If you get COVID-19 and struggle to breathe, would you want to be put on a ventilator? Whatever your answer, ask yourself another question: Who would make your wishes clear if you couldn’t speak for yourself? Advance directives — an umbrella term that includes living wills and health care proxies or powers of attorney — […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Still undecided about college this fall? Know these 4 options. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on identity theft protection, 4 store credit cards with the best rewards, and how to prioritize high-interest debt payments. Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options You still […]
Q&A: Getting sister’s house without a will
Dear Liz: When I retired in 2018, I rolled over my 403(b) teachers retirement account into a traditional IRA and made my sister sole beneficiary. I sent her a copy of that beneficiary statement showing her name, her percentage (100%), and my account number. My sister later told me in a phone call that she […]
Q&A: Where’s my refund?
Dear Liz: I filed a paper 2019 federal tax return in mid-February. It’s been more than nine weeks, and they haven’t electronically deposited my refund yet. Last week, I called the “Where’s My Refund” IRS number and got an automated response that basically they couldn’t help me. I then called the taxpayer advocate number listed […]
Q&A: Good news about your coronavirus stimulus money: It doesn’t count as income or an asset
Dear Liz: I have a question about a recent answer you gave. The question was whether stimulus payments count as income for people who get Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Your — correct — answer was that they don’t, of course, but you seemed to gloss over the fact that even though this payment was […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online. Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to […]