This week’s money news

This week’s top story: What to expect if the Credit Card Competition Act passes. In other news: How to avoid the cost, risk and stress of unneeded medical tests, how to get the best interest rate on your business loan, and get ready for an even busier holiday travel season in 2023. What to Expect if […]

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Q&A: Delayed Social Security benefits

Dear Liz: I know my spouse can get up to half of my Social Security benefit amount if it is greater than her benefit. I am planning to delay starting Social Security until age 70. Will my spouse get half of my benefit at my full retirement age (which is 66 and 2 months) or half […]

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Q&A: Home equity in community property states

Dear Liz: I live in California and have been married for 20 years. My spouse bought our home before our marriage and my name is not on the title as a co-owner. However, I contribute to most of our monthly financial obligations which include paying the mortgage, property taxes, etc. In the event of death or […]

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Q&A: What happens to your HSA money when you die?

Dear Liz: What designation or instructions should I make for assets (if any) which remain in my health savings account at the time of my death? Do any remaining funds go directly to my estate or am I allowed to name a beneficiary for this money? If “yes” to the beneficiary question, is the beneficiary subject to the […]

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This week’s money news

This week’s top story: New changes for Medicare in 2024. In other news: Fed hits pause on rate hikes, third times since March 2022, Black Friday shopping could look different this year, and the busiest days to fly during the winter holidays. What’s New for Medicare in 2024? Check next year’s premiums and deductibles, as well […]

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5 strategies for navigating today’s digital tipping culture

The nearly universal experience of finding yourself face-to-face with a checkout counter screen asking you to select an amount to tip for service can prompt a cascade of awkward questions: How much should you tip on a $5 coffee if anything? How can you decide before the cup has even been poured? Is it rude […]

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Q&A: Watch out for probate triggers

Dear Liz: My wife and I have a living trust that includes most of our assets. We have two bank accounts that are not in the trust totaling $130,000. Will these accounts be subject to probate? If it matters, she is in memory care and I handle all finances. Our executor son is a signer on one bank […]

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Q&A: Why those great deals banks are offering might be less lucrative than they appear

Dear Liz: I’m receiving numerous email offers from big banks offering significant incentives and bonuses to open checking and savings accounts. I usually don’t pay much attention to them but the latest one is offering $900 to open these accounts. I’ve read all the fine print and understand all the requirements, but I can’t help but […]

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Q&A: What’s a qualified charitable distribution?

Dear Liz: I have a suggestion for the couple who is facing the start of required minimum distributions from their retirement accounts but who do not need the money. They could consider making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD allows you to donate to a charity directly from your IRA and satisfies your RMD requirement. […]

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Does a 401(k) employer match tempt you to cash out?

Many companies try to help their workers to save for retirement. Employers often offer 401(k)s, company matches and automatic enrollment to encourage saving. Much of that effort goes to waste, though, when employees leave. A study published last year in Marketing Science, a peer-reviewed research journal, found more than 40% of departing workers cashed out […]

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