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Q&A: Those IRS coronavirus-extended deadlines apply to more than just taxes

March 30, 2020 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Now that we’re not required to file our taxes until July 15 this year, has anything been said about pushing back the 2019 contribution deadline for IRAs and Roth IRAs?

Answer: The IRS recently confirmed that the deadline for making contributions to IRAs has also been extended to July 15. The deadlines were pushed back from April 15 because of stay-at-home orders and other disruptions stemming from the coronavirus outbreak.

You can contribute up to $6,000 to IRAs for 2019 if you’re under 50, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. The limits are the same for 2020.

You didn’t ask, but the deadline for contributing to a health savings account also has been extended.

HSAs allow people with qualifying high-deductible health insurance plans to put away money that can be used tax-free for eligible medical expenses. The maximum amount individuals can contribute to an HSA is $3,500 for individual coverage and $7,000 for family coverage. The “catch up” provision for people 55 and older allows an additional $1,000 contribution.

Filed Under: Q&A, Taxes Tagged With: Coronavirus, IRS deadlines, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

March 27, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 7 credit card rules you can break in an emergency. Also in the news: How Gen X can start tackling its credit card debt, 6 tips to help your portfolio weather the coronavirus crash, and how to prep for and spend your government relief check.

7 Credit Card ‘Rules’ You Can Break in an Emergency
Times are different.

How Gen X Can Start Tackling Its Credit Card Debt
Don’t put it off any longer.

6 Tips to Help Your Portfolio Weather the Coronavirus Crash
Slow and steady.

How to Prep for and Spend Your Government Relief Check
Getting the most from your check.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Coronavirus, credit card debt, credit card rules, Credit Cards, Generation X. tips, investment portfolio, stimulus check

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

March 25, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Laid off due to Coronavirus? Take these 6 steps. Also in the news: NerdWallet Experts’ tips on handling finances during coronavirus, my experience flying from Mexico to the U.S. during the Coronavirus pandemic, and how to make a will during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Laid Off Due to Coronavirus? Take These 6 Steps
Keeping your head above water.

NerdWallet Experts’ Tips on Handling Finances During Coronavirus
Advice from the pros.

My Experience Flying from Mexico to the U.S. During the Coronavirus Pandemic
It’s a different world.

How Do You Make a Will During the Coronavirus Lockdown?
Getting creative.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Coronavirus, Estate Planning, experts, finance tips, tips, traveling, unemployment, will

How to create a retirement paycheck that lasts

March 25, 2020 By Liz Weston

Saving and investing for retirement may actually be easier than deciding how to safely spend what you’ve accumulated.

Withdraw too much and you could run out of money. Withdraw too little and you might stint on some retirement pleasures you could actually afford. Taxes and Medicare premiums should be considered, too, since both could be inflated by the wrong withdrawal strategies.

Financial planners use powerful software to model various ways to tap retirement funds so they can recommend the best options for their clients. Recently, some companies introduced similar software that consumers can use to find the most tax-efficient, sustainable strategies.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at the pros and cons of these new programs.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Financial Planning, Retirement, robo-advisors, software

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 24, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to prepare for a recession. Also in the news: What to do if you can’t pay your mortgage, how to stay organized when you have multiple credit cards, and how to find a bank that pays you to open an account.

How to Prepare for a Recession
Take steps now.

What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage
Talk to your lender immediately.

How to Stay Organized When You Have Multiple Credit CardsKeeping a master list.

Find a Bank That Pays You to Open an AccountBonuses are out there.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: banking, Coronavirus, Credit Cards, mortgages, new account bonuses, recession, tips

Monday’s need-to-know money news

March 23, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: You can now pause 2 student loan payments. But should you? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the coronavirus, why you should be the friend who talks about money, and how long you should keep your tax documents.

You Can Now Pause 2 Student Loan Payments, But Should You?
Is it really worth it?

SmartMoney podcast: Coronavirus edition
How the virus impacts your money.

Be the Friend Who Talks About Money
Tough conversations that are worth having.

How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Documents?
Make copies of everything.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Coronavirus, friends and money, SmartMoney podcast, student loan payments, tax documents

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