Savvy consumers consider price, performance and reliability when making a major purchase, such as a car or home appliance. The greatest of these is reliability — particularly lately. Supply chain disruptions can mean long waits for parts or replacements if something breaks. Getting a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other major appliance now often takes weeks […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to afford big-ticket items for the year. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on summer travel tips and conflicting financial priorities, how a Burbank teacher got their student loans forgiven, and 4 smart ways to teach kids about saving money. How to Afford Big-Ticket Items […]
Q&A: How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties
Dear Liz: I am 65, still working and have health insurance through my employer. I have not enrolled for Medicare and have been told I do not need to. I plan to once I retire. There is a passage in my Social Security statement that says, “Because you are already 65 or older, you should […]
Q&A: Newlyweds’ home sale taxes
Dear Liz: You recently wrote about how home sales are taxed but I have a question. My son was single when he bought his condo. He is now married and planning on selling it. Does he qualify for the $250,000 exclusion or the $500,000 exclusion? Answer: As you know, the exclusion allows home sellers to […]
Q&A: Credit scores and usage
Dear Liz: Thanks for your recent column about how credit scores react to heavy credit card usage. We pay our credit cards in full each month but recently we had big charges on three cards for vacations, home supplies and other purchases. I am the primary account holder on all three cards and my credit […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: First-time car buyers battle skimpy supply, sticker shock. Also in the news: Can student loan borrowers handle payments and inflation, 4 money moves to make before the baby arrives, and how to avoid ATM fees with these debit cards. First-Time Car Buyers Battle Skimpy Supply, Sticker Shock How to buy your first […]