Dear Liz: My spouse’s parents were married for 11 years. They divorced at age 32 and my mother-in-law remarried at 42. My mother-in-law and her ex are now 82. Her husband is 93 and in poor health. When her husband dies, she does not get his pension. Her current Social Security benefit is $850 a month. […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Authorized credit card users
Dear Liz: Following your advice on building credit, we recently added our son as an authorized user on one of my credit cards. My question is, what happens when I pass away? Does the card remain with him as the only user? Do I need to address this in my will? Answer: Your executor, the person you named in […]
Sharing a roof, and money, with adult kids
When Amanda Claypool was 28, she left a government contracting job in Washington, D.C., and moved back to her parents’ house in upstate New York while she figured out her next step. Then the pandemic struck, and her temporary return lasted longer than she’d planned. Living with her parents for several months “helped give me […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on rising interest rates, and budgeting with apps. In other news: How the Airbnb ‘gold rush’ could impact the homebuying market, avoiding 5 banking mistakes to earn more interest, pay less in fees, and co-buying a house. Smart Money Podcast: Rising Interest Rates, and Budgeting With Apps This week’s […]
Q&A: When to take survivor benefits
Dear Liz: My wife started collecting Social Security at her full retirement age six years ago. I’m waiting to file to get my maximum Social Security payout at 70 in 2025. If I were to file today, my current benefit would be significantly higher than hers, and even more so if I wait. If I predecease […]
Q&A: How to buy U.S. Treasuries
Dear Liz: Can I purchase a U.S. Treasury bill myself or do I need to go through a bank or a financial advisor? Answer: You can buy government-issued securities — including Treasury bills, bonds and notes —from TreasuryDirect, which is operated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Setting up an account usually takes just a few minutes, but […]