Liz on MSN
Liz writes a twice-weekly personal finance column for MSN Money, one of the Internet's largest and most-respected financial sites. She also writes a weekly question-and-answer column, Money Talk, that appears in newspapers across the country.
MSN: You can find her latest columns and sign up for her newsletter here. Or click on one of these featured articles:
Bounce back fast after a bankruptcy
Carefully rebuild your credit and you could qualify for almost-normal rates, even a mortgage, in a year or two. Here's what you need to do.
7 fast fixes for your credit score
We know more than ever about how credit scores are calculated. Learn how to clean up your record, polish it to a new gleam and reap the financial rewards.
9 ways to build a killer credit score
If you're just starting out, these steps will make sure you get all the credit you deserve.
The consumer's guide to credit counseling
Credit counselors are falling all over themselves to help you out of debt, but some do more harm than good. Here's what you need to know, including whether you need it and the red flags for ripoffs.
When paying bills can hurt your credit
Now that you've decided to clean up your act, use caution: Settling some old debts can harm your credit score. Here's how to do the right thing the right way.
4 credit scoring myths
Looking to buy a house? Make sure you know what will truly hurt and help your case with lenders -- and don't fall for the misinformation mortgage lenders can spread.
Weird stuff that hurts your credit
Credit cards that don't report your limits are just one of the hidden ways your credit rating can be damaged.
Huge debts, paid off fast
Real people are erasing big debts, even on modest incomes. If you need some inspiration to tackle your own debt, read their stories.
Your paper check is a thief's best friend
A crook can use just one check to steal your money and ruin your good name. And paper gives you far less protection than a credit or debit card. (For more identity theft stories, click the "Financial Privacy" link to the left of this column on MSN.)
20 questions for an easier financial future
Setting goals is the first and most important step in personal financial planning, but actually figuring out what you want can be surprisingly tough. Here are some questions to ask to put yourself on the right track.
