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There’s always a next recession, so be prepared

January 22, 2019 By Liz Weston

Recessions are like natural disasters: They’re inevitable, but smart preparation may reduce the impact on you.

The U.S. economy has grown steadily since emerging from the “Great Recession” in June 2009, but expansions can’t continue forever, and this one is already the second-longest on record. Only the expansion from March 1991 to March 2001 lasted longer.

Recessions occur when growth stops and the economy starts to shrink. They vary in severity and length, but often jobs disappear, incomes decline and lenders make it harder to qualify for credit.

Knowing what may be coming can help you fortify your finances to withstand a possible slowdown. In my latest for the Associated Press, some steps to consider.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budget, Credit Scores, recession, tips

Friday’s need-to-know money news

January 18, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to invest during a bear market. Also in the news: Saying goodbye to John Bogle, how to budget for a family trip to Disney, and questions to ask before taking a tax refund advance.

How to Invest During a Bear Market
Strategies to consider.

Why We’ll Miss John Bogle — and His Wealth of Investing Wisdom
Saying goodbye to a legend.

How to budget for a family trip to Disney.
Money for Mickey and friends.

Before Taking a Tax Refund Advance, Ask These Questions
Beware of hidden fees, high interest.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: bear markets, budget, Disney, Investing, John Bogle, tax refund, tax refund advance, travel

Friday’s need-to-know money news

January 11, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to budget for a family trip to Disney. Also in the news: How to cancel an extended car warranty, investment strategies for 2019, and 5 credit card trends to watch in 2019.

How to Budget for a Family Trip to Disney
Saving money for the Mouse.

How to Cancel an Extended Car Warranty — and Why You Might Want To
An expensive gamble.

Investment Strategies for 2019
Conquring the first quarter.

5 Credit Card Trends To Watch In 2019
Higher interest rates are on the way.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budget, credit card trends, Disney, extended car warranties, investment strategies, vacation

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

January 2, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Scrub these expenses from your budget in 2019. Also in the news: 3 simple strategies to max out your 401(k), how your slow cooker saves you money, and unnecessary fees to stop paying in the new year.

Scrub These Expenses From Your Budget in 2019
Hitting reset on your expenses.

3 Simple Strategies to Max Out Your 401(k)
It’s easier than you think.

How Your Slow Cooker Saves You Money
Set it and forget it.

Stop Paying Unnecessary Fees in the New Year
The most common fees and how to avoid them.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), budget, expenses, fees, slow cooker, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

November 19, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Smart ways to rein in holiday spending. Also in the news: Budgeting before Black Friday to prevent costly regrets, why you should check travel prices before Black Friday, and 7 things not to buy on Cyber Monday.

Smart Ways to Rein In Holiday Spending
Keeping your expenses in check.

Budget Before Black Friday to Prevent Costly Regrets After
Don’t go in without a plan.

Check Travel Prices Before Black Friday
You could be missing out on deals.

7 things NOT to buy on Cyber Monday
Not all sales are created equal.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Black Friday, budget, cyber Monday, shopping, tips, travel

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 8, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: At what age can you ignore your credit score? Also in the news: How to keep home improvements under budget, how holiday shopping plans are being influenced by the trade war, and 5 ways to spend down your 2018 FSA.

At What Age Can You Ignore Your Credit Score?
It’s older than you might think.

How to Keep Home Improvements From Demolishing Your Budget
Upgrading for less.

Americans’ Holiday Shopping Plans Taxed by Trade War
Paying attention to goods from China.

5 Ways to Spend Down Your 2018 FSA
The clock is ticking.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budget, China, Credit Score, Flexible Spending Account, FSA, holiday shopping, home improvements, trade war

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