We’re living longer on average, but the number of years we’re healthy hasn’t kept up. This lagging “health span ” translates into more time living with serious illness and disabilities at the end of our lives. This can have significant repercussions for our retirements. Some of us will have our working lives cut short by […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Will inflation be good for student loan borrowers? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on holiday travel and financial advisors, how to retrain for a new job, and the December 2021 mortgage outlook. Will Inflation Be Good for Student Loan Borrowers? Student loan borrowers are taking […]
Q&A: Social Security after a spouse dies
Dear Liz: My husband recently died. Since he and I received essentially the same amount from Social Security, I will not receive any additional money. Can you explain this? Social Security could not when I both called and went to the local office. I have not seen this addressed in your column. I would think […]
Q&A: Unexpected credit upswing
Dear Liz: I know there are different factors involved, but I find a recent upsurge in my FICO score inexplicable. My score went from about 740 to 815, according to a note in my most recent credit card statement. Yet I’ve done virtually nothing in the way of major credit activity — no purchases, no […]
Q&A: Lenders were supposed to tell you about pandemic debt relief. What if yours didn’t?
Dear Liz: I had a problem last year and had no income so I couldn’t pay my bills for three months. I explained the situation to my creditors, but they still put the late payments on my credit reports. I called and sent letters, but it was no good: My credit score dropped to the […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to be a 5-Star traveler this holiday season. Also in the news: How to plan holiday travel if your kids aren’t fully vaccinated yet, President Bideb acts to ease gas prices, and how to avoid the line at the airport bag check counter. How to Be a 5-Star Traveler This Holiday […]