first time homebuyers Archives

July 15, 2020 By Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Which airline has the most valuable elite status program. Also in the news: A look at summer homebuying, 25 tips for buying your first home, and how to automatically transfer your 401(k) money when you change jobs.

Which Airline Has the Most Valuable Elite Status Program?
The best perks and how to earn them.

Summer Homebuying: Tips for Pricey Homes and Pandemic Concerns
Know your market.

25 Tips for Buying Your First Home
How to avoid a money pit.

How to Automatically Transfer Your 401(k) Money When You Change Jobs
Introducing auto portability.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), airline rewards, auto portability, elite status, first time homebuyers, summer homebuying, tips

March 9, 2020 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why credit card loyalty is no virtue. Also in the news: the SmartMoney podcast tackles saving for a down payment, how to decide between buying, fixing, or building, and how to talk to a real human at the IRS without waiting on hold forever.

Why Credit Card Loyalty Is No Virtue
At least 1 in 5 consumers are carrying the wrong card.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘How to Save for a Down Payment’
Look for the best interest rates.

Buy, Build or Fix: What’s Best for First-Time Home Buyers?
Tough decisions.

How to Talk to a Real Human at the IRS Without Waiting on Hold Forever
The best times to call.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card loyalty, Credit Cards, first time homebuyers, IRS, real estate down payments, SmartMoney podcast, tips

December 14, 2016 By Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

images-2 Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s 2016 American Household Credit Card Debt Study. Also in the news: The best places in American for first-time homebuyers, why Christmas loans are the coal in your financial stocking, and the best free online courses to help with your finances.

2016 American Household Credit Card Debt Study
Creeping back up.

Best Places in America for First-Time Homebuyers
Where you should be looking.

Christmas Loans: The Coal in Your Financial Stocking
Bah humbug.

The Best Free Online Courses to Help With Your Finances
It doesn’t get better than free!

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card debt, financial classes, first time homebuyers, free online learning, holiday loans, household credit card debt, real estate

September 14, 2015 By Liz Weston

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Beware of new estate planning laws. Reducing your financial stress, what you need to know before buying your first home, and five credit card hacks that can save you money.

Your estate plan: Be aware of new laws
Introducing portability.

3 Ways You Can Reduce or Remove Your Financial Stress
Prioritizing what’s important.

3 Things to Know Before You Buy Your 1st Home
Time for a reality check.

5 Credit Card Hacks That Can Save You Money
The good kind of “hacks”, of course.

10 Money Mistakes a Financial Planner Can Find in 10 Minutes
Learning from the pros.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit card hacks, Estate Planning, financial planners, financial stress, first time homebuyers, money mistakes, portability, tips

February 10, 2015 By Liz Weston

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Deciphering your free credit scores. Also in the news: How to keep your frequent flier miles from expiring, the terms first-time homebuyers need to know, and why you should pay with a credit card, not debit, when renting a car.