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Fear of bankruptcy holds too many people back

September 22, 2020 By Liz Weston

The mystery isn’t why so many people file for bankruptcy each year. It’s why more people don’t.

Each year, only a fraction of the Americans who could benefit financially from bankruptcy actually seek relief. Economists say some don’t file because collectors aren’t aggressively pursuing them, while others may strategically delay filing because bankruptcy could benefit them more down the road.

Many bankruptcy attorneys have a much simpler explanation: Fear, a lack of information and misplaced optimism keep people from getting a fresh start. In my latest for the Associated press, why bankruptcy may be the best option for those struggling with debt.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Bankruptcy

Monday’s need-to-know money news

September 21, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast featuring Drag Race All-Star winner Shea Couleé talking about the drag economy. Also in the news: Online banking FAQs, how to invest in the S&P 500, and how to plan for interest rates staying low through 2023.

Smart Money Podcast: Used Cars in Short Supply, and Shea Couleé Talks About Money
The winner of season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars discusses their plan for their $100K winnings.

‘When Can I Shred This Check?’ and Other Online Banking FAQ
What to keep and what to toss.

How to Invest in the S&P 500
The S&P 500 is an index comprised of 500 leading U.S. companies, and it powers some popular index funds.

How to Plan for Interest Rates Staying Low Through 2023
The impact rock-bottom rates could have on you.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Drag Race All Stars, low interest rates, online banking, S&P 500, Shea Coulee, SmartMoney podcast

Q&A: Remodel the house or sell it?

September 21, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Should we take out a home equity loan so we can do some improvements on our house and make it work better for us, or should we sell it and upgrade to a bigger house? We are not in a rush to move, so we are content to take our time to find the right new home at the right price. We are also considering staying and doing work on our current home. But we have a lot of equity and are wondering: Would it be smarter to cash that in? We both remember the housing crash and are very nervous about getting in over our heads.

Answer: People are spending a lot of time at home these days, and many are longing for a little extra space. Interest rates are low, which makes borrowing for improvements or a bigger home more affordable for many.

You’re smart to be cautious about taking on too much debt, though. Lenders are much more cautious than they were before the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, but it’s still possible to borrow more than you can comfortably repay. Big mortgage payments could prevent you from saving for important goals such as retirement or your children’s college education.

If you like your current neighborhood, remodeling is often the more economical route. You spend roughly 10% of your home’s value when you sell it and buy another. Real estate commissions take a big chunk, as do moving costs. Bigger houses — whether through remodeling or moving — also can mean higher tax, insurance and utility bills. That’s not to say you should never upgrade, but you’re smart to consider all your options because the cost of exchanging homes is pretty high.

By the way, you aren’t really cashing in equity when you use it to buy another home or borrow against it to make improvements. Some people would say that’s “putting your equity to work,” but the idea that equity needs employment is what led many people to borrow excessively against their homes before the last recession. It’s perfectly fine, and often desirable, to have lots of equity just sitting around. That way, it’s there for you when you really need it. You can tap it in an emergency, for example, or to help fund your retirement.

Filed Under: Q&A, Real Estate Tagged With: interest rates, real estate, remodeling

Q&A: Managing retirement savings

September 21, 2020 By Liz Weston

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.

Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement Tagged With: IRA, retirement savings, Roth IRA

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

September 21, 2020 By Liz Weston

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.

Filed Under: Credit Cards, Medical Debt, Q&A Tagged With: Credit Cards, medical debt, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 18, 2020 By Liz Weston

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.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Biden, election 2020, fashion, investment policy statement, remote learning, Student Loans, Trump

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