Q&A: Signing up for Medicare

Dear Liz: Is it mandatory to sign up for Medicare at age 65, and how is it paid for? I’m 64, don’t have any assets and I’m not working (I’m living with a friend for free). I’d like to wait until 70 to collect Social Security. Is that possible? Someone just told me that I […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Taking a “micro trip” before the holidays. Also in the news: Money summits for couples, the best and worst US cities for retirement, and the top 10 most regrettable mistakes retirees made in the 20s. Need a Break Before the Holiday Break? Consider a ‘Micro Trip’ A little relaxation before the holiday […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to travel last minute and still get a good deal. Also in the news: Streaming services are the hot new credit card rewards, how college students can make the most of their summer earnings, and how retail credit cards are squeezing the financially vulnerable. How to Travel Last Minute and Still […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why your credit score isn’t the only gage of financial health. Also in the news: Car buying tips from an undercover salesman, 8 things that won’t hurt your credit, and how to control what could take a big bite out of your retirement nest egg. Your Credit Score Isn’t the Only Gauge […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do if Hurricane Dorian hits your home and mortgage. Also in the news: How to fall in love with your car again without breaking the bank, drink up savings at Starbucks, and why you should add cash to your car’s emergency kit. What to Do If Hurricane Dorian Hits Your […]

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Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits

Dear Liz: I’m confused by Social Security benefits for divorced spouses, which you’ve written about recently. I was told that because I remarried (after age 60), I have to wait until my ex-husband died before receiving a part of his benefits. Is this still true for remarried ex-spouses? My ex does collect Social Security and […]

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Q&A: Unloading a timeshare

Dear Liz: How can a timeshare owner get rid of the timeshare and claim the loss on taxes? Answer: Timeshares typically are considered a personal asset, like a boat or a car, so the losses aren’t deductible. The best way out of a timeshare is often to give it back to the developer, if the […]

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Q&A: Strategies for overcoming a spouse’s bad investment decisions

Dear Liz: I tell people we lost a huge chunk of money in the Great Recession, but it wasn’t the downturn that did us in. My husband made some incredibly poor choices. I’m embarrassed to admit that he absolutely refused to listen to me and stop the financial self-destruction until I grew a backbone. I […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to bypass ATM fees while you’re on the road. Also in the news: Protecting your digital privacy after you die, 4 smart ways to split bills with friends while traveling abroad, and as the school year begins, beware of hackers. How to Bypass ATM Fees While You’re on the Road A […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Save more money for your next vacation with this simple trick. Also in the news: How LexisNexis identity mix-ups could be scrambling your finances, how to review your LexisNexis report and fix errors, and all the ways your credit card use reveals personal info. Save More Money for Your Next Vacation With […]

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