Dear Liz: You recently advised a person to leave their original will or trust with their attorney. As a practicing attorney, I cannot tell you how many times original wills and trusts have been lost as the attorney that prepared the documents retired or died before the client. There are requirements to inform clients of […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Why home equity loans are a better option than credit cards
Dear Liz: My husband is 68, I am 70, both of us are retired and on Social Security. We have little in savings. My husband wants to charge $10,000 to a low-interest credit card to pay for a new furnace and water heater. He plans to pay the minimum each month and at the end […]
Why a 401(k)-to-IRA rollover could be a mistake
If you leave a job or retire, you’re often encouraged to roll over your 401(k) or other workplace retirement account into an individual retirement account. That might not be the right move. In my latest for the Associated Press, why having more investment choices isn’t necessarily better.
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What to do when your holiday gifts haven’t arrived. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on financial accomplishments, how pet insurance can keep costs in check, and the benefits of an unpaid internship. Your Holiday Gifts Still Haven’t Arrived. Now What? Remain calm. Smart Money Podcast: […]
Q&A: Lump sum vs. annuity
Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about taking a lump sum retirement versus an ongoing pension. You didn’t mention that the pension will stop when the employee dies (whether it’s after 40 years or 40 days) or when the spouse dies (same thing) if that was chosen. The children get nothing. What about taking […]
Q&A: Look for a fee-only planner
Dear Liz: I am starting to receive marketing mailings from financial advisors inviting me to a free lunch or dinner to listen to annuity investment presentations. I went to one recently by a fee-based financial planner who told me he also acts as a broker when investing in annuities. He’s been pressuring me to invest […]