Dear Liz: We are recently retired and will own our home free and clear in about six months. Will not having regular mortgage payments dent our credit ratings? If so, what can be done as a good substitute? Answer: Your credit scores may dip after you pay off your mortgage, particularly if you don’t have […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Credit freezes
Dear Liz: You recently suggested a credit freeze. I agree that’s a good idea, and probably the only good way, to try to protect your credit. But I’ve tried to periodically unfreeze my credit reports and that rarely goes well. The banks won’t tell you which credit bureau or bureaus they use to check your […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 3 lessons I wish I’d learned sooner about booking travel. Also in the news: A scrap of hope for distressed home buyers, is buying a car a two-person job, and the best Amazon Prime benefits you don’t know about. 3 Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Sooner About Booking Travel Here are three […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Are 0% interest student loans better than forgiveness? Also in the news: The worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them, 5 reasons why you haven’t switched banks, and the best app for splitting the check. Are 0% Interest Student Loans Better Than $10K Cancellation? Cancellation is the most popular proposal […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to get therapy when cost and access are a barrier. Also in the news: Mortgage rates stay on the escalator in July, the NerdWallet small business financing index, and how to find out what your health insurance will pay beforehand. Getting Therapy When Cost and Access Are a Barrier Many things […]
Q&A: Waiting to collect Social Security
Dear Liz: I understand your suggestion about waiting until you are 70 to apply for Social Security because you’ll get a larger amount. However, I applied at 62 and no matter how much more I would have received at 70, I would never recoup an amount equal to what I received. My husband chose to […]