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Liz Weston

How to Line Up Rent Aid — and a Backup Plan

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Congress has appropriated more than $46 billion in emergency assistance to help cover back rent and utilities owed by struggling renters. But getting a share of that money isn’t automatic or guaranteed.

Not everyone who’s behind on their rent qualifies for help. In addition, some states and cities require more paperwork than others, which can make accessing the funds more difficult. Also, landlords and tenants typically must work together to apply for the aid, and some landlords are refusing to help.

For now, most renters are protected by various eviction bans — at national, state and sometimes local levels — but someday those will end. In the meantime, owing your landlord can lead to credit damage, collections calls and lawsuits. If you’re behind on your rent, you’d be smart to start exploring your options for dealing with this debt.

In my latest for Nerdwallet, how to work through the rent aid process and create a backup plan.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to line up rent aid and a backup plan. Also in the news: Changing the face of the cannabis industry, why you should check your Medicare coverage before traveling again, and when to expect your delayed IRS refund.

How to Line Up Rent Aid — and a Backup Plan
If you owe rent debt, apply for assistance programs but also open talks with your landlord before eviction bans end.

Changing the Face of the Cannabis Industry
The majority of states now have some form of legalized cannabis, whether for medical or recreational use.

Check Your Medicare Coverage Before Traveling Again
Medicare doesn’t cover you everywhere. Make sure you understand where and when you’re insured.

When To Expect Your Delayed IRS Refund
Things are backed up at the IRS.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do with extra money? Also in the morning: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on air travel and collection accounts on credit reports, 6 reasons not to skip renters insurance, and how not to sabotage your savings with self-care.

What to Do With Extra Money
Extra cash is great, but what should you do with it? Investing is often the answer.

Smart Money Podcast: Air Travel and Collections Accounts on Credit Reports
Time to get back in the skies?

6 Reasons Not to Skip Renters Insurance
Renters insurance covers more than just the stuff in your apartment.

Don’t Let Self-Care Sabotage Your Savings
Self-care doesn’t have to punish your bank account.

Q&A: Protecting home sales proceeds from taxes

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Dear Liz: My friend has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is now living in a secure assisted living facility. After a year in this home, his sister finally sold his condo. Her tax person says he will take a big tax hit. I say it is totally medically ordered and he’ll need the money for his current housing ($5,000 a month) until he dies. I also question whether part of that $5,000 should be deductible because it is only ordered because of his illness. Your thoughts?

Answer: Your friend may not be able to protect all of his home sale proceeds from taxation, but he likely will be able to protect some.

If your friend lived in his condo for at least two of the previous five years before the sale, he will be able to avoid tax on up to $250,000 of home sale profits. Even if he fell short of the two-year mark, he likely would benefit from IRS rules that allow partial exemptions when the sale is due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Meanwhile, medical expenses, including some long-term care expenses, are potentially deductible if they exceed 7.5% of someone’s adjusted gross income. Assisted living expenses may qualify as deductible medical expenses if the resident is considered chronically ill, which means they cannot perform at least two activities of daily living (eating, toileting, bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed and remaining continent) or they require supervision because of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The personal care services must be provided according to a plan of care prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Typically, assisted living facilities prepare such care plans for their residents.

Q&A: A 401(k) versus an IRA: Which one wins this smackdown?

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Dear Liz: I am a 27-year-old with a big investment question. The company I work for matches 401(k) contributions up to 9%, which is all well and fine since I contribute enough to receive the company match. I have just about $60,000 in my 401(k) and I have a Roth IRA on the side as well as a brokerage account for stocks. I would like to roll over my 401(k) into another IRA since the investment choices in the 401(k) are rather limited. I’m a big fan of investment diversification with different funds. Is this a good option to choose or is this a silly idea with no merit? I understand the tax implications involved but am willing to bite the bullet for more investment options.

Answer: Good for you for being so diligent about saving for retirement. Your early start should give you a lot of options when you’re older.

For now, your question has an easy answer. Typically, you can’t roll a 401(k) account into an IRA while you’re still working for the employer that provides the 401(k).

There are a few exceptions. Once you turn 59½, some plans do allow such rollovers. Also, a few plans offer “mega backdoor Roths” that allow you to contribute after-tax money to a 401(k) and then do an “in service” conversion to a Roth IRA. This option helps high-income people get around the income limitation that would otherwise prevent them from contributing to a Roth IRA.

You will have the option of rolling your money into an IRA once you leave your job, but don’t assume such a rollover is always the right choice.

Most 401(k)s offer enough options to give you plenty of diversification, plus you may have access to low-cost institutional funds that wouldn’t be available in an IRA. You’re also protected by federal law that requires the companies offering 401(k)s to act as fiduciaries — in other words, they must put your best interests first. You often have the option of rolling your 401(k) balance into a new employer’s plan, which means you would be able to take loans from the plan. That’s not an option with an IRA.

There are no tax implications for rolling over a 401(k), by the way. Only if you convert the money to a Roth IRA will you owe taxes. A conversion may make sense, but you’ll want to talk to a tax pro first.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How the pandemic has shaken up retirement. Also in the news: 6 steps for financial spring cleaning, what to know if you’re listing your home in 2021, and how to avoid having to pay back the $3600 child tax credit.

How the Pandemic Has Shaken Up Retirement
When to retire isn’t always in our control, but too early an exit can bring financial instability.

6 Steps for Financial Spring Cleaning, Pandemic-Style
This year, spring cleaning includes reevaluating your budget, updating insurance and setting new goals.

Listing Your Home in 2021? Here’s What to Know
Roughly 1 in 6 (17%) homeowners plan on selling their home in the next 18 months.

How To Avoid Having to Pay Back the $3,600 Child Tax Credit
Find out how the credit works.