Today’s top story: 4 tax triggers new investors need to know about. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on identity theft and financial stability, how to compare Medicare Advantage plans, and how to save your finances by avoiding these common mistakes. 4 Tax Triggers New Investors Need to Know About […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Death doesn’t take a holiday
Dear Liz: In a recent response, you wrote, “Your living trust should name a successor trustee who can take over managing your affairs if you should become incapacitated or die.” This sort of writing is not uncommon but it implies some people won’t die. It would have been better to write “… take over managing […]
Q&A: Rent-or-buy question isn’t simple
Dear Liz: I often agree with your advice, but recently you suggested a 70-year-old widow rent rather than buy. I say buy the condo with the stairs and reap the appreciation. Later, if you need a home without stairs, sell the condo and buy another with your profit. I’m 73, and buying rather than renting […]
Q&A: They want to give the caretaker the house she lives in without imposing a tax burden
Dear Liz: Our family owns a vacation home. A caretaker for the property lives in a smaller house next door that is also owned by our family. We consider her part of our extended family and would like to show our appreciation when the property is sold. Our wish would be to give the smaller […]
Q&A: Unloading collections while you’re still alive
Dear Liz: You recently advised someone who didn’t know whom to select to administer a living trust because the person has no spouse, children or other living relatives. This person mentioned they had collectibles. An additional thing they should consider doing is donating the collection while alive to an archive, museum or other appropriate organization […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Coronavirus prompts a welcome change to a holiday travel dilemma. Also in the news: Picking a pandemic side gig takes hustle, is it finally time to buy an electric car, and the ten best financial rules of thumb. Coronavirus Prompts a Welcome Change to a Holiday Travel Dilemma You now have a […]