Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Smart Money podcast

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Mortgage Outlook in March. Also in the news: Balancing Hopes, Dreams and a Low-Paying College Major, Smart Money podcast on the tax, and how to safely tap home equity in a financial emergency.

Mortgage Outlook: Rates Could Keep Climbing in March
Mortgage rates are more likely to go up than go down in March.

Balancing Hopes, Dreams and a Low-Paying College Major
Liberal arts grads face longer odds compared with science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees, but a well-chosen humanities major doesn’t have to be a vow of poverty.

Smart Money Podcast: The Tax Episode
Sean and Liz discuss deductions, credits and how to know when to call in a tax pro.

How to Safely Tap Home Equity in a Financial Emergency
Understand the costs and risks of borrowing against your home equity before tapping into it.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Why you should consider a smaller car insurer. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on credit union perks and getting into the housing market, tax tips for small business owners, and paying off your starter home vs saving cash for the next one.

Why You Should Consider a Smaller Car Insurer
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to car insurers. Smaller insurers are worth a look, too.

Smart Money Podcast: Credit Union Perks, and Getting Into the Housing Market
When members rather than stockholders own a financial institution, results are often lower rates on loans.

7 Ways Small-Business Owners Can Save on Taxes in 2022
Seven things entrepreneurs and independent workers can do to lower their tax bills and their anxiety this filing season and in the year ahead.

Should You Pay Off Your Starter Home, or Save Cash for the Next One?
The market’s too hot but you’ve already stocked away a down payment—so what’s your best move?

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Do you really need a million dollar life insurance policy? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on stock market shakiness, DIY vs Calling a Pro, and everything you need to know about your next side hustle.

Do I Really Need a Million-Dollar Life Insurance Policy?
You don’t need to be a millionaire to qualify for a large life insurance policy.

Smart Money Podcast: Stock Market Shakiness, and Car Buying in 2022
In dealing with stock market jitters and the need to replace a car this year, patience can really pay.

DIY or Call a Professional: Which Is Right for Your Remodel?
You can save money on easier home updates, but call an expert if a project involves plumbing or electrical work.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Next Side Hustle
You’ve heard that the grind never stops. But how do you get the grind to start?

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 5 homebuying lessons from last year’s unsuccessful buyers. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on No Spend Month and making money while raising kids, why you can expect to pay more for car insurance this year, and why banks are eliminating overdraft fees.

5 Homebuying Lessons From Last Year’s Unsuccessful Buyers
Buying a home in 2022 won’t be easy, but learning from last year’s challenges might give you the edge that you need to succeed.

Smart Money Podcast: No-Spend Month, and Making Money While Raising Kids
How to make a no-spend month work for you.

Why You Can Expect to Pay More for Car Insurance This Year
Rising car prices, supply-chain and labor shortages, plus minimal rate increases last year are leading to an expected surge in car insurance costs.

Why Banks Are Eliminating Overdraft Fees
More banks are reducing or eliminating overdraft fees on customer accounts because of increased competition.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The mental health risks of retiring. Also in the news: Prepare your business finances now in case of natural disasters, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on achieving your dreams, and why you should switch to online invoicing.

The Mental Health Risks of Retiring
Retiring can pose challenges.

Prepare Your Business Finances Now in Case of a Natural Disaster
Insurance, disaster loans and a business continuity plan can help you weather a natural disaster.

Smart Money Podcast: Make a Plan to Achieve Your Dreams
A pilot with sky-high ambitions gets some help figuring out how to launch his dreams.

4 Reasons to Switch to Online Invoicing
Small businesses can better manage cash flow, be more efficient and get paid faster with online invoicing.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: How to crush your holiday debt. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on paying for Covid tests, needing booster shots before you travel, and small business trends that are here to stay.

How to Crush Your Holiday Debt
Here’s what you can do to take control of your holiday debt.

Smart Money Podcast: COVID Tests, and Reversing a Credit Score Drop
This week’s episode starts with a discussion about how to get COVID-19 tests right now.

Will You Need a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster to Travel?
Travel rules remain in flux, so be sure to check your destination’s requirements.

These Small-Business Pandemic Trends Are Here to Stay
Virtual services, social media and online sales will continue to be key to small business success in 2022 and beyond.