Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Liz Weston

Q&A: Managing retirement savings

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Dear Liz: I’m considering converting an old 401(k) to a Roth IRA. Will the gains from the 401(k) account be treated as capital gains? And can you only convert 401(k) plans you no longer participate in, or can you convert both current and former 401(k) plans?

Answer: You’ll pay income taxes on the conversion. Retirement plans, including 401(k)s and IRAs, don’t qualify for capital gains tax rates. You may be able to convert your current 401(k) as well. Ask your plan administrator if “in plan Roth conversions” are allowed.

Q&A: Here’s why you shouldn’t put that huge hospital bill on a credit card

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Dear Liz: Because of COVID, my 27-year-old son lost his job and health insurance. He was unable to afford continued health insurance and did not qualify for Medicaid. He contracted spinal meningitis and was hospitalized 12 days. The hospital reduced his bill to $28,000 from the original $80,000, but he is still unable to pay. He remains unemployed and without any savings. What would you suggest he do?

Answer: Your son should first call the hospital and ask about applying for financial assistance. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to offer this help to low-income patients, and many for-profit hospitals also offer programs that can reduce or even eliminate the charges.

He also should ask about a payment plan geared to what’s left of his income. He should resist any hospital pressure to put the bill on a credit card, because hospital payment plans typically don’t charge interest while credit cards do.

If he’s still left with a bill he can’t pay, he should consult a bankruptcy attorney, and do so as soon as possible. Bankruptcy experts are predicting a big uptick in filings as people and businesses struggle with fallout from the pandemic.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How frugal fashionistas can stay on trend. Also in the news: What Biden or Trump could do for your student loans, why you need an investment policy statement, why you need an investment policy statement, and college student argue distance learning should cost less.

How Frugal Fashionistas Can Stay on Trend
Style doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

What Biden or Trump Could Do for Your Student Loans
A look at both plans.

Why You Need an Investment Policy Statement
Start with your goals.

College students argue distance learning should cost less as some schools are charging more
Students say they aren’t getting what they paid for.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Are Medicare Advantage plans worth the risk? Also in the news: 4 ways women can invest in other women, 4 market headwinds facing first-time buyers, and 9 million Americans will get letters about missing stimulus checks.

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Worth the Risk?
Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage, usually at no cost, but you may pay more if you get sick.

4 Ways Women Can Invest in Other Women
Intentional investing can allow you to support women with your investment dollars.

4 Market Headwinds Facing First-Time Buyers
To find success in a housing market buffeted by the pandemic, buyers must be persistent, patient and preapproved.

9 million Americans will get letters about missing stimulus checks
Here’s where those notices are going.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Your credit history opens doors – here’s how to build it. Also in the news: what happens to your debt if your school closes for good, and exit strategies for young adults forced home during COVID-19.

Your Credit History Opens Doors — Here’s How to Build It
About 13% of Americans in a survey said that they don’t have a credit history, and some don’t know how to get started.

If Your College Closes for Good, What Happens to Your Debt?
You have two options.

Is That Nearly New Salvage-Title Car Really a Deal?
A few dealers now specialize in professionally rebuilt salvage-title vehicles. The risks remain, though.

Exit Strategies for Young Adults Forced Home During COVID-19
How to make the Great Escape.

Are Medicare Advantage plans worth the risk?

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About 1 in 3 people 65 and older in the U.S. enroll in Medicare Advantage, the private insurance alternative to traditional Medicare. It’s not hard to see why: Medicare Advantage plans often cover stuff that Medicare doesn’t, and most people don’t pay extra for it.

But Medicare Advantage can be more expensive if you get sick because copays and other costs can be higher, says Katy Votava, president of Goodcare.com, a health care consultant for financial advisors and consumers.

Unhappy customers who want to switch back to traditional Medicare may find they no longer qualify for the supplemental policies to help pay their medical bills, or that they would face prohibitively high premiums.

“These are complicated products,” says Votava, author of “Making the Most of Medicare.” “They’re like nothing else, no other insurance that people encounter anywhere until they get to Medicare.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, making sense of the Medicare alphabet soup.