Liz Weston
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Recent articles by Liz:
What you should know about debt relief programs
There are big differences between debt consolidation and debt settlement programs. Also, spousal vs. divorced spousal Social Security benefits. And Medicare. → Read More
LIZ WESTON: How the toy shortage could affect your holidays [Column]
Many popular toys may sell out long before the holidays, thanks to ongoing pandemic-related disruptions. This could be a disaster; or a great opportunity to reshape how we celebrate. → Read More
Liz Weston: Fortify your finances against natural disaster
Emergency preparedness experts recommend that you have a “go bag” and a “stay bin” for disasters: kits with supplies to help you su → Read More
How to pass on inheritance to your children
Inheritance can be tricky to navigate. You can pass on assets to your children without major tax implications. → Read More
LIZ WESTON: Fortify your finances against natural disaster [Column]
Just like having a bag packed in case of a disaster, your finances need some disaster prep, as well. → Read More
The difference between ETFs, mutual funds and index funds
And which of these investment mechanisms is right for you? → Read More
Is a new job the right financial move?
Look at current and potential salary, benefits and outside factors so you can effectively compare and negotiate. → Read More
Liz Weston: Is a new job the right financial move?
Whether you call it “The Great Resignation,” “The Great Reshuffle” or just high time for a change, millions of American workers are → Read More
What you should know about Medicare, Medigap and Advantage plans
Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage — the choices can be overwhelming. And changing your mind can be expensive. → Read More
Why you need a credit score even if you don't like debt
Dear Liz: As I counsel my teenage kids about their personal finances, I am wondering if they can live without a credit score. → Read More
Liz Weston: How to negotiate your way to a richer life
Negotiating is an important personal finance skill that can help you earn more and pay less. Whether you’re discussing a job offer, dickering at a ca → Read More
Perfecting the art of bargaining: Save more by negotiating better rates, prices, salaries, deals
Knowing how to bargain effectively leads to a better salary, deals on major buys → Read More
Medicare is complicated. Here's how it works
Traditional medicare doesn't cover everything, so many people also buy supplemental policies. Also: Q&As about 529 college savings plans, credit scores. → Read More
How a 529 plan can help with education loans after graduation
The beneficiary can use as much as $10,000 to repay student loans, including federal and most private loans, without taxes or penalties. → Read More
How a card switch affects your credit score
When a credit issuer switches the type of card provided, it is unlikely to cause lasting damage to your credit score. More important are the benefits the card brings. → Read More
Retiring early doesn't mean losing affordable health insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to extend coverage without boosting premiums for preexisting conditions. Most people also qualify for tax subsidies. → Read More
Liz Weston: 4 cash-raising pitfalls (and better options)
If you’ve got more bills than money, the usual advice is to trim expenses and find additional income. But some ways of raising cash can be a lot more → Read More
Your accounts are likely to outlive you. How to safely store that information
There are several ways to safely store all your financial information and estate planning documents in one place. Here are some ideas. → Read More
4 cash-raising pitfalls (and better options)
When you need cash fast, stop briefly to understand which options can hurt you more in the long term. → Read More
How much should a financial planner cost you?
Worried that a fee-only financial planner will cost more than you can afford? Here are ways to find planners that charge by the hour or month. → Read More