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Identity Theft

Is Your Tax Refund Safe?

March 8, 2016 By Liz Weston

file_161555_0_tax refundYour tax refund may take a few days longer to land in your bank account this year. That’s because criminals from around the world are determined to get to it first.

“Our systems are attacked about a million times a week,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen says. “These are Russian syndicates, Chinese. … They’re coming from all over.”

I talked to Koskinen on the same day his agency revealed that last year’s attack on the IRS’ Get Transcript system was more than twice as bad as previous estimates. The hackers apparently accessed tax return information for more than 700,000 people, not 334,000 as was reported last summer.

In my latest for NerdWallet, what the hackers did with that information, and how it could affect this year’s refunds.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Identity Theft, tax refund, Taxes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 8, 2016 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to prevent identity theft. Also in the news: The costs that are often overlooked when deciding to rent or buy, reasons to file a tax extension, and how you’re using your credit card incorrectly.

How to Prevent Identity Theft
Staying one step ahead.

The Major Costs People Often Overlook When Deciding to Rent or Buy
What you need to taje into consideration.

6 Reasons to File a Tax Extension
Beyond procrastination.

5 Ways You’re Using Your Credit Card Wrong
Bad credit habits you should kick.

6 times it’s more expensive to be a woman
Happy International Women’s Day!

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Cards, Identity Theft, International Women's Day, rent vs. buy, tax extension, Taxes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

February 9, 2016 By Liz Weston

635522783074355959-holiday-cardsToday’s top story: How to protect yourself against online identity fraud. Also in the news: Myths about student loan consolidation, why fewer retirement savings options could be a good thing, and the hefty cost of those Oscar gift bags.

Follow These Steps to Guard Against Online Identity Fraud
Doing whatever it takes to protect your identity.

5 Myths about Student Loan Consolidation
Don’t fall into a deeper debt trap.

How a Simpler Approach to Retirement Savings Can Make You Richer
Lots of options isn’t always a good thing.

The Taxability of Oscars Gift Bags
All that swag comes with a hefty tax bill.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Academy Awards, Identity Theft, Oscars, Retirement, Savings, student loan consolidation, Student Loans

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

January 21, 2016 By Liz Weston

321562-data-breachesToday’s top story: The worst online passwords of 2015. Also in the news: Why you should beware of the word “afford,” how to start saving for your retirement in your 20s and 30s, and steps to get more college financial aid.

The Worst Passwords of 2015
Stop making life easy for identity thieves.

Be Suspicious of the Word “Afford” to Keep Your Budget Balanced
Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you should buy it.

6 Steps to Saving for Retirement in Your 20s and 30s
It’s never too early to start saving.

3 Steps to More College Financial Aid From FAFSA
The sooner you fill out the form, the better.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budgets, FAFSA, financial aid, Identity Theft, Retirement, retirement savings, Student Loans, tips

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

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

December 30, 2015 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Last-minute tax moves to make on December 31st. Also in the news: How to tell if your financial advisor is giving you good advice, why you should consider freezing your credit reports, and the top 6 financial resolutions for the new year.

4 Last-Minute Tax Moves You Can Make on Dec. 31
Tick tock!

How To Tell If You’re Receiving Good Advice From Your Advisor
Making sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Why you should consider freezing your credit reports
Preventing identity theft.

Top 6 financial New Year’s resolutions and how to fulfill them
Making resolutions that last.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit freeze, credit report, financial advisors, Identity Theft, resolutions, tax moves, Taxes

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