Dear Liz: I waited until 70 to start taking Social Security. My wife, who is the lower earner, took a spousal benefit at her full retirement age. I know she is entitled to my benefit when I pass. However, I understand she does not get my current benefit but the amount I would have received if […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Health savings accounts offer a rare triple tax break. Here’s what to know
Dear Liz: Can I contribute additional money to my health savings account, above the amount I’m contributing through payroll deduction? Also, I have an HSA account from a previous employer and one from my current employer. Can I combine the two? Answer: If you have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan, you can contribute up to $4,300 […]
Q&A: Unemployed, but the nest egg is large. Is it unethical to get public assistance?
Dear Liz: I am out of work and taking a pause on my job search. While I have plenty of savings in a diversified portfolio, enough to last many years if needed, my adjusted gross income is small (mostly capital gains from gradual sales of assets). I think I qualify for low-income assistance programs for utility […]
Q&A: A first paycheck means getting to know Uncle Sam
Dear Liz: My recently graduated child got a job and he will be given a 1099 tax form for his earnings. I know he will have to file his taxes differently and will need to pay both state and federal income taxes, but will he also make payments toward Social Security? Will these months (and maybe […]
Q&A: Clearing up some confusion over those proprietary funds
Dear Liz: Your recent column about proprietary funds confused me. You mentioned that selling these funds can trigger capital gains tax. Is it not true we can move investments directly from one money manager to another and not take a capital gain as long as the funds remain invested? Answer: If you can move a fund from […]
Q&A: After a windfall, questions on what to do with the cash
Dear Liz: After selling my house and downsizing at age 84, I am cash rich for the first time in my life. My goal now is not so much to grow the money substantially, but to avoid paying taxes on my investments, as I would have to do with certificates of deposit. Are tax-free municipal bonds […]