Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The lowdown on new tools to jump-start your credit. Also in the news: The new credit card that pays cash-back rewards for on-time payments, tuition discounts grow at private colleges and universities, and what to do in your 20s and 30s to be set in your 60s and 70s. The Lowdown on […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why your financial aid may plummet after freshman year. Also in the news: 3 tricks to help you shop less, how FICA tax and other withholding taxes work on your paycheck, and why you should plan to retire even if you don’t plan on retiring. Why Your Financial Aid May Plummet After […]

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Let’s get real about health costs in retirement

You won’t pay for health care in retirement with one lump sum. That’s the way these expenses are often presented, though, and the amounts are terrifying. Fidelity Investments, for example, says a couple retiring in 2019 at age 65 will need $285,000 for health expenses, not including nursing home or other long-term care. The Employee […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The average credit score is rising. Also in the news: 3 money-saving tips for buying a washer, a statute of limitations on student loans, and why you should always buy airfare on a credit card. Credit Scores Are Rising — Is Yours, Too? Every little bit matters. Want to Clean Up? 3 […]

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Q&A: Here’s a case where taking retirement funds early might make sense

Dear Liz: My wife and I are both retired and receiving annuity payments. In addition, we have about $1.3 million in traditional IRAs and $350,000 in another annuity that will pay us each about $1,000 per month. We are moving from Texas to Arkansas sometime in the next year. Texas has no state income tax […]

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Q&A: Bad Social Security math

Dear Liz: Regarding when to begin receiving Social Security payments: I would think that people should begin taking payments as early as possible if they can invest it rather than spend it, as a lot of money is “left on the table” between ages, say, 62 and 70. Your thoughts? Answer: That argument was more […]

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Q&A: Tax take on inherited house

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you quoted an attorney saying that if an inherited home in a trust is sold for its value at the date of death, the trust won’t owe capital gains. We sold our family’s house in 2007 within a month of my mother’s death and the government took half. Fortunately […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: These 3 tricks can help you shop less. Also in the news: What you need to know about Slack’s IPO, a college survival guide for your money, and how to use travel rewards for a Memorial Day Weekend getaway. These 3 Tricks Can Help You Shop Less Curbing your spending. What you […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you shouldn’t give up on public service student loan forgiveness. Also in the news: The life-changing magic of working a bit longer, why your financial aid may plummet after freshman year, and 7 thoughtful and unique graduation gifts — all under $25. Don’t Give Up on Public Service Loan Forgiveness The […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 steps to reaching financial freedom. Also in the news: How to furnish your new home without breaking the bank, growing your garden with only a little green, and how to compare and decipher college financial aid offers. 5 Steps to Reaching Financial Freedom One step at a time. You Got the […]

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