Today’s top story: How to build a credit score from the ground up. Also in the news: What happens to your Flexible Spending Account when you leave a job, financial insomnia, and how to get your spending back on track. How to Build a Great Credit Score From Scratch Building credit when you don’t have […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: IRA contributions and tax deductions
Dear Liz: I am changing jobs because of a layoff. I contributed to my former employer’s 401(k) to the extent possible. My new employer also offers a 401(k), but I won’t be eligible for a year. I want to use an IRA in the meantime. I do not understand how I should answer the question […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What you cannot ignore on your retirement statement. Also in the news: How to improve your finances in a single day, how teens can save money on car insurance, and why mental accounting can be dangerous. 4 Things You Can’t Ignore on Your Retirement Statement Pay close attention. 10 Ways to Improve […]
Q&A: Credit score changes
Dear Liz: My Discover card started including a complimentary credit score with my statement. My first report was 840. Each month since has been lower. Two months ago it was 812 and the last one was 800. I have not applied for any new loans, cards or other credit. My limit on this card is […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to build credit without a credit card. Also in the news: Financial steps to take if you’re getting divorced, apps to help with moving, and how your financial behavior is manipulated. 7 Ways to Build Credit Without a Credit Card Non-credit card options for building credit. 7 Financial Steps to Take […]
The recession has helped nudge women into science jobs
Encouraging more women to pursue careers in science, technology, education and math – the so-called STEM fields – is a worthy goal, given the potential payoff for our economy and for women who get jobs in these higher-paying fields. One surprising way to make it happen: Suffer through a recession. My column for Reuters explores […]