Q&A: Unloading collections while you’re still alive

Dear Liz: You recently advised someone who didn’t know whom to select to administer a living trust because the person has no spouse, children or other living relatives. This person mentioned they had collectibles. An additional thing they should consider doing is donating the collection while alive to an archive, museum or other appropriate organization […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Coronavirus prompts a welcome change to a holiday travel dilemma. Also in the news: Picking a pandemic side gig takes hustle, is it finally time to buy an electric car, and the ten best financial rules of thumb. Coronavirus Prompts a Welcome Change to a Holiday Travel Dilemma You now have a […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How losing Obamacare could cost you. Also in the news: Understanding Medicare prescription drug plans, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on remote work burnout and saving for college, and the pros and cons of paying your student loans with a credit card. How Losing Obamacare Could Cost You If the […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 7 Halloween headaches and how insurance can help. Also in the news: Your battle plan for buying a home with a VA loan, what college and student debt changes are likely after the election, and the best credit card for food delivery apps. 7 Halloween Headaches and How Insurance Can Help What […]

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Stop counting other people’s money

Your neighbor pulls up in a sweet new ride. Your co-worker announces she’s taking yet another trip abroad. Your best friend upgrades to a bigger house in a better area of town. You’re pretty sure these people don’t make a lot more than you do. So how are they able to spend that kind of […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 credit mistakes that can haunt you. Also in the news: The benefits of a renovation refinance, 7 times you might want to product-change a credit card, and why you should name a guardian for your kids right away. 5 Credit Mistakes That Can Haunt You Some mistakes are much worse than […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Travel insurance options for digital nomads. Also in the news: What to do if you’ve been denied student loan refinancing, a new set of shopping tips in the pandemic, and what really happens when you file bankruptcy. Travel Insurance Options for Digital Nomads Digital nomads might travel for extended periods of time, […]

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Q&A: A look at property title

Dear Liz: You’ve mentioned that in community property states, a couple’s primary residence gets a full step-up in tax basis when one spouse dies. Does this require that the title to the property specify that it is community property? My husband and I purchased our home about 6 weeks before we were married, so we […]

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Q&A: What to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent a home

Dear Liz: I’m just turning 70 and am on my own for the first time in my life. In the last three years I took care of both my 100-year-old mother and my husband as their health failed. My daughter and son-in-law live in Colorado and are going to have a baby, and I plan […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why playing the market right now is an especially bad idea. Also in the news: Is student loan discharge in bankruptcy within reach, the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card, and how your credit score is determined. Playing the Market Is a Bad Idea, Especially Now Brokerages have […]

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