Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Saving Money

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Handsome man in garageTips on summer finances, the dangers of excessive mortgages and how not to turn your home into a money pit.

How to Save More Money This Month
Six ideas to help you get through June without breaking the bank.

No, You Shouldn’t Take Out the Largest Mortgage Possible
Don’t be tempted by still-low mortgage rates.

How to Give Your Finances a Summer Makeover
Ten tips on strengthening your finances over the summer months.

Nail Your Home Renovation Budget
How to ensure your home does not become a money pit.

How to Avoid a Summer Vacation Disaster
Don’t let your summer vacation turn into a summer nightmare.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

collegeWhat to watch out for with credit cards, when you need to pay U.S. taxes and a possible light at the end of the student loan tunnel.

How to Stop a Neverending Student Loan Nightmare

Could there be a real solution to the student loan crisis?

The Case Against Credit Cards: Overspending, Obesity, Inequality

Credit can be a helpful tool, but it also may make us “dumber, fatter, poorer.”

Living Abroad? Your ‘Tax Home’ Could Still Be U.S.

How to pay U.S. tax rates while living in your newly purchased English manor.

How to Get the Most Value From Your Home Inspection

The home inspection could be the most important part of your potential sale.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

The hackerBanks are watching your Facebook account, escaping a lease, and keeping your cool.

The Identity Theft Flu: 5 Ways to Stay Healthy

There’s no way to completely protect yourself from identity theft, but here are some ways to boost your financial immune system.

Using Social Media to Stop Online Payment Fraud

Your Facebook status updates could soon be used to verify your financial state.

Is Creating a Personal Budget a Good Idea?

Experts debate the pros and cons of personal budgets.

When and How to Break a Lease

Tips on how to break a lease as painlessly as possible.

Smart Ways to Slash Your Summer Bills

How to stay  cool without melting your wallet.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Old Woman Hand on CaneTips on staying debt free, managing an aging parent’s finances and the importance of “the money talk” before heading down the aisle.

How to Stay Debt-Free

Small steps you can take to stay out of debt.

Does This Smell Bad to You? How Long Foods Last

Tips on how to save money by not wasting food.

10 Items Whose Prices Have Jumped the Most in the Past 10 Years

Gasoline, college tuition and…eggs?

Have a Debt Talk Before ‘I Do’

Before walking down the aisle, find out where you both stand on past, present and future debt.

How to Approach Aging Parents’ Mental Decline

Advice on how to deal with parents’ compromised financial situations in a sensitive manner.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Flying Piggy BankHow to get the most out of your summer vacation, protecting yourself from medical identity theft, correcting financial myths and how to start saving for retirement.

3 Ways to Maximize Your Frequent Flier Miles This Summer

While holiday blackouts can make redeeming frequent flier miles difficult during the summer, there are still good deals to be had if you know where to look.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraud at the Hospital

Identity thieves are targeting victims at their most vulnerable. Find out what you can do to protect yourself.

Want More Time Off? Some Employers Let You Buy It

A novel approach to managing vacation time could allow you to purchase a day off or sell time you’re not going to use.

Financial Advisers Correct Common Personal Finance Myths

Meet the five common personal finance myths and how to avoid them.

How To Start Saving For Retirement

The good news is that it’s not too late. The bad news is that it will be if you wait any longer.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

House With Tree DamageThe inconvenient costs of convenience checks, the effects of the sequester on the unemployed, how to save money by purchasing an energy efficient home, how to save your financial sanity when your kids move back home and why hurricane season means it’s time to check your auto insurance coverage.

The True Costs of Credit Card Convenience Checks

The checks sent by your credit card company under the guise of convenience could lead to some very inconvenient fees.

Why the Unemployed Are Seeing Smaller Checks

The effects of sequestration mean 11% to 22% cuts for unemployment checks.

Bill Would Sweeten Loans for Energy-Efficient Homes

Purchasing an energy-efficient home could land you a larger mortgage and a lower interest rate under a Senate bill introduced with broad real estate industry support.

How to Set Money Ground Rules For A Boomerang Kid

With over 13% of parents having a grown child living at home, it’s important to set financial ground rules in order to keep the peace.

Hurricane season: Make sure your car is covered

Hurricanes damage hundreds of thousands of cars, but insurer rules prevent last-minute buying of coverage. Now is the time to review your policy.