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Monday’s need-to-know money news

March 22, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Making a plan to get your money resolution back on track. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on redlining and auto loans, the 6 biggest life insurance myths about COVID, and how to know if there’s too much cash in your savings account.

Make a Plan to Get Your Money Resolution Back on Track
Checking in at the three-month mark.

Smart Money Podcast: Redlining, and Paying Off a Car Loan
Redlining and its effects on the racial wealth gap.

The 6 Biggest Life Insurance Myths About COVID, Cost and Coverage
Life insurance may not be as expensive as you think. Learn the truth behind COVID impact, coverage cost and other myths.

How to Know If There’s Too Much Cash in Your Savings Account
A look at just how much cash you need on hand.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, COVID, life insurance, money resolutions, redlining, savings account, Smart Money podcast

Friday’s need-to-know money news

February 19, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Turn your quarantine clutter into money. Also in the news: 10 digital banking services changing up checking, what to do when you’re a victim of debit card fraud, and how your stimulus checks will affect your taxes.

Turn Your Quarantine Clutter Into Money
What to do if you went a little overboard.

10 Digital Banking Services Changing Up Checking
New banking players are redefining what a checking account looks like.

Debit Card Fraud? Act Fast to Protect Your Money
When dealing with debit card fraud, get in touch with your bank quickly to protect your account.

How Will Stimulus Checks Affect My Taxes?
Find out if you have to pay taxes on those checks.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, debit card fraud, quarantine clutter, stimulus checks, Taxes

Q&A: Dementia and financial accounts

February 8, 2021 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: You recently discussed the importance of adding spouses to financial accounts before one of them dies to make it easier for the surviving spouse. I wholeheartedly agree. I would add that this needs to be done sooner rather than later. If one of the spouses is diagnosed with dementia, the bank will likely not make changes to accounts. People have to be able to understand what they are signing.

Answer: That’s an excellent point. Another important task is to create powers of attorney for healthcare and finances. These allow someone else to make decisions for you if you are incapacitated. Someone in the early stages of dementia could sign such a document if they understand what it is, but otherwise the family might have to go to court to get a conservatorship, which can be an expensive process.

Filed Under: Banking, Elder Care, Q&A Tagged With: banking, dementia, q&a

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

February 3, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 6 rules for first-time car buyers. Also in the news: Buzzy banking apps for kids and teens, getting your bank accounts in order for 2021, and knowing your COVID mortgage forbearance rights.

6 Rules for First-Time Car Buyers
Break it down into an orderly process: budgeting, financing, choosing a car and then negotiating a clean deal.

Buzzy Banking Apps for Kids and Teens
Developing good money habits early.

Get Your Bank Accounts in Order With These 2021 Resolutions
Streamlining for the new year.

Know Your COVID Mortgage Forbearance Rights
How to report an unscrupulous lender.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, banking apps for kids, car buyers, COVID mortgage forbearance rights, first-time car buyers

Q&A: Reconciling checking accounts

December 7, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Any suggestions for the best way to catch up with monthly statements from checking accounts? Friends and I need to know: Should we start from the first one we missed or work backward?

Answer: With the switch to online banking, many people don’t reconcile their checkbooks anymore. In fact, many don’t use checks, so there’s no risk that one will clear belatedly and trigger overdrafts.

That’s not to say overdrafts aren’t possible or that errors and fraud don’t happen. People should review their transactions regularly, even if they don’t reconcile.

To answer your question, typically the best way to start reconciling your checking account is to start from the first month you missed and work forward.

Filed Under: Banking, Q&A Tagged With: banking, checking account, q&a

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 11, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals, smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance, and how get ready for gift card scams this season.

Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
In general, Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Are you?

The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals
The many options depend on how much you hope to earn, and how far away your savings goal is

Smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance
Planning for tomorrow

Get Ready for Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Scams never take a holiday.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, gift cards, holiday scams, life insurance, millennials, retirement savings by age, saving money, tips

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