Q&A: Medicare Part B allows an eight-month grace period

Dear Liz: I have a question after reading your column about avoiding costly Medicare mistakes. My husband and I have both reached 65 this past year. We both signed up for Medicare Part A hospital coverage, which is free. I retired two years ago, but am covered by my husband’s employer’s health insurance. I’m now […]

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Q&A: When to keep a mortgage into retirement years and reasons you might want to pay it off

Dear Liz: My husband and I have no debt other than the mortgage on our home. My husband will retire in three years while I will continue to work. (I will have to pay for healthcare at that time, as I currently receive my benefits through his employer.) My husband insists that we pay our […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to keep investing when the stock market trembles. Also in the news: What to buy (and skip) on Black Friday, financial companies are hiding complaints, and how age affects your credit score. When the Stock Market Trembles, Fight Your Fear and Keep Investing Keep calm and invest on. What to Buy […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to pay for college when you haven’t saved enough. Also in the news: Credit card payments evolve beyond mobile wallets, how one woman paid off $50,00 in credit card debt in six years, and taxes are due on Monday if you filed an extension. How to Pay for College When You […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to know if paying for money advice is paying off. Also in the news: 5 inconvenient truths about real estate agents, the 10 fastest-growing metro areas, and Millennials are loading up on personal loans. How to Know If Paying for Money Advice Is Paying Off Calculating your return on investment. 5 […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 questions to ask before buying life insurance at work. Also in the news: Why credit cards should get another chance after you pay off debt, how not to get spooked by your credit card bill this Halloween, and setting up your financial accounts like you’re going to be hacked. Answer 5 […]

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How to fund college if you didn’t save enough

If college tuition bills are looming and you don’t have nearly enough saved, you have plenty of company. But you also have options for making it more affordable. Four out of 10 families who hope to send kids to college aren’t saving for that goal, according to student loan company Sallie Mae. Among those who […]

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Q&A: Here’s why two siblings who inherited mom’s house should prepare for an ugly family feud

Dear Liz: My mother left her house to my brother and me. He wants to use it as a rental property. I have no interest in being a landlord or in ownership. He doesn’t want to buy me out, so I’d like to sell my half interest. What are the tax issues I need to […]

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Q&A: Pension annuity beats lump sum

Dear Liz: I am 63, recently retired and have a choice. I can take a lump sum from my pension at age 65 or a monthly annuity. I am strongly leaning toward the lump sum. I know the pitfalls (I won’t be an aggressive investor, I don’t gamble, I won’t loan to family or friends, […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Experian flaw just revealed PINs protecting credit data. Also in the news: When little student debt becomes a lot of trouble, how to put your money where your politics are, and what’s in the tax bill that just passed the House. Experian Flaw Just Revealed PINs Protecting Credit Data A serious security […]

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