Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Take control now with advance medical directives. Also in the news: How to transfer a credit card balance in 3 simple steps, how to set up a 50/20/30 budget, and tax filing tips for college students. Take Control Now With Advance Medical Directives Some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Is identity theft protection worth it? Also in the news: The perks of cutting spending, why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow, and how to get a replacement economic impact payment card. Is identity theft protection worth it? Valuing your online privacy. The perks of cutting spending It […]

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Take control now with advance medical directives

If you get COVID-19 and struggle to breathe, would you want to be put on a ventilator? Whatever your answer, ask yourself another question: Who would make your wishes clear if you couldn’t speak for yourself? Advance directives — an umbrella term that includes living wills and health care proxies or powers of attorney — […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Still undecided about college this fall? Know these 4 options. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on identity theft protection, 4 store credit cards with the best rewards, and how to prioritize high-interest debt payments. Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options You still […]

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Q&A: Getting sister’s house without a will

Dear Liz: When I retired in 2018, I rolled over my 403(b) teachers retirement account into a traditional IRA and made my sister sole beneficiary. I sent her a copy of that beneficiary statement showing her name, her percentage (100%), and my account number. My sister later told me in a phone call that she […]

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Q&A: Where’s my refund?

Dear Liz: I filed a paper 2019 federal tax return in mid-February. It’s been more than nine weeks, and they haven’t electronically deposited my refund yet. Last week, I called the “Where’s My Refund” IRS number and got an automated response that basically they couldn’t help me. I then called the taxpayer advocate number listed […]

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Q&A: Good news about your coronavirus stimulus money: It doesn’t count as income or an asset

Dear Liz: I have a question about a recent answer you gave. The question was whether stimulus payments count as income for people who get Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Your — correct — answer was that they don’t, of course, but you seemed to gloss over the fact that even though this payment was […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online. Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times. Also in the news: 9 budget-friendly ideas for a staycation, how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies, and what to do if you get a letter about unemployment benefits you never requested. Find Free, Solid Money Advice in Uncertain Times Many organizations […]

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Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times

If you have money questions — and who among us doesn’t right now? — there are plenty of people willing to offer advice: friends, relatives and random strangers on the internet. Finding someone who knows what they’re talking about, and who isn’t trying to take advantage of you, can be tougher. Fortunately, several groups of […]

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