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Liz Weston

Q&A: Healthcare costs could nix early retirement

July 2, 2018 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Recently you included a letter from a retired person who was amused by the suggestion that early retirees may have to go abroad to find affordable healthcare. I was horrified by that letter and shared your article with several friends. Something is deeply wrong when a nation offers citizens who have contributed to its success so few options regarding decent medical care. It makes me very sad and angry. Thank you for focusing attention on this issue.

Answer: Currently early retirees do have an option before they’re old enough for Medicare, which is to buy insurance from Affordable Care Act exchanges. The future of that coverage is in doubt, though, which is why many financial planners are warning their clients who had planned on early retirement to continue working, if that guarantees them access to health insurance. Moving abroad is another option for the adventurous, but obviously won’t be a good solution for many.

Filed Under: Health Insurance, Q&A, Retirement

Q&A: Beware of ‘junk’ medical insurance

July 2, 2018 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: In response to your response to the retired couple about healthcare costs. I wish everyone else could be informed about this. Healthcare costs in the individual market before the ACA were anything but affordable. I had to quit my job because my husband got ill in 2000. I was healthy and was paying at first $350 a month. Every couple of years it went up because I entered a new age bracket. I had to drop my coverage when premiums went to $800. And that was for a junk policy. I was hit by a car and I realized what it didn’t cover. I almost went bankrupt, but was able to sue my own car insurance company so that I wouldn’t lose my house. I finally was able to get on Medicare when I turned 65.

Answer: Thank you for mentioning the issue of “junk” policies. Some of the cheaper alternatives to ACA policies offer far less coverage, something buyers may not discover until it’s too late. Any insurance policy worth the name should cover the kinds of catastrophically high expenses that could otherwise wipe out a retirement fund or lead to bankruptcy.

Filed Under: Health Insurance, Q&A Tagged With: health insurance, junk insurance, q&a

Friday’s need-to-know money news

June 29, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Student loan interest rates go up July 1st. Also in the news: Chase rolls out an all-mobile banking app, 5 ways your friendships can blossom on a budget, and how to make living with your parents pay off.

Student Loan Interest Rates Go Up July 1
Prepare for an increase.

Chase Rolls Out All-Mobile Banking App. Is It for You?
All of your banking done on your phone.

5 Ways Your Friendships Can Blossom on a Budget
Don’t let student loans cramp your style.

How to Make Living With Your Parents Pay Off Financially
Start building your savings.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Chase, friends and money, interest rates, living with parents, mobile banking, Student Loans

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

June 28, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Don’t let puppy love blind you to the expenses of a dog. Also in the news: The pros and cons of timeshares, 9 unsung ways to earn airline miles for free, and every expense you can expect with a first-time home purchase.

Don’t Let Puppy Love Blind You to the Expense of a Dog
Keeping Fido’s costs in check.

Are Timeshares Worth It? Possibly, if You Buy Smart
There are bargains to be found.

9 Unsung Ways to Earn Airline Miles for Free
Convert your groceries into miles.

Every Expense You Can Expect With a First-Time Home Purchase
The costs lurking behind the celebration.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: airline miles, dogs, first-time home buyers, new dog, pet costs, timeshares, travel rewards

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

June 27, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What 3 Big Brother winners did with their $500K payday. Also in the news: Financial wisdom for young adults, 3 ways to avoid a bad student loan, and when to hire a mortgage broker.

What 3 ‘Big Brother’ Winners Did After Their $500K Payday
What happened when the cameras were turned off.

It’s Not All About Money: Financial Wisdom for Young Adults
How to think about money as you begin adulthood.

3 Ways to Avoid a Bad Student Loan
Take a close look at the fine print.

When to Hire a Mortgage Broker
When to bring in the middleman.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Big Brother, mortgage brokers, real estate, Student Loans, young adults and money

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

June 26, 2018 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 3 questions to help grow your retirement savings. Also in the news: 7 annoying international travel fees you can shrink or skip, why waiting to file bankruptcy can hurt you, and 7 ways to retire without Social Security.

3 Questions to Help Grow Your Retirement Savings
Evaluating your current position.

7 Annoying International Travel Fees You Can Shrink or Skip
Leaving your more money for souvenirs.

Why Waiting to File Bankruptcy Can Hurt You
Making a bad situation worse.

7 Ways to Retire Without Social Security
Creating your own retirement income.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Bankruptcy, international travel fees, Retirement, retirement savings, Social Security

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