Q&A: Can an executor withhold a copy of a will?

Dear Liz: What rights does a sibling survivor have to get a copy of a mother’s will, if the sibling is not the executor? Answer: From the way you phrased your question, it sounds as if your sibling is serving as executor of your late mother’s estate and refusing to let you see her will. […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to move forward after a financial setback. Also in the news: Military student loan rights, the best Black Friday deals on laptops and computers, and how to find cheaper international travel fares with a decades-old loophole. How to Move Forward After a Financial Setback Refuse to get stuck. Thank You for […]

Continue reading...

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Employee loans as alternatives to payday loans. Also in the news: 3 savings strategies for holiday shoppers, the best Black Friday deals, and many people are still paying off last year’s holiday debt. Short on Cash? Employee Loans Are Alternatives to Payday Loans 78% of working Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. Outsmart Other Holiday […]

Continue reading...

At What Age Can You Ignore Your Credit Score?

At some point, you’ll buy your last car and refinance your last mortgage. Surely then you can stop worrying about your credit scores. Well, not really, although there are situations when credit scores shouldn’t be anyone’s main concern. In my latest for the Associated Press, why credit scores still matter, even when you don’t plan […]

Continue reading...

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t make these big life insurance blunders. Also in the news: Bail on your big bank for better savings returns, Macy’s Black Friday ad, and a new banking scam to watch out for. Don’t Make These Big Life Insurance Blunders Common mistakes financial planners see. For Better Savings Returns, Bail on Your […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Don’t believe this credit score myth

Dear Liz: Is it true that no credit is as bad as bad credit? I recently paid off my house and have no car loans. I use four credit cards every month, including one for automatic monthly bills. All are paid in full as soon as I get the bills. So practically speaking, I have […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: The value of a special needs trust

Dear Liz: You recently answered an inquiry from a lady who was furious about the lack of estate planning provided by her brother-in-law for his disabled daughter. As the father of a special needs child, I read the synopsis hoping that a special needs trust was created and maybe was just not known by the […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Providing for a disabled child

Dear Liz: The letter about the disabled daughter was horrifying, but the father isn’t the only villain here. Surely the mother knew what kind of man she married. Shouldn’t she have made provisions for her daughter in her own estate plans? Answer: Ideally, yes. No parent should assume a spouse will “do the right thing” […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: With mobile payments, you can go without a wallet at checkout. Also in the news: Managing your credit card debt plan with a paycheck, cheap and easy dinner ideas from frugal nerds, and the new 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2019. With Mobile Pay, You Can Go Without a Wallet at […]

Continue reading...