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 […]
Recent Blog Posts
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 […]
Q&A: To qualify for Social Security survivor benefits
Dear Liz: I am 85 and have been living (unmarried) with a man since about 1977. We have always filed our tax returns separately and now we both collect Social Security. I have been told that when one of us passes, the other cannot collect the deceased one’s benefits. We have been thinking about getting […]
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 […]