Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Recent Blog Posts

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Suddenly retired? Here’s what to do next

The pandemic seems to be driving a surge of early retirements as businesses close or downsize and older people weigh the health risks of continuing to work. The share of unemployed people not looking for work who called themselves “retired” increased to 60% in April from 53% in January, according to a study by three […]

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Q&A: Finding someone to sell your stuff after you’re gone

Dear Liz: I have a question on how to have my affairs managed after I die. I am single, with no children or living relatives, so finding someone to handle my estate is a challenge. Do you have a recommendation for where I can find a person or business, such as a bank’s trust department? […]

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Q&A: Survivor benefits and remarriage

Dear Liz: Regarding your recent advice to the person whose husband had just died. I could be completely wrong, but I think that in order to collect her late husband’s benefits when she turns 60, she can’t remarry. Answer: You’re right that you’re wrong, but your confusion is understandable. There are different types of Social […]

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Q&A: Social Security earning years matter

Dear Liz: In a recent column, you wrote that Social Security’s estimates of the dollar amount one will receive at various ages — 62, full retirement age of 66 to 67, or 70 — assumes one continues working until one applies. Therefore, one won’t receive the amount posted at full retirement age if one had […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to choose a Medicare prescription drug plan in 5 steps. Also in the news: Should you go back to school like many grads are, it’s time to audit your autopay subscriptions, and 1 in 5 Americans could be out of money by Election Day. How to Choose a Medicare Prescription Drug […]