Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

digital assets

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to bypass ATM fees while you’re on the road. Also in the news: Protecting your digital privacy after you die, 4 smart ways to split bills with friends while traveling abroad, and as the school year begins, beware of hackers.

How to Bypass ATM Fees While You’re on the Road
A little research could save you some bucks.

Who Gets Your Digital Assets: Heirs or Hackers?
Protecting your privacy after you die.

4 Smart Ways to Split Bills With Friends While Traveling Abroad
No need to make it awkward.

As the school year begins, beware of hackers
Hackers are especially targeting college students.

Who gets your digital assets – heirs or hackers?

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A bank or brokerage can’t just take your money when you die. If you don’t have a will or other estate plan, the laws of your state determine who gets the value in those accounts.

Your digital assets are a different story. Your online photos and videos, frequent flyer miles, cryptocurrency and other digitally stored files may well disappear without a trace if you don’t make a plan to pass them along.

In my latest for the Associated Press, steps you can take to secure and protect your digital information.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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homebuyerToday’s top story: How buying a home can give your credit a boost. Also in the news: What really happens when you default on your student loans, why it’s important to protect your digital assets, and what happens to your budget when your parents move in.

How Buying a Home Can Help Your Credit
Your mortgage can give your credit a boost.

What Really Happens When You Default on Your Student Loans
Consider the consequences.

Forgetting Digital Assets Like Facebook Can Create Lawsuits After Your Death
While not tangible, digital assets have value.

The Financial Picture When Your Parents Move In
Your budget is about to change.

What To Do When Debt Collectors Start Calling
Deal with them head on.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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financial-toolboxToday’s top story: The best additions to your financial toolbox. Also in the news: Safeguarding your digital assets, saving money on moving expenses, and what you should look for when choosing a new bank.

10 Best Personal-Finance Tools to Better Manage Your Money
Additions to your financial toolbox.

Safeguard Your Digital Assets — In Just 10 Minutes
Ten minutes you can’t afford not to spare.

Moving on a Tight Budget: 7 Ways to Save a Ton of Money
Moving expenses don’t have to break the bank.

7 Tips for Finding a New Bank
The most important things to look for.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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currencyToday’s top story: How to avoid currency exchange fees while traveling. Also in the news: How finances can reveal an unfaithful spouse, howto avoid ruining your retirement plan, and why it’s so important to include your digital assets in your estate planning.

5 money saving tips for exchanging currency
How to save on fees during your overseas travel.

11 Financial Signs Your Spouse is Cheating on You
There’s always a paper trail.

4 Ways to Ruin Your Retirement Plan
You’ll want to avoid these.

5 ways to protect your online assets
The importance of including your online accounts in your estate plan.

10 steps to take if you hope to retire soon
The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.