Dear Liz: You recently wrote about Medicare Advantage plans, which often cover things like dental care, hearing and vision that traditional Medicare does not. You mentioned that the plans have networks of providers, but people should know that those networks don’t always include the experts they may need if they develop serious health issues. The […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Survivor benefits and marital status
Dear Liz: My boyfriend’s ex-wife passed away last year. Can he file for her Social Security benefits at age 48 even if she was remarried at time of her death? Answer: The ex’s marital status doesn’t matter. What matters is whether or not your boyfriend was married to her for at least 10 years. If […]
Q&A: Why you need a credit score even if you don’t like debt
Dear Liz: As I counsel my teenage kids about their personal finances, I am wondering if they can live without a credit score. It is puzzling that to get a good credit score, you need to have debt, or at least a credit card. Wouldn’t living debt free be best? With FICO scores becoming de […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: AARP credit card holders endure bumpy move to Barclays from Chase. Also in the news: 5 steps to level up your side hustle, how much it really costs to drive a new car, and one couple’s journey to tame their debt. AARP Credit Card Holders Endure Bumpy Move to Barclays From Chase […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Don’t let Social Security steer you wrong. Also in the news: 3 times to think twice about paying for your kid’s college, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on investing, and how to spot the signs of a better market for homebuyers. Don’t Let Social Security Steer You Wrong When […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to bounce back from a credit card mistake. Also in the news: Why you should pack a travel guidebook even in 2021, 4 traits that helped small businesses survive the pandemic, and how charitable donations can earn you an added tax deduction this year. How to Bounce Back From a Credit […]