Dear Liz: When I retired in 2018, I rolled over my 403(b) teachers retirement account into a traditional IRA and made my sister sole beneficiary. I sent her a copy of that beneficiary statement showing her name, her percentage (100%), and my account number. My sister later told me in a phone call that she […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Where’s my refund?
Dear Liz: I filed a paper 2019 federal tax return in mid-February. It’s been more than nine weeks, and they haven’t electronically deposited my refund yet. Last week, I called the “Where’s My Refund” IRS number and got an automated response that basically they couldn’t help me. I then called the taxpayer advocate number listed […]
Q&A: Good news about your coronavirus stimulus money: It doesn’t count as income or an asset
Dear Liz: I have a question about a recent answer you gave. The question was whether stimulus payments count as income for people who get Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Your — correct — answer was that they don’t, of course, but you seemed to gloss over the fact that even though this payment was […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online. Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times. Also in the news: 9 budget-friendly ideas for a staycation, how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies, and what to do if you get a letter about unemployment benefits you never requested. Find Free, Solid Money Advice in Uncertain Times Many organizations […]
Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times
If you have money questions — and who among us doesn’t right now? — there are plenty of people willing to offer advice: friends, relatives and random strangers on the internet. Finding someone who knows what they’re talking about, and who isn’t trying to take advantage of you, can be tougher. Fortunately, several groups of […]