Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Student Loan

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: Student loan ‘financial hardship’ forgiveness. In other news: What $20 gets you at gas stations in each state, holiday airfare is down, and when it pays to know your credit card’s interest rate.

Student Loan ‘Financial Hardship’ Forgiveness: New Details Revealed
If you face persistent medical bills, family caregiving costs or other financial hardship, the Education Department wants to cancel your student loan debt. But don’t count on it yet.

What $20 Gets You at Gas Stations in Each State
Gas prices are falling toward four-year lows — but vary widely across the country.

Holiday Airfare Is Down. Why Isn’t Travel Spending?
Higher hotel prices and a desire for comfort have travelers spending more than ever this holiday season.

When It Pays to Know Your Credit Card’s Interest Rate
If you’re aware of what your current APR is, you can more easily identify ways to lower it and save money.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: First-time home buyer affordability report – Q2 2024. In other news: September mortgage outlook, weekly mortgage rates drop, and pay interest while in school.

First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report – Q2 2024
Making a larger down payment or choosing a less desirable home could make this initial purchase easier, but not all homebuying hopefuls will find those options possible.

September Mortgage Outlook: Rates Should Fall Again
Mortgage rates have fallen four months in a row, and they’ll probably go down in September and extend the streak to five months.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Drop, Easing Affordability
Mortgage rates fell this week after the chair of the Federal Reserve uttered long-awaited, market-moving words.

Want Cheaper College? Pay Interest While in School
Making optional student loan payments while you’re in school or during your grace period can save thousands in the long-run.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: Small-business lenders share an inside look at the loan process. In other news: What to know before you enroll when you are considering college at 25+, SAVE lawsuits, and weekly mortgage rates sink to 4-month low.

Small-Business Lenders Share an Inside Look at the Loan Process
Two experienced small-business lending professionals shed light on the loan process and what small-business owners can expect.

Considering College at 25+? Here’s What To Know Before You Enroll
Think about your career goals, research schools that support adult learners, apply for scholarships and grants and lean on your support network.

SAVE Lawsuits: Biden’s Student Loan Plan Blocked, Payments Paused
Borrowers on the income-driven repayment plan SAVE won’t owe student loan payments or interest until the legal situation is resolved.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Sink to 4-Month Low
We’re in the middle of homebuying season, and mortgage rates are at their lowest since March.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: The home and auto insurance crisis and how to keep your coverage. In other news: 5 options if you’re crushed by student loan and credit card debt, why Delta’s elite status changes matter, and 8 Latino financial influencers to follow in 2023.

The Home and Auto Insurance Crisis and How to Keep Your Coverage
What good is insurance if you can’t afford it? More people across the U.S. are finding out.

5 Options if You’re Crushed by Student Loan and Credit Card Debt
Make the most of the 12-month on-ramp period by coming up with a debt-payoff strategy.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Why Delta’s Elite Status Changes Matter
Delta is adopting requirements that raise the bar to earn elite status, leaving loyalists annoyed — and for good reason.

8 Latino Financial Influencers to Follow in 2023
Latino financial experts offer advice for building trust in financial systems, generational wealth and how financial institutions can better serve their communities.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 7 new details on how student loan cancellation will actually work. Also in the news: What student loan cancellation could mean for your budget, and how to turn your finished basement into a (legal) apartment for extra income.

7 New Details on How Student Loan Cancellation Will Actually Work
Here’s the latest about how student loan cancellation will actually work.

What Student Loan Cancellation Could Mean for Your Budget
Student loan cancellation could give you more breathing room in your budget, but it depends on how plans play out.

How to Turn Your Finished Basement Into a (Legal) Apartment for Extra Income
If you need some extra cash, your basement might be a potential income stream.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: The other big student loan news: changes to repayment. Also in the news: How to prepare your money and mind for a breakup, 4 travel card perks that may not be as valuable as you think, and what California’s phase-out of fossil fuel cars could mean for you.

The Other Big Student Loan News: Changes to Repayment
Experts note that this change is likely to benefit women and borrowers of color most.

How to Prepare Your Money and Mind for a Breakup
Breaking up sucks — even if it’s necessary and you’re better off without them.

4 Travel Card Perks That May Not Be as Valuable as You Think
Some benefits of your travel credit card still pack savings, but the value might be dwindling.

What Could California’s Phase-Out of Fossil Fuel Cars Mean for You?
New state regulations would require all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in California to be zero emissions by 2035. The impact of the changes will be felt around the nation.