You can now manage most aspects of your money without ever consulting another human being. You can budget, borrow, save, invest, buy insurance, prepare your tax return and create a will — among many other tasks — by using apps, websites and software. But technology still has limitations, especially when you’re facing a money situation […]
Recent Blog Posts
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 4 common winter home insurance claims and how to prevent them. Also in the news: How long it will take to pay off your MBA debt, huge Disney park changes for 2022 and tips on how to fund your trip, and why the catch with Buy Now Pay Later could be your […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Cash advance apps can hurt more than help at the holidays. Also in the news: Lawsuit against Marriott makes hotel pricing math easier, Black Friday 2021 store hours and online hacks, and what to do when inflation cuts into your black Friday deals. Cash Advance Apps Can Hurt More Than Help at […]
Q&A: Where should you keep your estate planning documents?
Dear Liz: What do you do with your will or living trust once it’s created? Do you put the document in your home safe or a safe deposit box at the bank? Leave it with a friend or relative? What’s to prevent someone who has access to your property from destroying that document? I heard […]
Q&A: Be wary of advisor motives
Dear Liz: In a recent column, you discussed the difference between fee-only vs fee-based financial planners. Most of my retirement dollars are in an IRA with one of the better-known investment companies. One of the advisors with that firm has advocated for an annuity with a well-known insurance company as a component of my portfolio. […]
Q&A: Windfall elimination provision explained
Dear Liz: I understand your explanation of the windfall elimination provision that reduces Social Security benefits if someone is receiving a pension from a job that didn’t pay into Social Security. I am a teacher with such a pension who also worked more than 10 years in the private sector. I’d accept the explanation and […]