Get smart with your money
Recessions are like natural disasters: They’re inevitable, but smart preparation may reduce the impact on you. The U.S. economy has grown steadily since emerging from the “Great Recession” in June 2009, but expansions can’t continue forever, and this one is already the second-longest on record. Only the expansion from March 1991 to March 2001 lasted […]
Continue reading...
Dear Liz: I graduated from college in May and began a full-time job in October making $36,000. I also do freelance work and receive anywhere from $500 to $1,000 a month from that. I live at home, so I don’t have to pay for rent or groceries, which really helps. Currently, I have just over […]
Continue reading...
Today’s top story: How to invest during a bear market. Also in the news: Saying goodbye to John Bogle, how to budget for a family trip to Disney, and questions to ask before taking a tax refund advance. How to Invest During a Bear Market Strategies to consider. Why We’ll Miss John Bogle — and […]
Continue reading...
Today’s top story: More parents are putting limits on college help. Also in the news: Mastercard’s new rule will make some “free” trials more transparent, what you need to know about SIPC insurance, and why you should be wary of new tricks for raising your credit score. More Parents Are Putting Limits on College Help […]
Continue reading...
Today’s top story: What the government shutdown means for home loans. Also in the news: How to stay afloat financially during the shutdown, how Medicare premiums could be the key to itemizing your taxes, and how to start investing right now. What the Government Shutdown Means for Home Loans Prepare for delays. How to Stay […]
Continue reading...
Dear Liz: Can you please explain to me why the IRS allows an employee in a workplace 401(k) to contribute $19,000 but a wage earner without a 401(k) can contribute only $6,000 to an IRA? This seems grossly unfair. Why does one group get to save three times as much for retirement? Answer: Congress works […]
Continue reading...
Dear Liz: For more than four years my husband has had to take a required minimum distribution from his 457 deferred compensation plan. We have always chosen when to do that, knowing that it has to be done by Dec. 31. This year we processed the distribution on Dec. 28 to take advantage of stock […]
Continue reading...
Today’s top story: How to budget for a family trip to Disney. Also in the news: How to cancel an extended car warranty, investment strategies for 2019, and 5 credit card trends to watch in 2019. How to Budget for a Family Trip to Disney Saving money for the Mouse. How to Cancel an Extended […]
Continue reading...