budgets

Monday’s need-to-know money news

February 2, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why treating your household like a business could help your budget. Also in the news: The money moves you need to make right now, why it’s going to get tougher to get a student loan, and how to take advantage of the home office deduction.

How to Manage Your Household Budget Like a Business
Thinking of your home as a business can help keep your budget on track.

The Money Moves to Stop Procrastinating and Take Care of Now
No more excuses.

The Student Loan Rule Change That Could Hurt Parents With Bad Credit
Getting a student loan just became more difficult.

Tax Season: Demystifying the Home Office Deduction
Making sure your home office is legitimate.

Nationwide ad meant to be jarring
The insurance company defends depressing Super Bowl ad.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

January 14, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Knowing when you’ve been hit with a higher interest rate on your credit cards. Also in the news: Tips for an easier tax season, why your spending habits are killing your budget, and how you’re gambling with your money and don’t even know it.

How to Tell If You’ve Been Hit With a Higher Interest Rate on a New Credit Card
Introducing the Risk-Based Pricing Rule.

4 Steps to a Smoother Tax Season
It doesn’t have to be painful.

Examine Your Spending Habits Instead of Creating Categorized Budgets
Your habits could be dismantling your budget.

5 Things to Do Now to Avoid Freaking Out Over Taxes in April
Make your life a little easier.

5 Ways You’re Gambling With Your Money
And may not even know it.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

January 7, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: A month-by-month guide to staying on financial track. Also in the news: How to avoid making a big financial mistake, why you should consider a “money diet”, and how to simplify your 2015 finances.

A month-by-month guide to staying on financial track in 2015
Taking it one month at a time.

Don’t Make This Big Personal Finance Mistake
Why not having a credit card could do more harm than good.

Spending Hangover? Time For A Financial Cleanse
Clearing the financial fog.

Consider a Month-Long “Money Diet” to See How Savings Add Up
No cheating.

5 Ways to Simplify Your Finances in 2015
How to make things easier.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

January 6, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to choose your first credit card. Also in the news: Creating a secret financial goal number, unnecessary purchases that are killing your budget, and how to decide between a bank or a credit union.

You’re Finally Getting Your First Credit Card: How to Choose
Finding the card that best suits your needs.

Create a “Secret Number” to Make Your Financial Goal More Specific
Having a personalized number will help keep your goal in sight.

10 Unnecessary Purchases That Are Eating Up Your Budget
Small everyday purchases can add up to big bucks.

The Pros and Cons of a Credit Union Versus a Bank
Which one is right for you?

5 New Year’s Resolutions to Save on Taxes
How to keep more money in your pocket instead of the government’s.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

January 5, 2015 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to make 2015 your best financial year. Also in the news: Avoiding tax scams, why this tax season could be a nightmare, and how to make sure your retirement funds last as long as you do.

5 Tips for Making 2015 Your Best Financial Year
Resolutions for your wallet.

3 Common Tax Scams and How to Avoid Them
Tax season is officially under way.

‘Miserable’ tax season could be worst in years
And it could be an ugly one.

6 ways to make your retirement funds live longer
How not to outlive your retirement savings.

4 tips for catching up on retirement savings
These tips will help you do that.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 15, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: The credit card perk that can save you time and money. Also in the news: The dumb things people do to be frugal, why a big tax refund isn’t always a good thing, and the investment fees you didn’t know you were paying.

The Credit Card Perk That Can Save You Big Money
Getting the lowest price on your purchase.

7 Dumb Things People Do in the Name of Being Frugal
Good intentions, bad results.

Why a Big Income Tax Refund Is Not a Good Thing
The instant windfall that means you’ve been shortchanged.

The Investment Fees You Don’t Realize You’re Paying
How to start tracking stealthy fees.

The Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards in America
Getting the most points for your money.