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November 11, 2024 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Clarification on How Social Security Benefit Estimates Are Calculated

Dear Liz: A while back, you responded to a letter writer that Social Security’s estimates of the amount a person will receive assumes the person will continue working until they apply for benefits. I thought the amount a person receives was based on the average of the highest 30 years’ of earnings over a person’s […]

November 11, 2024 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Rolling over a 401(k) account after starting a new job — at age 73

Dear Liz: My wife, who turned 73 this year, worked for a company until Aug. 31. She started a new job with another company the following day. She plans to roll the 401(k) from the previous company into the 401(k) of the new company. Would she need to withdraw her required minimum distribution from the […]

November 4, 2024 By Liz Weston

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: As rates fall, should you refinance your student loans? In other news: Weekly mortgage rates rise for 6th straight week, where the candidates stand on personal finance issues, and how credit cards can help you navigate major life changes. As Rates Fall, Should You Refinance Your Student Loans? Consider refinancing private student loans […]

November 4, 2024 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Homeownership can be a joy. It’s also full of complicated financial decisions

Dear Liz: We replaced our original, fire-vulnerable cedar shake roof with 40-year asphalt shingles 17 years ago. I know that home improvements are added to the basis for capital gains calculation when selling the home. But when we get ready to sell the home in a few years, should the actual cost on the project be […]

November 4, 2024 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Long overdue to dust off that living trust

Dear Liz: It’s been over 25 years since we paid for a living trust from a lawyer. We have since misplaced the original document. Our house is all paid up and we have one child. In case of our death, can he request a copy of the living trust from the county register? Answer: Some states do […]

November 4, 2024 By Liz Weston

Q&A: Rob Peter to pay … off the mortgage?

Dear Liz: Would it make sense to pay off a low-balance, refinanced mortgage at 3% using a portion of my wife’s 401(k)? Would that not be better than paying the mortgage off from my IRA? I am 70 and on Social Security. My wife still works, at least till her birthday in December. She will then […]

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