Q&A: How to avoid hiring a Madoff-like financial advisor

Dear Liz: What is the best way to pick a financial advisor to make sure they don’t make off with all your retirement money? I don’t want Bernie Madoff handling my retirement savings. Answer: Even if you turn over day-to-day investment decisions to an advisor, you should make sure your money is invested at an independent […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Guaranteed income in retirement

Dear Liz: Is there such a thing as guaranteed income in retirement? Private pensions are gone and public pensions aren’t far behind. There are calls for pension reform and I’m not sure if anything is guaranteed anymore. As far as annuities are concerned, insurance companies are on shaky ground and the U.S. government had to […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Using two-factor authentication

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you discussed the importance of setting up two-factor authentication to protect financial accounts. My concern about using this method is that if my cellphone is lost or not working, I won’t be able to access my accounts when necessary. What do you think about this? Answer: Two-factor authentication typically […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mapping your financial journey. Also in the news: What Wells Fargo’s settlement might mean for you, six unusual ways to get out of debt, and surprising Social Security benefits for divorced spouses. Mapping Your Financial Journey Building a roadmap to success. What Wells Fargo’s $185 Million Settlement May Mean for You The […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Applying for the wrong credit cards can make bad credit worse. Also in the news: Store reward programs worthwhileness, preschoolers and personal finance, and the #1 cause of financial stress in your state. Applying for the Wrong Credit Cards Can Just Make Bad Credit Worse Be selective. Are Store Rewards Programs Worthwhile? […]

Continue reading...

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Financial aid tips for procrastinators. Also in the news: Auto insurance in the driverless car era, payday alternative loans, and six ways your teen driver will affect your wallet. 4 Financial Aid Tips for College Procrastinators Don’t waste any more time. If You Hate Auto Insurance, You’ll Love Driverless Cars A change […]

Continue reading...

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What yo look for in a credit card for bad credit. Also in the news: How to decide whether you should save, invest, or pay off student loans, how to spend less money in your 20s, and why next year’s tax refund might be late. What to Look for in a Credit […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Naming co-executers

Dear Liz: Is it legal for my parents to appoint me co-executer of their estate, along with my sister, without asking me first if I was okay with this, and keeping me as co-executer after I told them I do not want the responsibility? My sister is more intelligent and competent than I am and would […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Social Security survivors benefits

Dear Liz: My husband and I were married after dating for over four years, but he died suddenly on our honeymoon. When I got home, I was told by our local Social Security office that I did not qualify for survivors benefits because we were not married long enough. I am going to be 66 […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Removing a quit-claim house mortgage from your credit

Dear Liz: I recently divorced and quit-claimed my house over to my ex-wife. She has been making all the payments on time but the mortgage still shows up on my credit. Because of this, I can’t borrow as it is considered my indebtedness still. Do you know of anyway of having it expunged from my […]

Continue reading...