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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

December 1, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Best tips for saving for retirement at any age. Also in the news: Rewards are now standard on starter cards, how to outsmart porch pirates, and watching out for fake COVID-19 testing sites.

Best Tips for Saving for Retirement — at Any Age
It’s never too late — or too early — to make sound financial decisions and get yourself set up for retirement. Here we cover the best moves to make in your 20s and 30s, your 40s and 50s, and your 60s and 70s.

On Starter Cards, Rewards Are Now Standard. Here’s Why
There’s no need to wait until you qualify for a traditional card to earn rewards. You can do it while building credit.

8 ways to outsmart package-thieving porch pirates over the holidays
Take these steps to keep your packages safe

Watch Out for Fake COVID-19 Testing Sites
Scammers are after both your money and your identity.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: COVID fraud, package theft., porch pirates, retirement savings, rewards, starter credit cards

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 14, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Should I pay for my hotel using cash, points or both? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on fake reviews and saving too much, 5 travel writers draft their favorite airlines, and where to get relief if there isn’t a second stimulus check.

Should I Pay for My Hotel Using Cash, Points or Both?
Here’s how you can figure out which booking option offers the best value.

Smart Money Podcast: Fake Reviews and Saving ‘Too Much’
How to tell if that review is sincere.

5 Travel Writers ‘Draft’ Their Favorite Airlines
In the spirit of the popular sports-related pastime, we’ve created our own fantasy airline draft.

Where to Get Relief if There Isn’t a Second Stimulus Check
Look for aid locally.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: airline draft, cash, fake reviews, points, rewards, Savings, SmartMoney podcast, stimulus, travel

Friday’s need-to-know money news

April 17, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Capital One letting you use miles on takeout, delivery, and streaming. Also in the news: Coronavirus auto insurance refunds – how much to expect, how to school kids on money lessons during the outbreak, and how to check if you’re eligible for food stamps.

Capital One Letting You Use Miles on Takeout, Delivery, Streaming
New categories for reward redemption.

Coronavirus Auto Insurance Refunds: How Much to Expect
Why some insurers are giving money back.

How to School Kids on Money Lessons During the COVID-19 Outbreak

How to Check If You’re Eligible for Food Stamps
Getting assistance during this tough time.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: auto insurance refunds, Capital One, Coronavirus, food stamps, kids and money, miles, rewards, SNAP

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

February 27, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: When the market drops, play the long game with retirement savings. Also in the news: Is booking a last-minute spring break flight with miles a good idea, a credit union’s new card goes all-in with 3X points, and how to get a credit card when you’re already in debt.

When the Market Drops, Play the Long Game With Retirement Savings
Don’t panic.

Ask a Points Nerd: Should I Book Last-Minute Spring Break Flights With Miles?
The Points Nerd weighs in.

Credit Union’s New Card Goes All-In With 3X Points
A Florida credit union is about to get popular.

How to Get a Credit Card When You’re Already in Debt
When you need a little wiggle room.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: ask a points nerd, Credit Cards, credit union, miles, retirement savings, rewards, spring break, stock market, Tropical financial credit union

Friday’s need-to-know money news

February 21, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Make your brand loyalty pay off. Also in the news: When your new car have more tech than you know what to do with, one thing to know when filing your taxes, and beware email attachment scams this tax season.

Make Your Brand Loyalty Pay Off
Cash in on your devotion.

Does your new car have more tech than you know what to do with?
Too many bells and whistles?

There’s one thing you need to know when filing your taxes
You don’t have to do it on your own.

Beware Email Attachment Scams This Tax Season
Scammers never take a day off.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: brand loyalty, email attachment scams, new car shopping, new cars, rewards, tax assistance, tax scams, Taxes

I travel-hacked a college tour and saved $3,000

February 5, 2020 By Liz Weston

Amtrak’s “buy one, get one” spring sale got me started.

My teenage daughter and I had used a similar two-for-one deal last year to take an overnight train trip from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. This year, she wanted to use her spring break to check out colleges in Chicago as well as the Pacific Northwest. When Amtrak announced the return of its companion fare sale, I thought a couple of nights on a sleeper train might be a good way to start our college tour. She agreed.

At the same time, I noticed that we had travel rewards piling up all over the place: points, miles, free anniversary nights at hotels, even a Southwest companion pass that had yet to be used. At NerdWallet, we’re always telling people to spend rather than hoard their rewards, which get less valuable over time thanks to program devaluations.

So I decided to see how much I could save on one 10-day trip. In my latest for the Associated Press, find out what the grand total was and how we pulled it off.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college tour, hacks, rewards, tips, travel

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