Q&A: Figuring home-sale taxes

Dear Liz: My husband and I bought a home in Los Angeles in 1976 for $200,000. He died in 1992. The value of the house was at that time about $850,000. (I had it appraised.) I want to sell the house now. The value is about $2 million. How much would be the stepped-up base for […]

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Q&A: When student loan payments overwhelm, here’s a pathway out

Dear Liz: I went to college in 2004. I did it the American way with student loans. Well, my son had a bad seizure that put him on life support for three weeks. I had to quit college to take care of him. So now I’m in hock with no degree. He is on disability but that doesn’t […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit basics you need to know. Also in the news: How a new homeowner bought a house in Vegas, 11 cheap date ideas, and what to do if your tax preparer can’t file your taxes by April 15th. More Than Your Score: Credit Basics You Need to KnowYou’re more than just a […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you should love robo-advisors. Also in the news: 7 ways to trim your tax bill in retirement, how Roth IRA taxes work, and how to save money for the future when it’s uncertain. Why You Should Love Robo-AdvisorsKeeping costs low and advice honest. Taxes in Retirement: 7 Ways to Trim Your […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How your tax refund could improve your credit. Also in the news: 5 smart ways to invest your tax refund, how the Apple Card stacks up against the competition, and how moving between states could raise or lower your tax burden. How your tax refund could improve your creditUsing your refund strategically. […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 empowering tips for women on Equal Pay Day. Also in the news: 5 smart ways to invest your tax refund, 7 ways to trim your taxes in retirement, and how changes to the ACA might affect your insurance premiums. 5 Empowering Tips for Women on Equal Pay DayIt’s time to bridge […]

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Why you should love robo-advisers

Robo-advisers have been around long enough that the question is no longer whether you should turn your investment decisions over to a computer. Now the question is: Why wouldn’t you? The success of Wealthfront and Betterment, two startups that helped launch the trend, led mainstream investment companies including Vanguard, Schwab and Fidelity to add robo-advice […]

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Q&A: Avoiding capital gains

Dear Liz: In a few years, my husband and I will sell our large primary residence and move into a smaller home for our retirement. We are both over 55. We currently rent out the smaller home and pay a mortgage on it. We will realize a small capital gain on the large residence when it […]

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Q&A: Here’s a big mistake to avoid when planning your wedding

Dear Liz: Would you advise taking money out of your 401(k) for your wedding if you’re getting a lump sum of money within the same year and can pay the full amount back? Answer: How about postponing the wedding until you can pay for it in cash? That would be so much better than starting your life […]

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Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits

Dear Liz: My husband is 78 and receives a large Social Security check every month. I will be 66 in two years. Should I take my benefit then — we may need it — and then switch to his benefit if he dies before I do? His benefit will be much higher than mine. I see […]

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