Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

banking

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 5 reasons to lease – not buy – your electric car. Also in the news: CD early withdrawal penalties can cost you, how to read between the lines of Airbnb listings, and nearly 100,000 members of Generation Z already own a home.

5 Reasons to Lease — Not Buy — Your Electric Car
Keeping up with the evolution.

CD Early Withdrawal Penalties Can Cost You
How to avoid getting hurt.

How to Read Between the Lines of Airbnb Listings
Spotting the red flags.

Nearly 100,000 members of Generation Z own a home (they’re 23 and younger)
Their average mortgage balance is $140,000.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Selling stocks in a panic could jack up your tax bill. Also in the news: This 5-minute task can protect your banking rep, how to get started with frequent flyer programs, and how your Amazon Echo could be making you spend more money.

Selling Stocks in a Panic Could Jack Up Your Tax Bill
Don’t act impulsively.

This 5-Minute Task Can Protect Your Banking Rep
Using a ChexSystem freeze.

How to Get Started With Frequent Flyer Programs
Start putting all those miles to work.

Your Amazon Echo could be making you spend more money
In addition to laughing at random times.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 4 good ways to put your tax refund to work. Also in the news: 4 wats to speed up your tax refund, how 3 students got an education on the cheap, and Amazon may be getting into the banking business.

4 Good Ways to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Use your refund to ease financial stress.

4 Ways to Speed Up Your Tax Refund
Skip the mailbox.

How 3 Students Got an Education on the Cheap
Avoiding years of debt.

Amazon’s next product may be a checking account
The online giant is eyeing banking.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to throw a blockbuster Oscar bash on an indie budget. Also in the news: Checking out your hotel room for safety, the stock market is back on the roller coaster, and why paper bank statements aren’t done just yet.

Throw a Blockbuster Oscars Bash on an Indie Budget
The award for Best Party could be yours.

Check In to Your Hotel Room, Then Check It Out for Safety
Making sure you stay safe on the road.

Stock Market Outlook: Back to a More Volatile Normal?
The roller coaster returns.

Don’t write off paper bank statements just yet
Going paperless isn’t for everyone.

You’re married, but your assets don’t have to be

By

People who aren’t rich or famous typically don’t have prenuptial agreements, which are legal documents detailing who gets what in a divorce. Even ordinary folks without prenups, though, should think about how to protect their money if something goes wrong.

Planning for divorce may be cynical, but it’s also smart, San Diego certified financial planner Ginita Wall says.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect your assets in case the unthinkable happens.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: What to do if the new tax law changes your paycheck. Also in the news: The smartest way to use gift cards, giving up your brick-and-mortar bank, and smart money moves for Black Americans in financial distress.

What to Do If the New Tax Law Changes Your Paycheck
What to look out for.

The Smartest Way to Use Gift Cards
How to get the most value.

Can You Afford to Give Up Your Brick-and-Mortar Bank?
Making the switch to mobile banking.

Smart Money Moves for Black Americans in Financial Distress
Fighting against income disparity.