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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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are you saving money in the right place? Also in the news: Why it’s time to dump home buyer love letters, can you be denied life insurance for smoking weed, and 5 fresh kitchen backsplash ideas. Are You Saving Money in the Right Place? What to consider when you’re stashing your savings. […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Suddenly retired? What to do next. Also in the news: 9 low-cost ways to make virtual learning easier for kids, the safety of air travel right now, and how to get a stimulus check if you’re a low-income earner. 9 Low-Cost Ways to Make Virtual Learning Easier for Kids A few relatively […]

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Playing the market is a bad idea, especially now

The current day trading boom will end as these frenzies always do: in tears. While we wait for the inevitable crash, let’s review not only why day traders are doomed but also why most people shouldn’t trade, or even invest in, individual stocks. Day trading basically means rapidly buying and selling investments, hoping to profit […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Surprising things renters insurance covers — and leaves out. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast tackles sudden retirement and finding lost money, using a crisis to help build helpful money habits, and why Powerball and Mega Millions aren’t reaching giant jackpots anymore. Surprising Things Renters Insurance Covers […]

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Q&A: Older parents and retirement: What about child benefits?

Dear Liz: I am trying to decide whether to take Social Security at my full retirement age (66 years and four months) or wait and take it at 70. I am 64 and have two children, 13 and 11. My older child could get the child benefit for 24 months while my younger one would […]

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Q&A: Downside of unused credit cards

Dear Liz: In the past, you have recommended not canceling credit cards because doing so can hurt credit scores. Over the years, my husband has signed up for at least a dozen credit cards, eight of which we never use and have not used for as long as 10 years. He signed up for another […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 strategies on how to invest in CDs. Also in the news: Using a crisis to build helpful money habits, ten theme parks celebrating Halloween, and how to sell your car safely. How to Invest in CDs: 3 Strategies CD ladders and CD barbells aim for higher rates over time; CD bullets […]

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