Q&A:Ready to retire? If you’ve saved 8 times your salary by age 60, maybe

Dear Liz: I keep reading about how much money one should have saved at various ages to comfortably retire. These are usually a multiple of your annual salary. Do these projected amounts factor in whether you are single or married with a single income? Or if you still have a mortgage? What about having to […]

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Q&A: About the ex’s Social Security

Dear Liz: I’ve been divorced since 2004. My ex received half of all my pension funds and lives off that and his Social Security. I have not yet drawn Social Security, but I am retired. Am I eligible to receive part of his Social Security? How does that work? Answer: Yes, if your marriage lasted […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What first-time home buyers should know about fixer-uppers. Also in the news: Tips – and warnings – for growing your own cannabis biz, how to figure out if that personal finance advice is nonsense, and why Americans are losing sleep over money. What First-Time Home Buyers Should Know About Fixer-Uppers Beware of […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: TransferWise launches traveler and immigrant-friendly debit card. Also in the news: How to get free baby stuff, dodging dealership dread with online used car sellers, and how to protect your money in a divorce. TransferWise Launches Traveler- and Immigrant-Friendly Debit Card No foreign transaction fees. How to Get Free Baby Stuff: Diapers, […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Beyond Airbnb: Your guide to peer-to-peer travel platforms. Also in the news: 5 reasons to get the Orbitz rewards Visa credit card, the Roth IRA 5-Year rule, and 5 money strategies for military deployments. Beyond Airbnb: Your Guide to Peer-to-Peer Travel Platforms Thinking beyond hotels. 5 Reasons to Get the Orbitz Rewards […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 student loan refinancing myths debunked. Also in the news: Colleges that will pay for your degree through work, Sallie Mae launches credit cards aimed at millennials, and why you should stay away from wedding loans. 4 Student Loan Refinancing Myths Debunked How to determine if it’s the right move for you. […]

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3 sites to help aging parents organize details

Certified financial planner Sean Fletcher of San Francisco knew his dad had an estate plan, complete with a health care directive detailing what medical treatment should be given in an emergency. When the father had a massive heart attack, though, no one knew where he kept those documents. Fletcher’s family was lucky: An aunt found […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Also in the news: How to turn around car payment trouble, 7 ways to make your money last in retirement, and 8 ways to save on wedding gifts. Baffled by Points and Miles? Let the 80/20 Rule Guide You The Pareto […]

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Q&A: Social Security minors’ benefits

Dear Liz: One thing I rarely see mentioned in discussions of when to take Social Security is the benefit for minors who are still in school. I took my benefit at 62. Social Security called me and told me that my daughter was eligible as well. We collected over $60,000 by the time she graduated […]

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Q&A: Don’t fall for Social Security phone scams

Dear Liz: I have just received a phone call advising me that my Social Security number “is about to be suspended” and that for help, I should call a certain number. Is this legitimate? Answer: No. Your Social Security number can’t be locked or suspended or any of the other dire-sounding consequences these robo-callers threaten. […]

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