Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

holiday travel

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: What new debt collector rules mean for you. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on holiday travel and giving money advice to family, what to buy (and skip) on Black Friday, and questions to ask your realtor when selling your home.

What New Debt Collector Rules Mean for You
Find out where they can contact you.

Smart Money Podcast: Holiday Travel and Giving Money Advice to Family
The holidays are almost here.

What to Buy (and Skip) on Black Friday 2020
Start making your lists.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor When Selling Your Home
Important information.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to turn unused credit card rewards into holiday gifts. Also in the news: Can college students booted for breaking COVID-19 rules get refunds, when to book your holiday travel, and how to get help from a food pantry.

How to Turn Unused Credit Card Rewards Into Holiday Gifts
You may be able to use rewards or credits to cover food, charitable donations, streaming services, exercise programs and more.

Can College Students Booted for Breaking COVID-19 Rules Get Refunds?
Be prepared for consequences, like suspension and lost financial aid, if you break your school’s COVID-19 rules.

Should You Book Holiday Travel Now or Later?
Booking your holiday travel early comes with more flexibility now than in past years.

How to Get Help From a Food Pantry
There’s no shame in needing help, especially right now.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Coronavirus prompts a welcome change to a holiday travel dilemma. Also in the news: Picking a pandemic side gig takes hustle, is it finally time to buy an electric car, and the ten best financial rules of thumb.

Coronavirus Prompts a Welcome Change to a Holiday Travel Dilemma
You now have a legitimate excuse not to stay with family for the holidays and book a hotel room instead.

Picking a Pandemic Side Gig Takes Hustle
Consider what you’re comfortable doing.

Is It Finally Time to Get an Electric Car?
More electric vehicles are now available, but make sure an EV fits your lifestyle before you buy or lease one.

The 10 Best Financial Rules of Thumb
A good starting point.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like? Also in the news: Starter credit card options, how to avoid common and costly home renovation mistakes, and what to know about Sam’s Club’s new telehealth program.

Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like?
It’s hard to say how pent-up demand might affect this holiday travel season.

Starter Credit Card Options: Student Card or Secured Card?
They can both help you establish your credit history, but they function differently.

How to avoid common and costly home renovation mistakes
The key lies in good planning and financial strategizing

What to Know About Sam’s Club’s Telehealth Program
24/7 access to doctors.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Working remotely in the pandemic may generate a tax surprise. Also in the news: Advice on how to fly safely over the holidays, student debt continues to rise for new pharmacists, and how to save money during Medicare open enrollment this year.

Working Remotely in the Pandemic May Generate a Tax Surprise
Many states require people who work within their borders to pay taxes, even if they live elsewhere.

Ask a Points Nerd: (How) Should I Fly for the Holidays?
If you must travel for the holidays, here’s some advice for how to book hotels and stay safe while flying.

Student Debt Continues to Rise for New Pharmacists
Average student debt among pharmacists increased by 4% to $179,514 for the class of 2020.

How to Save on Medicare Open Enrollment This Fall
Open enrollment is just six weeks away.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to plan holiday travel for maximum flexibility in 2020. Also in the news: The best debt consolidation loans right now, how to work from home like a pro, and how to find homeowners insurance that won’t discriminate against your dog.

How to Plan Holiday Travel for Maximum Flexibility in 2020
These precautions can help you avoid losing money if you have to cancel or change your holiday travel plans.

The best debt consolidation loans right now
Choose wisely.

It’s Time to Start Working From Home Like a Pro
Time to upgrade the sweatpants.

Find Homeowners Insurance That Won’t Discriminate Against Your Dog
Make sure you’re covered.