How to Find ‘Advice-Only’ Financial Advisers

If you want money advice you can trust, your best bet is to hire a fee-only financial planner. The trick is finding a planner who’s willing to be hired for a reasonable fee. Fee-only planners don’t accept commissions or kickbacks and are paid solely by client fees. Most use an “assets under management” model where […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save green on St. Patrick’s Day. Also in the news: The bull market’s 9-year anniversary in 9 numbers, how to save on your destination wedding in Hawaii, and the financial and personal toll of family caregiving. Save Green on St. Patrick’s Day — No Luck Required Find your pot of […]

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Q&A: At retirement, should you roll your 401(k) into your IRA? Think about these factors

Dear Liz: I turned 70 last week and therefore I am leaving my part-time job after about 13 years. No big deal, but now that I am retiring I have a 401(k) worth about $60,000 and an IRA that is somewhere around $50,000. Should I roll my 401(k) account into my IRA or just let […]

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Q&A: How to cut back after spending a windfall

Dear Liz: I inherited a substantial amount of money when a relative died. I put most of it in retirement funds, but as a few stray accounts were found, sometimes I just deposited them in my bank account and lived comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 over my normal income. I have no debt, but I’ve […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 reasons to lease – not buy – your electric car. Also in the news: CD early withdrawal penalties can cost you, how to read between the lines of Airbnb listings, and nearly 100,000 members of Generation Z already own a home. 5 Reasons to Lease — Not Buy — Your Electric […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Selling stocks in a panic could jack up your tax bill. Also in the news: This 5-minute task can protect your banking rep, how to get started with frequent flyer programs, and how your Amazon Echo could be making you spend more money. Selling Stocks in a Panic Could Jack Up Your […]

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When your parents die broke

Blogger John Schmoll’s father left a financial mess when he died: a house that was worth far less than the mortgage, credit card bills in excess of $20,000_and debt collector s who insisted the son was legally obligated to pay what his father owed. Fortunately, Schmoll knew better. “I’ve been working in financial services for […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to guard your cash from debit card fraud. Also in the news: How good credit can open doors when renting your first apartment, how to prepare for the inevitable stock market crash, and when to write up a financial agreement with your partner. Debit Card Fraud Still Rising; Here’s How to […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 good ways to put your tax refund to work. Also in the news: 4 wats to speed up your tax refund, how 3 students got an education on the cheap, and Amazon may be getting into the banking business. 4 Good Ways to Put Your Tax Refund to Work Use your […]

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Q&A: You may be good with money, but if sister didn’t ask your opinion, butt out

Dear Liz: My sister and her husband are in their 80s. They are not in the greatest health but still able to live on their own. They’ve had some bad luck financially in the past. Last year they decided to convert part of their property to serve as a short-term rental. I questioned the advisability […]

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