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Liz Weston

Q&A: How Social Security child benefits work

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Dear Liz: I am drawing Social Security and my daughter just turned 18. Will she lose her Social Security and can I claim my wife in her place?

Answer: Child benefits, which is what your daughter receives, are designed to help the dependent minor children of Social Security recipients who are retired, disabled or deceased.

If your daughter is still a full-time high school student, then her child benefit can continue until she graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. Otherwise the benefit typically ends at 18. (A child 18 and over with a disability can continue to get child benefits, as long as the disability started before age 22.)

Child benefits are only for the unmarried children of Social Security recipients, so obviously your wife doesn’t qualify. She may be eligible for her own Social Security benefit if she’s at least 62, or a spousal benefit based on your work record if that’s larger than her own benefit. AARP has a free Social Security claiming calculator that could help her sort through her options.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 7 ways small-business owners can save on taxes in 2022. Also in the news: Check your DMs for debt collectors and scams, coupling your finances for Valentine’s Day, and how one couple reconciled their relationship with money.

7 Ways Small-Business Owners Can Save on Taxes in 2022
Seven things entrepreneurs and independent workers can do to lower their tax bills and their anxiety this filing season and in the year ahead.

Check Your DMs for Debt Collectors and Scams
Sites like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter could be where debt collectors slide into your DMs.

For Valentine’s Day, Couple Your Finances
Money coaches discuss how couples can combine finances and bank accounts while balancing autonomy and partnership.

How My Fiance and I Reconciled Our Relationships With Money
When differing financial attitudes collide, communicating openly is the best way to bridge the divide.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to get what you want at your next job. Also in the news: Some travelers could benefit from a Spirit-Frontier merger, the most romantic money moves you can make, and how to lock in Amazon Prime at the old rate.

How to Get What You Want at Your Next Job
Tips from career coaches on being strategic with your job search, preparing for negotiations and asking for what you want.

Yes, Some Travelers Could Benefit From a Spirit-Frontier Merger
The merger might actually have something to offer cost-conscious leisure travelers.

The Most Romantic Money Moves You Can Make
Valentine’s Day can trigger spending on your loved one, but instead, consider setting up a money date.

How to Lock in Amazon Prime at the Old Rate (at Least for a Year or Two)
Amazon Prime rates are going up—but there’s an easy way to temporarily skirt the system.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Should you get travel insurance for your spring break trip? Also in the news: Credit cards charge ahead with rewards for driving electric, what you need to know about multicurrency accounts, and 4 ways to save on bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Should You Get Travel Insurance for Your Spring Break Trip?
Check what coverage you might already have before deciding to purchase additional insurance.

Credit Cards Charge Ahead With Rewards for Driving Electric
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/why-credit-cards-are-charging-ahead-with-ev-related-rewards?utm_campaign=ct_prod&utm_source=syndication&utm_medium=wire&utm_term=lizlizweston-com&utm_content=1132190
Automakers see a future with a lot more electric vehicles, and credit cards are starting to plug incentives for drivers who make the switch.

Multicurrency Account: What Is It and How Does It Work?
A multicurrency account lets you spend and hold different currencies to make managing life or work abroad easier.

4 Ways to Save Money on Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties
They’re not getting any cheaper.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: IRS scraps plan to use ID.me selfies for account verification. Also in the news: How to approach taxes if you traded cryptocurrency in 2021, only 23% of investors align their investments to their values, and how to choose the right cryptocurrency wallet.

IRS Scraps Plan to Use ID.me Selfies for Account Verification
The IRS walks back a directive that would have required taxpayers to submit a video selfie to access their online accounts.

Traded Cryptocurrency in 2021? Here’s How to Approach Taxes
With the tax-filing deadline just a few months away, those who traded cryptocurrency last year should understand their tax liability.

Survey: Just 23% of Investors Align Most Investments to Their Values
Socially responsible investing is gaining in popularity, but there’s a pronounced gap between those who value it and those who actually invest this way.

How to Choose the Right Cryptocurrency Wallet
All your cryptocurrency has to be stored somewhere—here’s how to choose the right crypto wallet for your needs.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Do you really need a million dollar life insurance policy? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on stock market shakiness, DIY vs Calling a Pro, and everything you need to know about your next side hustle.

Do I Really Need a Million-Dollar Life Insurance Policy?
You don’t need to be a millionaire to qualify for a large life insurance policy.

Smart Money Podcast: Stock Market Shakiness, and Car Buying in 2022
In dealing with stock market jitters and the need to replace a car this year, patience can really pay.

DIY or Call a Professional: Which Is Right for Your Remodel?
You can save money on easier home updates, but call an expert if a project involves plumbing or electrical work.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Next Side Hustle
You’ve heard that the grind never stops. But how do you get the grind to start?