Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Credit Score

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 11 personal finance books you should read before you turn 30. Also in the news: Avoiding Valentine’s Day scams, five ways to boost your credit score, and how to prepare financially for the zombie apocalypse. wall_street_zombie_money

11 Personal Finance Books You Should Read Before You Turn 30
Time to load up the e-reader.

5 Valentine’s Day Scams to Avoid
Don’t let cupid break your heart or your wallet.

5 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
Simple guidelines for the path to credit perfection.

Preparing Financially for the Zombie Apocalypse
Keeping an eye out for walkers.

4 Free Tools to Super Charge Your 401k or IRA
Give your retirement savings a boost.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The wrong way to boost your credit score. Also in the news: Target’s data breach spreads to big hotels, how to make a tax lien disappear, and better, more responsible ways to use credit cards. images (1)

The Wrong Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
What not to do in pursuit of a better score.

Latest Known Credit Card Data Breaches Target Big Hotels
If you’ve stated at the Sheraton, Marriott, or Holiday Inn, pay close attention to your bank statement.

How to Make a Tax Lien Disappear
How to handle on of the worst things to appear on your credit report.

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Responsible Way to Use Credit Cards
Credit cards are not the enemy.

10 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings
It’s time to build a better nest egg.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: A simple way to help your credit. Also in the news: Financial fasting, the best financial resolutions for the New Year, and why you’re not being paid what you’re worth.

What’s the Simplest Thing I Can Do to Help My Credit?
This one thing could make a huge difference.

Should You Go on a Financial Fast?
It’s like a diet for your wallet.

The Most Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions
Which resolutions work and which ones don’t.

5 Reasons You’re Making Less Money than You Should
Stop undervaluing your worth.

ObamaCare and early retirement
How Obamacare could help you retire early.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 7 expenses that vanish when you retire. Also in the news: earning extra cash for the holidays, money mistakes to avoid in your 40’s and 7 questions to ask before you retire.

7 Expenses That Vanish During Retirement
Time to kiss commuting expenses goodbye!

7 Things Your Credit Score Doesn’t Reveal
The source of your debt is one of them.

Ready to Retire? Answer these 7 Questions First
Seven questions you need to answer before handing in your papers.

How to Earn Extra Cash for the Holidays
Legitimate ways to earn money from home for the holidays.

Money Mistakes You Can’t Make In Your 40s
Starting with having too much credit card debt.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: A bill in front of Congress could change the way credit scores are calculated. Also in the news: Lifehacks for your wallet, how using your middle name could hurt your credit rating, and how to save money on Halloween Costumes.

How Your Middle Name Could Hurt Your Credit
The slightest variation in your name could damage your credit.

6 Frightfully Frugal Halloween Costumes
Don’t let your wallet get tricked.

11 Life Hacks — For Your Wallet
Some creative tips to help you save money.

Should credit scores include rent and cable bills?
Congress could revamp the way credit scores are calculated.

8 Tips for Saving Money While Traveling This Holiday Season
Holiday travel without the holiday headaches.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Chevy VoltPlaying mortgage tag, how to protect your accounts from cyber spies, and surviving the dreaded audit.

The bank that rejects the most mortgages
A rejection at one bank could still mean approval at another.

3 Accounts That Could Hurt Your Credit Score
Looking beyond credit cards.

How to prevent financial snooping
How to keep your accounts safe from prying eyes.

How to survive an IRS audit
Tips on getting through the financial turmoil of an audit.

The Pros and Cons of Assuming a Car Lease
Weighing your options before you get behind the wheel.