Today’s top story: 8 tactics to break the credit card debt cycle. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on wedding guest expenses and vetting your mortgage lender, the bar that lets you buy drinks with wands, and how to see through inflation prices. 8 Tactics to Break the Credit […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Leaving IRAs to charity
Dear Liz: In responding to the reader who asked how to plan around the tax consequences of leaving a traditional IRA to a family member, I wish you had mentioned the tax benefit of naming a charity as the beneficiary of a traditional IRA. There is no tax on the distribution of a traditional IRA […]
Q&A: Retirement account distribution rules
Dear Liz: My husband is 71 and retired. We have started withdrawing from one of his retirement funds but I am unsure if there is a minimum amount that needs to be withdrawn per year. We have a few retirement funds in different places. Do we have to withdraw from each or just a minimum […]
Q&A: When a full-service brokerage doesn’t want your business anymore
Dear Liz: Can a brokerage firm drop a 26-year customer because their account falls below $200,000? I have been told that they don’t normally have accounts under that limit. Of course, my balance is lower because of the market slide. This policy doesn’t seem very ethical. Ten years ago, I had another account with them […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Small home fixes can have a big impact on safety. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on student loan debt, why you need to inspect the used car you bought sight unseen, and check whether your Toyota or Lexus is part of a massive recall. Small Home […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Life insurance favors young adults, but they have hesitations. Also in the news: The logic of booking air travel has changed, which rental car company has the lowest prices, and find out what’s bringing down the value of your home. Life Insurance Favors Young Adults, But They Have Hesitations Concerns include picking […]