Dear Liz: My niece’s father remarried when she was a child. Her father and her stepmother bought a house as community property in California. Ten years later, her father died. Not long after that, her stepmother died. The stepmother had no children, and my niece was the only child of her father’s. The stepmother’s niece took […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: House sale implications for retiree
Dear Liz: I’m 67, divorced since 1992 and retired with a good government pension, a retirement investment fund, some stocks and cash savings. I plan to sell my home of 33 years soon for a hefty profit and buy a smaller home. I owe $100,000 on the mortgage. I worry about a significant increase in payments […]
Q&A: How a new credit card can help your credit score
Dear Liz: I’ve received a notice stating that a retail credit card I’ve had for more than a decade will be converted to a Mastercard. I already have an American Express charge card and a Visa rewards credit card. I don’t need another credit card. But I’m concerned. Will the conversion hurt my credit scores? Or […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you should name a ‘trusted contact.’ Also in the news: How to pay off your car lease, and how COVID grants, relief programs impact 2021 business taxes. Why You (and I) Should Name a ‘Trusted Contact’ Helping your brokerage, bank or insurer connect with someone who knows what’s going on in your life […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to choose a seat on a plane. Also in the news: Lock in your access to hotel refunds as travel remains iffy, and why your first credit card will likely not be a travel credit card. How to Choose a Seat on a Plane This basic component of air travel has […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How one-income couples can remain equals. Also in the news: How to get your tax refund back ASAP, 7 financial scams, bubbles, and boondoggles, and Bogleheads, baby steps and other personal financial strategies you should know. How One-Income Couples Can Remain Equals Whether you previously had financial independence or now face the […]