Target date investments are supposed to be an easier way to invest, and they’re a popular choice in 401(k) plans. But the recent market downturn showed that some target date strategies suffered much bigger losses than others, especially for investors nearing retirement. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to be sure the investment […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Scaling back spending yields unexpected benefits. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on charitable donations and new baby expenses, a travel expert shares his tips for traveling during a pandemic, and who needs to request a Coronavirus relief payment before October 15th. Scaling Back Spending Yields Unexpected […]
Q&A: Picking your estate’s executor
Dear Liz: One issue in a recent column was about a sibling who did not follow the will. As executor, the sibling took two thirds of the estate instead of the will’s specification of half. This is why, when my wife and I had our estate plan created, we told the attorney that none of […]
Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits count as yours
Dear Liz: My husband is 69 and taking his Social Security benefit. I will be 62 in November and would like to ask if I can take half of his amount when I turn 62 and let mine grow until my full retirement age of 66 and 8 months? Or am I only able to […]
How filing taxes could generate your coronavirus stimulus check
Dear Liz: My adjusted gross income in 2019 was too high for me to get a stimulus relief payment. However, my income this year will be much lower and I would qualify. Will I automatically get the stimulus payment when I file my 2020 return or is there something I must do to get the […]
Q&A: Pitfalls of unequal will distributions
Dear Liz: You’ve written that when writing their wills, parents should be careful about leaving unequal distributions to their children. What wasn’t mentioned was that a person could have a “good” child and a “bad” one. The “bad one” has never done a thing for the parent, such as inviting her to the child’s home […]