Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Is your driver’s license enough for domestic flights? Also in the news: How to have a proper parental fight over college costs, what will happen to your taxes under the new tax rules, and what will get more expensive in 2018. Is Your Driver’s License Enough for Domestic Flights? Big changes are […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Resolving to slim down your credit cards in the new year. Also in the news: Why you need a Roth IRA even if you have a 401(k), how to reach your 2018 travel goals with credit card rewards, and what to know about the major cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin. This New Year, Resolve […]

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Q&A: Credit freezes complicate setting up online Social Security accounts

Dear Liz: You’ve recently written about protecting ourselves by establishing online Social Security accounts. Social Security prevents me (or anyone else) from creating an online account because I have credit freezes in place. As I understand the process, Social Security uses the credit bureaus to verify my identity. With a freeze, there’s no identity verification. […]

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Q&A: How to cash savings bonds for children

Dear Liz: My son is trying to cash in his children’s savings bonds, which seems to be difficult. You used to be able to go to a bank to do that. Is that still possible? If not, how can you do it now? Answer: If the bonds were electronic, they probably would be held in […]

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Q&A: Why failing to pay your taxes is a risky form of protest

Dear Liz: I write in earnest hope that you might consider giving advice to those wondering about withholding federal taxes as a form of protest over the enactment of the new tax bill. What are the possible legal ramifications of withholding federal taxes? If one is willing to accept the possible consequences, how might one […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know news

Today’s top story: 6 for-keeps New Year’s Resolutions for New Homeowners. Also in the news: Saving money by exercising outdoors this winter, learning the basics of the GOP Tax Plan, and the pros and cons of prepaying your 2018 property taxes in 2017. 6 For-Keeps New Year’s Resolutions for New Homeowners Survival tips to keep […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Making your investing resolutions a reality in 2018. Also in the news: Free activities to get your family out of the house, learn the truth about overdraft fees, and 3-month Equifax fraud alerts are expiring. Make Your Investing Resolutions Reality in 2018 A whole new outlook for a new year. Get Your […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you should hit the stores on the day after Christmas. Also in the news: Online colleges, tips to help you choose the right credit card, and how much you actually save when you write something off on your taxes. Why You Should Hit the Store on the Day After Christmas Putting […]

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Q&A: Freezing Your Social Security Number

Dear Liz: Recently you answered a question about whether Social Security files could be “frozen” to help prevent fraudulent activity, and your response was no. I had just researched that question after the Equifax breach, and found out the Social Security Administration does have a way to block electronic access to your records now, so […]

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Q&A: How to balance using retirement savings wisely with enjoying what you’ve earned

Dear Liz: I am 82, and my husband is 85. We are retired military, so we have a middling pension and some Social Security. Our monthly income of about $5,000 covers our monthly expenses. We rent in an independent living senior community. We have excellent health benefits via Tricare for Life. We both worked hard […]

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