Q&A: Windfall creates Medicare headache

Dear Liz: A couple of years ago, I was forced to receive a windfall by the sale of a company in which I held stock. Besides taking a huge tax hit, I just got my Social Security estimate for 2021 in which my Medicare bill went up by 47%. This year my income will go […]

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Q&A: How to help your adult kids build their own credit

Dear Liz: My first house is paid for, and my oldest daughter and her husband are living there now. I added her name to my credit card, which is paid in full every month, but otherwise she hasn’t established any credit. I have been paying the utilities up until now, but they are going to […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Tonight’s top story: 3 ways minority-owned banks make a difference in America. Also in the news: How much interest you can earn on $100, $1000, or $10,000, 10 money insights from 25 years of financial writing, and get guaranteed price matching at these retailers for your holiday shopping. 3 Ways Minority-Owned Banks Make a Difference […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Life and money lessons from the pandemic. Also in the news: Life insurance shoppers lose interest when COVID-19 cases drop, how to save the holidays, and how to spend your extra FSA money. Life and Money Lessons From the Pandemic We’ve taken stock of procrastination’s costs, embraced virtual work and play, and […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 DIY home improvement projects to avoid. Also in the news: How to make use of the points and miles from a deceased family member, 10 tips for winter RV road trips, and how to make money by putting ads on your car. 4 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Avoid For these […]

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Life and money lessons from the pandemic

I’m a “be prepared” kind of person. I like having money in the bank and a good stock of emergency supplies. But I wasn’t prepared to see empty shelves at the supermarket, or thousands of cars lined up at a Texas food bank, or nurses dressed in garbage bags because there wasn’t enough protective equipment. […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Read this before you refinance your federal student loans. Also in the news: COVID-19 accelerates no-exam trend in life insurance, low-cost ways small businesses can help employees save more, and what’s up with the latest COVID relief bill. Read This Before You Refinance Federal Student Loans Even with low rates, refinancing isn’t […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Federal borrowers get to skip another student loan payment. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the financial lessons of the pandemic, how to recover after being denied a mortgage, and how to financially plan for having kids. Federal Borrowers Get to Skip Another Student Loan […]

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Q&A: Don’t get creative with mom’s money

Dear Liz: My 91-year-old mother lost her mobile home (and everything else) in a fire. I was able to put her in assisted living and she is actually doing better than when she was by herself. There was insurance money, which is now in a joint account, but considering her age, we have decided not […]

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