October 21, 2019 By

Q&A: Pension payout planning

Dear Liz: My husband and I each receive a pension from the companies where we worked. If my husband dies first, will his company continue to pay me his pension and vice versa? Answer: That depends on how you chose to receive your benefits. Typically people are offered a choice of payouts: a “single life” […]

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Filed Under: Q&A, Retirement Tagged With: , ,
October 21, 2019 By

Q&A: Living trust viewing restrictions

Dear Liz: How in the world do I find out the details of my parents’ trust? My father recently died and my mother, who is 89, is not familiar with the details. My older sister is not responsive when I ask questions. She and I are the only children. My husband recently became disabled and […]

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Filed Under: Elder Care, Estate planning, Q&A Tagged With: ,
October 18, 2019 By

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 8 credit card strategies – and some surprises, too. Also in the news: The technophobe’s guide to cybersecurity, why the Apple Card could make you spend more, and why Cash App users should be on the lookout for scams. 8 Credit Card Strategies — And Some Surprises, Too Using your cards strategically. […]

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October 16, 2019 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii using points and miles. Also in the news: 5 things to know about the Platinum Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, why you should use caution with buy-now, pay-later platforms, and see how the Democratic candidates tax plans would affect you. The Cheapest Ways to Fly […]

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October 15, 2019 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to navigate the Yahoo data breach settlement. Also in the news: Identity theft and babies, getting grandparents on board with using reward credit cards, and a more realistic way to look at health care costs in retirement. How to Navigate the Yahoo Data Breach Settlement Here we go again. Has Your […]

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October 15, 2019 By

In ‘SIM swap,’ criminals really have your number

If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified. This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social […]

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October 15, 2019 By

Q&A: Weighing investment choices

Dear Liz: I felt your advice about using an inherited IRA to pay off a mortgage was spot on, but I would add one suggestion. The person could use their required minimum distribution (or a little extra) from the inherited IRA each year to pay down the principal on the mortgage. Then they could see […]

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Filed Under: Investing, Q&A Tagged With: ,
October 15, 2019 By

Q&A: Inherited Roth IRA distributions

Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about whether someone should use a Roth IRA to pay off a mortgage. In your answer, you mentioned the requirement to take minimum distributions from the account. One of the huge advantages of a Roth, besides tax-free distributions, is that there are no required minimum withdrawals. Did I […]

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October 15, 2019 By

Q&A: Why this widow can’t get her late husband’s Social Security benefit

Dear Liz: My husband passed away 10 years ago at age 66. I called then to see if I could collect Social Security, because he was receiving benefits when he died. Our daughter was still a minor, so she was able to collect survivor benefits until she turned 18. I was told I couldn’t collect […]

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