Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Taxes

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

emergency-fund-1940x900_36282Today’s top story: Debunking emergency fund myths. Also in the news: How filing separately could give some couples a lower tax bill, the financial benefits of living with less, and how much down payment you should have to buy a home.

Debunking 5 Emergency Fund Myths
Separating fact from financial fiction.

Filing Separately Could Give Some Couples a Lower Tax Bill
Splitting up your tax returns could save you money.

The Financial Benefits of Living With Less
Downsizing your way out of debt.

How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home?
How much do you really need?

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

file_161555_0_tax refundToday’s top story: Smart things to do with your tax refund. Also in the news: New options for payday loan borrowers, how to build an emergency fund on a low income, and how to decide when to claim Social Security.

Smart Things To Do With Your Tax Refund
Putting your refund to good use.

A New Option for Payday Loan Borrowers
Borrowers in California and Texas may have better options.

Build Your Emergency Fund On a Low Income With a Simple Bill Tweak
A slight tweak in how you pay your bills could save the day.

3 fast facts that can help you decide when to claim Social Security
Making the best decision for your retirement.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

estate planningToday’s top story: How $250 can keep families off welfare. Also in the news:A new tool to manage your student loans, what Prince can teach you about personal finance, and how to declutter after tax season.

$250 Can Keep Families Off Welfare, Study Finds
Even a small savings can have a big impact.

White House Releases New Tool to Help You Manage Your Student Loans
Finding the best repayment options.

What Prince Can Teach You About Personal Finance
A legend in music, not so great at estate planning.

With taxes done, now it’s time to shovel papers, declutter
Fire up the shredder.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Senior checking accounts. Also in the news: The best Earth Day sales and freebies, five reasons why a nearly perfect credit score isn’t enough, and how to file taxes for a deceased love one.

What Is a Senior Checking Account?
The pros and cons.

Best Earth Day Sales, Deals and Freebies
Thank the planet for the discounts.

5 reasons why a nearly perfect credit score’s not enough
The rules are complicated.

How to File Final Taxes for a Deceased Loved One
Death, taxes, and after-death taxes.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

file_161555_0_tax refundToday’s top story: Using your tax refund to secure your future. Also in the news: Frequent overdrafters lose hundreds in fees, what to do before age 40 to retire comfortably, and how viewing your budget as a circle instead of a list can provide more flexibility.

5 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund to Secure Your Future
Protecting what you have, while still having a little fun.

Heaviest Overdrafters Pay a Week’s Wages in Fees, Study Finds
Creating a vicious circle.

10 Things to Do Before Age 40 to Retire Comfortably
Tick tock.

View Your Budget as a Circle Instead of a List to Be More Flexible
Giving yourself a little breathing room.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How small choices can have a big impact on your finances. Also in the news: 9 things that can trigger an IRS audit, how to organize your financial documents, and 10 tax breaks for homeowners.

Small Choices Have a Big Impact on Your Finances
Why some become rich and others stay broke.

9 Things That Could Trigger an IRS Audit
How to avoid a second look.

How to Organize Your Financial Documents
Tackling that huge pile of paper on your desk.

10 homeowner tax breaks you should be taking advantage of
Don’t leave money on the table.