Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

budgets

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: What rising prices could mean for your retirement plans. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on student debt and money baggage, how guests can honor their budgets in peak wedding season, and ways to mitigate credit card use during inflation.

What Rising Prices Could Mean for Your Retirement Plans
Inflation means your retirement savings won’t go as far. Here’s how to pivot.

Smart Money Podcast: New Student Debt, and a Couple’s Money Baggage
This week’s episode starts with a discussion of the student debt new high school grads — and their parents — could take on.

How Guests Can Honor Their Budgets in Peak Wedding Season
All signs point to a banner year for weddings in 2022. Here’s how guests can manage the costs to attend celebrations.

Ways to mitigate credit card use during inflation
Use them strategically.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 6 ways to budget using your bank account. Also in the news: Checking your finances now to avoid falling behind, how video games can level up kids’ money skills, and four questions to ask yourself before any big purchase.

6 Ways to Budget Using Your Bank Account
Your bank account can do more than store your money. It can help you control your spending, too.

Check Finances Now to Avoid Falling Behind
Financial experts recommend taking a close look at your retirement savings, planning for 2022 goals and more.

How Video Games Can Level Up Kids’ Money Skills
These four conversations can help your video game-loving kids learn about money.

You Should Ask Yourself These Four Questions Before Any Big Purchase
You need a game plan.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How digital estate planning can protect your online life. Also in the news: How to afford the summer of your dreams by building a budget, child tax credits start hitting US families’ bank accounts, and why you should negotiate your real estate agent’s commission in a hot market.

How Digital Estate Planning Can Protect Your Online Life
Name a digital executor and make sure you leave an inventory and login info so valuables and keepsakes aren’t lost.

Afford the Summer of Your Dreams by Building a Budget
To have fun in the sun without getting financially burned, set up a budget for now and later.

Child tax credit starts hitting US families’ bank accounts
Help arrives for parents.

Why You Should Negotiate Your Real Estate Agent’s Commission in a Hot Market
Taking advantage of a seller’s market.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to know when it’s time to ditch your starter credit card. Also in the news: How to cover yourself against car theft, tips on paying for your wedding, and how to make a budget if you want to freelance full time.

How to Know When It’s Time to Ditch a Starter Credit Card
Don’t get too comfortable with your first card — once it’s done its job, it’s time to move on.

Car Theft Is Up in the U.S.: Here’s How to Cover Yourself
With the right kind of insurance, you could avoid paying out of pocket if your car or catalytic converter is stolen.

Weddings Are Marching Back: Here’s How to Pay for Yours
It’s best to pay for a wedding with savings, but if you need to finance, look for low-interest options with affordable payments.

How to Make a Budget If You Want to Freelance Full Time
Turning side hustles into main hustles.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How much car insurance do you really need? Also in the news: As major credit card issuers pull back amid COVID, startups stepped in, reboot your budget to prepare for reopening, and when to expect a refund for your $10,200 unemployment tax break.

How Much Car Insurance Do You Really Need?
Too little car insurance and you’re financially vulnerable. But too much, and you’ll overpay. Here’s what to know.

As Major Credit Card Issuers Pulled Back Amid COVID, Startups Stepped In
Some products that were launched or expanded in 2020 don’t bother with credit checks at all and instead look at your income and bank account. They also charge no interest.

Reboot Your Budget to Prepare for Reopening
As states ease COVID restrictions and vaccinations pick up, here’s why it’s time to take a look at your finances.

When To Expect a Refund for Your $10,200 Unemployment Tax Break
What will happen if you filed your taxes before the new stimulus.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to retire rich without following a budget. Also in the news: a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on how to buy a house in 2021, a look at President Biden’s housing plans, and how much a divorce will cost you.

You’ll Never Follow a Budget. Here’s How to Retire Rich Anyway
Calculate your net worth by taking what you own and subtracting what you owe to measure your financial progress.

Smart Money Podcast: How to Buy a House in 2021
And a discussion of NerdWallet’s Best-Of Awards.

The Property Line: Biden Housing Plans Include Down Payment Help
Joe Biden’s campaign included numerous proposals to expand housing opportunity. Here’s what some of them might look like.

How Much Will A Divorce Will Cost You?
Breaking down the cost.