Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: No credit? 3 steps to qualify for a great credit card. Also in the news:Ugrading your space while working at home means a call to your insurance agent, how to avoid impulse buying by disabling Amazon’s 1-Click ordering, and how to budget for long-term unemployment. No Credit? 3 Steps to Qualify for […]

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Beware high-risk homes that drive up insurance

When house hunting, the price of homeowners insurance probably isn’t top of mind. But homes with hidden risks can make getting coverage difficult, expensive or both. Learning how to identify them could save you a bundle. This could be a particularly important concern for first-time homebuyers and those moving from cities to suburban or rural […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage Outlook: A pre-election pause for October rates? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the unequal employment recover and the case for used cars, many avoid bankruptcy out of fear, and how to opt out of pre-screened credit offers. Mortgage Outlook: A Pre-Election Pause for October […]

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Q&A: Weekly free credit reports

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you wrote that credit reports are now available weekly from AnnualCreditReport.com. Most people understand that they are entitled to a free credit report once a year via that site. Please explain what is meant by “now available weekly?” By signing up for a paid service from one or more […]

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Q&A: Social Security survivor benefits

Dear Liz: My husband passed away at age 59 last year. He was sick and unable to work the last four years of his life. I will be 56 in October. My understanding is I will not be able to draw his Social Security benefits until I am age 60. Is this correct? I struggle […]

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Q&A: Changing tax law may have made home trust unnecessary

Dear Liz: I was told my father’s house did not qualify for a step-up in tax basis at his death because he had put the house in a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT). With your recent column mentioning the step-up when a home is inherited, I’m wondering if I paid unnecessary taxes. Answer: In at […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit card preapproval vs. pre-qualification. Also in the news: 3 ways to keep your distance with contactless payments, why sustainable investing could get a lot harder, and a look at your debt options. Credit Card Preapproval vs. Pre-Qualification Pre-qualification is a soft yes on qualifying for a card. Preapproval is a guarantee […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Sustainable investing could get a lot harder. Also in the news: Why you should file the FAFSA ASAP, why savings accounts and CDs are still worth it despite low rates, and how to find your lost 401(k). Sustainable Investing Could Get a Lot Harder The Labor Department wants to keep socially responsible […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to pay for a home remodel without tapping your equity. Also in the news: U.S. unemployment shrinks, but recovery varies across race, sex, and age, how to avoid last-minute tax surprises when closing your business, and is COVID-specific travel insurance worth buying. How to Pay for a Home Remodel Without Tapping […]

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Sustainable investing could get a lot harder

Interest in sustainable investing is soaring, as more people become convinced that making a positive impact can be profitable as well as good for the planet and society. Unfortunately, the Labor Department doesn’t think these investments belong in your 401(k). In June, the federal regulator proposed a rule that would restrict workplace retirement plans from […]

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