q&a, Social Security

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