This week’s top story: Big questions on student debt still loom. In other news: Financial actions speak louder than resolutions, 5 ways to build your credit score in 2023, and how families can get seats together on a plane. 2023 Is Here — And Big Questions on Student Debt Still Loom As 2023 unfolds, big questions […]
Recent Blog Posts
How to prepare for your next emergency
When a power outage knocked out electricity to a multistate region in 2003, Gabriella Barthlow , a financial coach in the Detroit area, was prepared. She had enough money on hand to buy food for herself and her two young children, plus put gas in her car in case they needed to leave home. “I […]
Q&A: How to give away your house
Dear Liz: I want to make sure a close friend of mine gets my house after I pass away. Which is better tax-wise for this friend, adding her to my deed or leaving the house to her in my will? My fear of leaving it to her in my will is that a family member may […]
Q&A: How to improve credit card security
Dear Liz: Can you please explain why a personal identification number is not required when one uses a credit card? I know people who’ve had their card stolen and used quickly and for large amounts. That would immediately protect the credit card company from paying millions to cover losses. Answer: “Chip and PIN” cards — which combine […]
Q&A: Credit use and your scores
Dear Liz: When my credit utilization decreased to 24%, my credit score rose from 675 to 690. My utilization has since decreased to 17% but my score remains 690. Approximately what does my credit utilization have to be to see a credit score over 700? Answer: Keep in mind that you have many credit scores, not just one, and […]
Q&A: Transfer-on-death deed
Dear Liz: Having been through the probate process several times in California and Nevada, I can say it stinks. It’s expensive and occurs at a time when family is most stressed and saddened after having lost a loved one. Although estate planning and revocable trusts seem to be all the rage, I’d like to recommend another […]