Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Taxes

Get free financial advice

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailNeed some free, one-on-one financial help from a qualified advisor with no strings attached? Check out the Financial Planning Days being offered around the country throughout October and November.

These events are brought to you by a host of reputable organizations: the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, the Financial Planning Association, the Foundation for Financial Planning and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Kiplinger is the national media sponsor.

Given how hard it can be to find good, un-conflicted advice–let alone getting it for free–these sessions can be a real boon. Even if you don’t sign up to talk to a CFP, you can attend one of the informational workshops on various financial planning topics.

Sound good? Check out this link to see if there’s an upcoming event in your area. LA and OC peeps: your events will be held Sunday Oct. 18, so register now!

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

bills-smallToday’s top story: What you should do if you’re late with your credit card payments. Also in the news: How the homes of baby boomers could become liabilities, what 20% of tax payers are doing wrong, and why you should freeze your spending now to save for the holidays.

What to do if you’re late on credit card payment
Communication with your card company is essential.

How Baby Boomers’ Homes May Become Liabilities
A dramatic population shift could spell trouble for Boomers.

What 20% of Taxpayers Are Doing Wrong
Moving into the e-filing age.

How to Freeze Your Spending Now to Save for the Holidays
They’re right around the corner.

Apply All Your Bonuses to Principal When You Have High-Interest Debt
Getting out of debt quicker.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

By

download (1)Today’s top story: How to boost your credit score by rearranging your debt. Also in the news: Why borrowing from your 401(k) is a bad idea, how long you need to keep your tax records, and you still have time to cut this year’s tax bill.

Can Rearranging My Debt Boost My Credit Score?
Playing the credit card shuffle.

Borrowing from 401(k) can cost more than you think
Your monthly retirement income could be reduced by hundreds.

How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records?
This time, being a pack rat can pay off.

You may still be able to cut last year’s tax bill
But you better act fast.

What Twenty-Somethings Need To Know About Retirement And Social Security
The sooner you start saving, the better off you’ll be.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to protect yourself from credit card breaches. Also in the news: The best ways to pay for college, how to avoid year-round tax scams, and what happens to your debt after you die.

Shelter yourself from payment card breaches
How to protect both your finances and your identity while shopping.

The Best Ways to Pay for Your Child’s College Education
How to combat the rising cost of a college education.

Tax-related scams don’t hit just during tax season
Beware of these year-round scams targeting your taxes.

Who Will Inherit Your Debt When You Die?
One thing you don’t want to leave behind.

Why These 4 Personal Finance Myths Perpetuate Money Problems
Monday mythbusting.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

download (1)Today’s top story: How to keep track of your spending while using multiple credit cards. Also in the news: Scrutinizing promotional offers from credit cards, how to make your student loan payments manageable, and the one tax move you need to make right away.

How to Keep Track of Your Spending on Multiple Credit Cards
There are apps that can help.

Beware credit card promotion offers
As always, read the fine print.

How to make student loan payments manageable
Don’t become overwhelmed.

1 Tax Move You Need to Make Now
It’s never too early to start preparing.

5 Behaviors That Predict Poor Money Management Later
There’s still time to get on the right track.