Q&A: This forgotten account shouldn’t turn into a spending spree

Dear Liz: I just got a message about thousands of dollars I have in a 401(k) account from a job I had over 10 years ago. They are asking me what I want to do with the money, roll it over into an IRA or cash it out. What should I do? Answer: Don’t cash […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do if your parents need financial help. Also in the news: Why no new debt is the best holiday gift to your family, AmEx cardholders report account shutdowns, and why you should get a health insurance cost estimate even if you’re not buying coverage. What to Do If Your Parents […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to beat basic economy airfare at its own game. Also in the news: Employers who chip in on your student loans, the pros and cons of refinancing your student loans, and this rule of thumb about credit card use could be costing you. How to Beat Basic Economy at Its Own […]

Continue reading...

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 great all-inclusive trips you can book this winter with points. Also in the news: Black Friday strategies that actually work, how to make the most of your 401(k), and how to set boundaries when your family is bad with money. 6 Great All-Inclusives You Can Book This Winter With Points Get […]

Continue reading...

What to do if your parents need financial help

Most parents in the U.S. provide some sort of financial support to their adult children, multiple surveys have found. But often, financial aid goes the other way. A 2015 survey by TD Ameritrade found 13% of American adults provided financial support to a parent. Millennials were far more likely than older generations to report they […]

Continue reading...

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Time your credit card application this bonus-friendly season. Also in the news: Debt and housing costs are making it harder to save for retirement, a 2019 holiday shopping report, and how to spend your extra FSA money. Time Your Credit Card Application This Bonus-Friendly Season ‘Tis the season for bonuses. Debt, Housing […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: How to protect a child’s education savings from greedy adults

Dear Liz: I understand that money for children’s college education can be put in a bank account with a parent as the trustee under the theory (I suppose) that the child might make bad decisions. In my case, money that I had worked hard for was put into a custodial account and then used by […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Working past 70

Dear Liz: If I continue to work after 70, will Social Security taxes still be deducted from my check? I understand my benefits will cap out at 70, so why would I need to still pay into the fund? Answer: Because Social Security is insurance, not a bank account. And it may not be true […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 ways to take command of military discounts. Also in the news: The best credit cards to use when buying airfare, Black Friday strategies that actually work, and how to spend your retirement savings without triggering a tax penalty. 5 Ways to Take Command of Military Discounts Thank you for your service. […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Speedier payment systems could curb your costs. Also in the news: Black Friday vs. Prime Day: How they stack up, 5 signs an online loan is a debt trap, and everything you need to know about your 2020 taxes. Speedier Payment Systems Could Curb Your Costs Real-time payments could save Americans billions. […]

Continue reading...