Today’s top story: Inflation can spell disaster for some 40% of Americans. Also in the news: 5 reasons why ‘Shoulder Season’ is the best time to travel, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on paying for college, and how a strong college application remains possible even with transcript gaps. Inflation Can Spell Disaster […]
Recent Blog Posts
How to get more joy while giving to good causes
We may think spending money on ourselves will make us happier than spending it on someone else. That belief can make it hard to carve money out of our budgets to give to good causes. But research shows that spending money on others is more likely to make us happy. This seems to be a […]
Q&A: Social Security and government pensions
Dear Liz: You recently mentioned the windfall elimination provision that affects pensions from jobs that don’t pay into Social Security. I’m wondering what those jobs are. Are they just part of the gig economy, or is there some other category of jobs that don’t pay into Social Security? Answer: Gig economy jobs are supposed to […]
Q&A: What is the capital gains tax, and how big a bite does it take?
Dear Liz: We own stocks with enormous capital gains — as in, six figures or more. The tax would be a lot. Any advice on how to limit the tax bite? Our income consists of Social Security and a teacher’s pension. Answer: Capital gains taxes may be less of a problem than you fear. If […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: This year, resolve to leave no gift card unused. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on saving for your dream retirement, how to have the wedding you want for less, and comparing car insurance rates. This Year, Resolve to Leave No Gift Card Unused Most gift […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Here’s which airline rewards program gives the most value. Also in the news: The most valuable hotel rewards program in 2022, 5 steps to strengthen your finances, and despite higher wages, inflation gave the average worker a 2.4% pay cut last year. Here’s Which Airline Rewards Program Gives the Most Value Alaska, […]