Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

car buying

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How 3 people conquered credit trouble and bought homes. Also in the news: Top 10 apps for buying the right car at the right time, biting on Whole Foods new prices, and 6 Equifax hack rumors fact-checked.

How 3 People Conquered Credit Trouble and Bought Homes
How to come back from credit trouble.

Top 10 Apps for Buying the Right Car at the Right Price
Get the car you want at the price you want.

Should You Bite On Whole Foods’ New Prices? Maybe Not
Are you really saving?

6 Equifax hack rumors fact-checked
Fact from fiction.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

homebuyerToday’s top story: Credit cards that allow you to set spending limits for authorized users. Also in the news: 8 keys to getting approved for a mortgage if you’re self-employed, how to tell if you’re getting a good car deal, and how to find the best mortgage rates and lenders online.

Which Credit Cards Allow You to Set a Spending Limit for Authorized Users?
Setting limits.

Self Employed? 8 Keys to Getting Approved for a Mortgage and Buying a Home
It’s not impossible.

How to Tell If You’re Getting a Good Car Deal
Deciphering the doubletalk.

How To Find The Best Mortgage Rates And Lenders Online
Navigating the online mortgage waters.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Student-LoansToday’s top story: Finding the best student loan repayment plan. Also in the news: How student loans affect your taxes, calculating monthly car costs, and tax payment options for when you owe the IRS.

Find the Best Student Loan Repayment Plan for You
It’s going to take a while.

3 ways student loans affect your taxes
Don’t forget to deduct your interest.

Calculate a monthly car cost when buying outright to better weigh your options
A different way of thinking.

Tax payment options for when you owe the IRS
Rule #1: Don’t ignore it.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Hand with money and toy car isolated on white background
Hand with money and toy car isolated on white background
Today’s top story: Tricks to help you build good credit. Also in the news: How rising interest rates will affect your investments, understanding the credit bureau differences, and what you should know before buying a new car.

3 Simple Tricks That Can Help You Build Good Credit
Improving your score a little bit at a time.

4 Ways Rising Interest Rates Will Affect Your Investments
Your savings accounts will benefit.

Why Your Credit Scores at the Three Bureaus Are All Different
Understanding the differences.

How Do Dealers Set Car Prices?
What you should know before heading into the dealership.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

HomeHow not to sabotage your finances, what to be on the lookout for when buying a new car, and finding the hidden costs of retirement.

10 Ways to Sabotage Your Finances
Consider this a To Not Do List.

Use Cash or Mortgage to Buy a Vacation Home?
The answer may surprise you.

6 ways to financially protect yourself in case of serious injury
Don’t let your injuries spread to your finances.

5 sneaky car dealer sales tricks
How to avoid falling for the good old bait-and-switch.

4 Hidden Costs of Retirement
What to be on the lookout for.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

HomeHow to beat car dealers at their own game, managing your own wealth, and how to stay in your home after losing a spouse.

The Secret to Beating a Car Dealer
How to negotiate the best deal when purchasing a new car.

Why You Should Manage Your Own Money
Tips on how to manage your own wealth.

What’s the right mortgage for you?
Selecting the proper mortgage is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

Where It Costs The Most (And Least) To Own A Car
See where your state ranks.

After spouse dies, how to keep the house?
Advice on how to make decisions during one of the most difficult times of your life.