Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Down Payment

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Don’t let money rules of thumb get you down. Also in the news: If insurance covers birth control or not, and the high cost of smoking in your car.

Don’t Let Money Rules of Thumb Get You Down
The typical down payment on a house is far less than 20%.

Does Insurance Cover Birth Control?
Most health insurance plans cover birth control without requiring you to pay anything out of pocket, but there are exceptions.

The High Cost of Smoking in Your Car
Smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also bad for your car’s resale value, which can be reduced by hundreds of dollars.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Using credit card points at checkout has become too easy. Also in the news: Why summer jobs are good for the teenage wallet, how to maximize your music festival savings, and how long it’ll really take you to save for a down payment.

Using Credit Card Points at Checkout Has Become Too Easy
Points may be worth less when redeemed this way. And be careful — you might even cash in points accidentally.

A Summer Job: Good for the Teenage Soul and Wallet
It’s been a rough couple of years, especially for teenagers.

Maximize your music festival savings
Summer music festivals can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but costs can easily blow a hole in any budget.

How Long It’ll Really Take You to Save for a Down Payment
It’s probably going to take a while in this market, but let’s crunch some numbers.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Plug in 3 numbers to plan your financial future. Also in the news: 10 questions to ask a financial advisor, how to stop scammers from stealing your down payment, and shopping around for car loans.

Plug in 3 Numbers to Plan Your Financial Future
A retirement calculator can help.

10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
Finding the best match.

Stop Scammers From Stealing Your Down Payment

Don’t Forget, You Can Shop Around for Car Loans
You don’t have to accept the first offer.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The No-Drama approach to personal finance. Also in the news: Hiking your savings rate, how to find the right credit card the right way, and why you should beware of mortgage companies offering to double your down payment.

The No-Drama Approach to Personal Finance
There’s no crying in personal finance.

If the Fed Can, So Can You: Hike Your Savings Rate
Finding a high-yield account.

Sean Talks Money: Find the Right Credit Card the Right Way
Be selective.

This company will double your down payment. What’s the catch?
It’s a big one.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

money-bucketsToday’s top story: What you need to save every day for a comfortable retirement. Also in the news: The three tax buckets, the 10 commandments of savings, and four boring but essential money conversations.

$82 a Day Is the Average Savings for a Comfortable Retirement
$82.28 to be exact.

What Pre-Retirees Should Be Asking About Taxes
Introducing the three buckets.

The 10 Commandments of Saving Money
Thou shall follow these rules.

4 Boring Money Talks You Need to Have
Boring but necessary.

How to Find Financial Assistance for Your Down Payment
Don’t let your down payment hold you back.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Offering AdviceGetting creative with your down payment, must-have documents for estate planning, and common mistakes to avoid when buying your first home.

5 Creative Ways to Come Up With a Down Payment
None of which involve selling a kidney!

3 Retirement Planning Tactics to Adopt Before You Hit 60
These tactics will make the transition to retirement go more smoothly.

Documents that Should be Part of Everyone’s Estate Plans
These documents are a vital part of any estate plan.

9 ways to cut your student loan debt
Reducing student loan debt isn’t impossible.

5 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid
These common mistakes could have long term repercussions.