Liz Weston
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Past articles by Liz:
How to get out from under a crushing reverse-mortgage debt
An adjustable-rate, reverse mortgage can get complicated for surviving spouses and children. If you don't have the cash to pay off the loan, you have options. → Read More
How to ensure your money goes where you want it to go
If you want money or assets to go to a specific person after your death, you need to specify that in writing. An estate planning attorney is key to this process. → Read More
Need to raid your retirement for quick cash? Here are ways to limit the financial hit
Generally, it’s best to leave the money in your retirement accounts safely tucked away. But if you must touch it, here's how to limit the damage. → Read More
Old-age planning tips for single, childless adults
Dear Liz: My wife and I have no children to take care of us in our old age, and I am scared to death regarding what will happen to the surviving spouse when one of us dies or we become incapacitated. → Read More
How to get a debt collector to stop calling about a bogus bill
When the robocalls won't stop for a debt you don't owe, here's what you can do to get the debt collector to leave you alone. → Read More
Annuities can come with a tax surprise
As with other retirement accounts, annuity gains are taxed as income rather than capital gains. And there can be penalties for early withdrawals. → Read More
Credit report mistakes are common. Here's how to fix them
Credit bureau problems regularly top the CFPB's complaint list. Fixing your credit report requires some effort on your part. → Read More
Should your retirement savings plan include life insurance? Here are some pros and cons
Indexed universal life insurance offers tax-free distributions in retirement. But it's a complex product that’s not a good fit for most investors. → Read More
Is a Roth IRA or traditional IRA better for young workers?
Although it is impossible for a young person to predict what taxes will be like several decades before retirement, one type of IRA holds advantages over the other. → Read More
Should you buy or rent if you plan to move within five years?
Here are some things to think about if you're trying to decide to buy or rent a home that you might leave within five years. → Read More
Financial secrets are bad in a marriage. Here's a better way
An inheritance can be kept as separate property even in community property states. But keeping it secret is not the best way to cope with money-handling differences. → Read More
How to help someone else build credit
Adding someone to your credit card account as an authorized user is a great way to help them build credit. → Read More
Here's how to budget your money using the 50/30/20 rule
The 50/30/20 budget was popularized by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her daughter Amelia Warren Tyagi in their book, “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.” → Read More
They lent a friend a van. It's getting awkward. Now what?
Financial transactions between friends can result in big headaches. Here are tips on what to consider before you offer help. → Read More
Should extra cash go to retirement or emergency savings?
Your first priority should be building an emergency fund. Most financial planners recommend having a reserve of 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses. → Read More
Why asking for lower card limits can hurt your credit scores
Credit-scoring formulas like it when you are using less of your available credit. So reducing those card limits could cause your scores to fall. → Read More
Bank failures spotlight brokerages' SIPC insurance: How it works
The nonprofit Securities Investor Protection Corp. protects against the loss of cash and securities when a covered brokerage fails. But there are limits. → Read More
How an unexpected credit score drop could signal a serious problem
A big credit score drop may indicate a late payment, collection account or fraud. How to check your credit reports at all three credit bureaus. → Read More
How to get started managing your retirement assets
Balancing current living expenses with the potential for future long-term care can be overwhelming. Here are some suggestions on getting started. → Read More
How your ex could boost your Social Security benefits
Many divorced people don’t realize they can get Social Security benefits derived from their ex-spouse’s work history. → Read More