Today’s top story: Why one teacher changed careers and gave up loan forgiveness. Also in the news: What the signs are that I need a new bank, how to make extra cash by renting out your car, and how to get 100% of your student loans forgiven through the borrower defense program. Why One Teacher […]
Recent Blog Posts
Why is money so confusing?
Managing money is an essential life skill, yet most U.S. adults would fail a financial literacy test. Consider the results of a survey meant to measure financial literacy, called the TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index. On average, U.S. adults correctly answered only 50% of its financial literacy questions in 2022. In other words: If you […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to check if your bank is greenwashing. In other news: Smart Money Podcast on how to manage medical debt and the meanings behind common real estate terms. Is Your Bank Greenwashing? Here’s How to Check Research the impact your bank has on the planet and any environmental claims or commitments it […]
Q&A: You need to satisfy this key requirement to get an IRS home sale tax exemption
Dear Liz: I was given a condominium, which I’m renting out while I live overseas, traveling from country to country. I understand that when I sell the condo, I can exclude up to $250,000 of home sale profits if the property is my “primary residence” for at least two of the last five years. But how […]
Q&A: Avoiding Medicare late enrollment penalties
Dear Liz: I have taken multiple in-person and online educational classes about Medicare prior to my 65th birthday. What I learned from these classes was that the law demands people register for Medicare Part A when we turn 65 whether we are working or not. Like the woman in your column, I also work full time […]
Q&A: Dealing with credit challenges
Dear Liz: I felt you should have corrected the person who said they felt like a loser because heavy credit card usage lowered their credit scores. I went through a period of poor credit after I was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It took about nine months to get our financial footing again. My scores are on […]