Get smart with your money
If you’ve been waiting months for your tax refund, you’re not alone. Many people who filed paper tax returns — and even some who filed electronically, but whose returns were flagged because of problems — have yet to see their money. Some are growing desperate, since they rely on refunds to pay bills or cover […]
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Target date investments are supposed to be an easier way to invest, and they’re a popular choice in 401(k) plans. But the recent market downturn showed that some target date strategies suffered much bigger losses than others, especially for investors nearing retirement. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to be sure the investment […]
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Today’s top story: Scaling back spending yields unexpected benefits. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on charitable donations and new baby expenses, a travel expert shares his tips for traveling during a pandemic, and who needs to request a Coronavirus relief payment before October 15th. Scaling Back Spending Yields Unexpected […]
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Dear Liz: One issue in a recent column was about a sibling who did not follow the will. As executor, the sibling took two thirds of the estate instead of the will’s specification of half. This is why, when my wife and I had our estate plan created, we told the attorney that none of […]
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Dear Liz: My adjusted gross income in 2019 was too high for me to get a stimulus relief payment. However, my income this year will be much lower and I would qualify. Will I automatically get the stimulus payment when I file my 2020 return or is there something I must do to get the […]
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Dear Liz: You’ve written that when writing their wills, parents should be careful about leaving unequal distributions to their children. What wasn’t mentioned was that a person could have a “good” child and a “bad” one. The “bad one” has never done a thing for the parent, such as inviting her to the child’s home […]
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Today’s top story: Take control now with advance medical directives. Also in the news: How to transfer a credit card balance in 3 simple steps, how to set up a 50/20/30 budget, and tax filing tips for college students. Take Control Now With Advance Medical Directives Some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. […]
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Today’s top story: Is identity theft protection worth it? Also in the news: The perks of cutting spending, why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow, and how to get a replacement economic impact payment card. Is identity theft protection worth it? Valuing your online privacy. The perks of cutting spending It […]
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If you get COVID-19 and struggle to breathe, would you want to be put on a ventilator? Whatever your answer, ask yourself another question: Who would make your wishes clear if you couldn’t speak for yourself? Advance directives — an umbrella term that includes living wills and health care proxies or powers of attorney — […]
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