Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Home Depot is latest retailer to suffer a major data breach. Also in the news: How to organize your finances based on your personality type, which banks are the best and the worst with checking account fees, and three tips that could help you pay off your mortgage early. Home Depot Data […]

Continue reading...

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Building credit with a small income. Also in the news: The best time to buy virtually anything, how to make sure you can afford your next vacation, and demystifying credit card inquiries. How to build credit if you have a small income Strategic spending can build your credit. The Best Months to […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: How to calculate your estimated quarterly taxes

Dear Liz: I recently retired and started my own consulting business, which is doing very well. My question is on taxes. I have been told that I must pay quarterly taxes, but I have no idea if I will make $10 this month or $10,000. How do I estimate my income if I have no […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Social Security and spousal benefits

Dear Liz: A friend of mine has told me that he thinks that I can apply for spousal benefits at my full retirement age and hold off getting my Social Security under my own work record until I am 70. Here is the scenario: My husband is 77 and has been collecting Social Security since […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The retirement mistakes being made by Generation X. Also in the news: Why you shouldn’t use your debit card at a bar, committing to a budget, and how to avoid overspending triggers. 7 Retirement Mistakes Gen X Is Making Timing is everything 4 Reasons Not to Use Your Debit Card at a […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Thousands of homeowners are missing out on lower mortgage payments. Also in the news: How safe are your deposits, how to save money while you remodel, and why free checking can be a misnomer. 800,000 Homeowners Are Missing Out on Lower Mortgage Payments Are you one of them? How Safe is Your […]

Continue reading...

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save big on your mortgage when buying your first home. Also in the news: Why extended warranties may not save you money, three reasons not to raid your retirement account, and breaking bad financial habits. How First-Time Homebuyers Can Save Big on Their Mortgage Thanks to the FHA. Extended warranties […]

Continue reading...

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The secret weapon you should use to build a bigger 401(k). Also in the news: Avoiding the deferred interest credit card trap, talking to your kids about money before they leave for college, and why some borrowers with older student loans could see their payments reduced. The Secret To Building A Bigger […]

Continue reading...

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Five things to know about filing taxes for 2014. Also in the news: What you need to know about the UPS hack, when you should accept financial help from your parents, and how to score some last minute Labor Day travel deals. Filing Taxes for 2014: 5 Things to Know Planning ahead […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Transferring property from a deceased relative

Dear Liz: My mother passed away unexpectedly in late 2008. She had a mortgage, and the house was under her name only. She didn’t leave a will. My family is still paying the loan, and the company does not know my mother passed away. We don’t have a lot of money and we need advice […]

Continue reading...