Today’s top story: Read this before you refinance your federal student loans. Also in the news: COVID-19 accelerates no-exam trend in life insurance, low-cost ways small businesses can help employees save more, and what’s up with the latest COVID relief bill. Read This Before You Refinance Federal Student Loans Even with low rates, refinancing isn’t […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Federal borrowers get to skip another student loan payment. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the financial lessons of the pandemic, how to recover after being denied a mortgage, and how to financially plan for having kids. Federal Borrowers Get to Skip Another Student Loan […]
Q&A: Reconciling checking accounts
Dear Liz: Any suggestions for the best way to catch up with monthly statements from checking accounts? Friends and I need to know: Should we start from the first one we missed or work backward? Answer: With the switch to online banking, many people don’t reconcile their checkbooks anymore. In fact, many don’t use checks, […]
Q&A: Don’t get creative with mom’s money
Dear Liz: My 91-year-old mother lost her mobile home (and everything else) in a fire. I was able to put her in assisted living and she is actually doing better than when she was by herself. There was insurance money, which is now in a joint account, but considering her age, we have decided not […]
Q&A: Her dead ex’s kids can’t dictate benefits
Dear Liz: My husband and I were living apart but not legally separated when he passed away. He was receiving disability benefits. His children, who are grown, tell me I am not eligible for widow or survivor benefits and that only they can collect his benefits. I am disabled myself and 51. Do their claims […]
Q&A: When your friends seem to have more money than you: Getting over money envy
Dear Liz: I am a 41-year-old man who is married with small children. I have finally reached the point financially where I am meeting or exceeding personal goals for retirement, college savings and reduced monthly expenses. I have a high income. I drive a piece-of-crap car because it’s paid for, but I am still hemorrhaging […]