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Wonder Why You’re Broke? Look in the Driveway

February 17, 2016 By Liz Weston

Rockhead126's_1951_Mercury_CustomIf you’re struggling to make ends meet, your problem may not be too many lattes or dinners out. It may be sitting in your driveway.

Your monthly car payment is the tip of the iceberg.

Counting gas, registration and taxes, depreciation, tires, insurance and finance charges, Americans spend $8,700 a year on average — $725 a month — for the privilege of owning a typical midsize sedan, according to AAA, and more than $10,600 a year for an SUV. If you’re struggling with bad credit, the increased cost of financing and insurance will push those numbers even higher.

In my latest for NerdWallet, how to determine if you have too much car in your driveway.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: auto insurance, automobiles, Budgeting, cars, debt, personal finance

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

February 3, 2016 By Liz Weston

r218451_854528Today’s top story: How to keep calm and carry on in a volatile market. Also in the news: Why paying off your debt could hurt your mortgage chances, what the Super Bowl can teach you about money, and how your 2015 IRA contribution can hurt 2016-2017 college aid.

5 Ways to Keep Calm, Carry On in Volatile Market
Don’t panic.

Why Paying Off Debt Could Actually Hurt Your Homebuying Chances
Strategic debt management.

What the Super Bowl Can Teach You About Money
The game off the field.

Your 2015 IRA Contribution Will Hurt Your Kid’s College Aid In 2016-2017
Find out how.

What to Do When You’ve Hit a Plateau With Your Money Goals
How to break through.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt, financial aid, IRA contributions, mortgages, stock market, super bowl, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

January 11, 2016 By Liz Weston

download (1)Today’s top story: How to put an end to credit card solicitations. Also in the news: How a two checking account system could help automate your budget, how to maximize your pension, and five surprising sources of debt.

How to Stop Credit Card Solicitations for Good
Reclaiming your mailbox.

Use the Two Checking Account System to Automate Your Budget
Why two accounts could make budgeting easier.

Maximize Your Pension With This Calculator
Calculating the best option for your retirement.

5 Surprising Sources of Debt
Racking up debt from unexpected sources.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, budgets, checking accounts, credit card solicitation, Credit Cards, debt, Pension

Friday’s need-to-know money news

January 8, 2016 By Liz Weston

22856641_SAToday’s top story: How to tackle your holiday debt. Also in the news: Saving time on your FAFSA, how to deal with debt before retirement, and the best financial tips that can fit on an index card.

Pay Off Your Holiday Bills in This Order
Tackling your holiday debt.

5 Hacks to Save Time on Your 2016 FAFSA
File as soon as possible.

5 Ways to Deal With Debt Before Retirement
Preparing for life on a fixed income.

Can The Best Financial Tips Fit On An Index Card?
4 x 6 inches of guidance.

12 Predictions For How Tech Will Change Your Financial Life In 2016
A glimpse into the future.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, debt, FAFSA, holiday debt, money and tech, Retirement, Student Loans

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

January 7, 2016 By Liz Weston

321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: The excuses that are keeping you from being debt-free. Also in the news: A major data breach at Time-Warner Cable, smart ways to spend your tax refund, and why most Americans couldn’t handle a surprise $500 bill.

5 Excuses Keeping You From Being Debt-Free
No more excuses.

If you’re a Time-Warner Cable customer, you should change your passwords immediately
The first big data breach of 2016.

9 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Some are unexpected.

Most Americans can’t handle a $500 surprise bill
Living on the financial edge.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: data breach, debt, financial habits, Identity Theft, Savings, tax refund, Taxes, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 28, 2015 By Liz Weston

financial doomToday’s top story: How to jump-start your 2016 debt repayment plan. Also in the news: Money resolutions for 2016, how banks fail to stop elder abuse, and how three folders can make your tax preparation easier.

3 Ways to Jump-Start Your Debt Repayment Plan in 2016
No time to waste.

7 Money Resolutions To Make In 2016
Time to tackle your financial goals.

How banks fail to stop elder abuse
What’s holding them back?

Make Tax Prep Easier With a Three Folder System
Getting your paperwork in order.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: debt, debt repayment. money resolutions, elder abuse, tax preparation, Taxes

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