It’s time to fix Social Security’s tax burden

People on Social Security need a tax break. The rest of us need to make sure they get it — for everyone’s sake. When Congress made Social Security benefits taxable in 1983, lawmakers didn’t index the tax thresholds to inflation. They “forgot” inflation again when adding a second layer of taxation in 1993. That means […]

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Q&A: Mysterious bank charge needs investigating

Dear Liz: The other day I went to my credit union to withdraw $1,000 to pay for my sister’s burial. The bank teller kept $90 and gave me only $910. Is that done when a person withdraws cash from a bank account? I got very angry and complained to the manager of the bank, but […]

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Q&A: One auto-pay misstep and her credit score falls off a cliff

Dear Liz: I recently took a deduction in my Experian FICO score of more than 100 points due to a single late payment to my mortgage. My score of 810 dropped to 704. The mortgage company notified me several months ago that my impound account would go up $51 a month due to higher homeowners […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money myths you don’t have to live by. Also in the news: Keep track of store deadlines for happy returns, how to stop scammers who sound just like your bank, and how to use tipping apps. You Don’t Have to Live By These Money Myths What works for one person might not […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to buy every month in 2019. Also in the news: Giving income updates to credit card companies, Experian adds a new way to strengthen your credit, and how the latest Fed decision affects rates on credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts. What to Buy Every Month in 2019 Plan your purchases […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 9 housing and mortgage trends to watch for in 2019. Also in the news: Your easiest New Year’s resolution, a DNA test sends a family of 5 on a journey of a lifetime, and how often your credit score is updated. 9 Housing and Mortgage Trends to Watch for in 2019 What […]

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You don’t have to live by these money myths

We’re told experiences are supposed to make us happier than stuff — turns out that may apply mostly to the affluent. The famous marshmallow test that predicts future success, based on which kids can resist an immediate treat? That research has similar problems. Meanwhile, the jury’s still out on whether willpower is something you can […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to prevent gift card fraud this holiday season. Also in the news: Those “live checks” promise cash but come with a catch, renovation loans expand your home buying options, and the 2019 tax brackets. How to Prevent Gift Card Fraud This Holiday Season Keep an eye out for scams. That ‘Live […]

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Q&A: What to do when you’re mad at your credit card company

Dear Liz: This past summer I was traveling in a foreign country and the email alert that a credit card payment was due did not reach me. Upon returning to the U.S. and attempting to use the card, I was verbally assaulted over the phone by a credit card company representative demanding payment. I’m 80 […]

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