Dear Liz: My wife and I are retired and don’t have enough income to file tax returns. How can we get our stimulus checks? Answer: If you get Social Security checks, your stimulus checks will be sent to you automatically, either via direct deposit if that’s how you get your benefits or paper check. If […]
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Q&A: Here’s why taking money from retirement accounts to pay bills is dumb
Dear Liz: I do not qualify for a coronavirus hardship withdrawal, but I have debt on several credit cards with interest rates above 23%. In 2019, I paid nearly $2,500 in interest charges. I would like to remove $10,000 from my IRA and use it to pay off the debt. I would then put the […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Capital One letting you use miles on takeout, delivery, and streaming. Also in the news: Coronavirus auto insurance refunds – how much to expect, how to school kids on money lessons during the outbreak, and how to check if you’re eligible for food stamps. Capital One Letting You Use Miles on Takeout, […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Where Coronavirus relief checks go, fraudsters follow. Also in the news: What to do if you’re a U.S. citizen stranded abroad right now, how to strengthen your financial resilience with these 3 insights, and why you should keep paying your federal student loans right now, if you can. Where Coronavirus Relief Checks […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Don’t let your Coronavirus relief check disappear into your debts. Also in the news: How to make your car last 200,000 miles, what kind of credit card relief you can request during the pandemic, and how to check the status of your Coronavirus relief payment. Don’t Let Your Relief Check Disappear Into […]
How to raid your retirement funds in a crisis
In an ideal world, your retirement accounts would be left alone for retirement. You’ve probably noticed that we’re not living in an ideal world. Early withdrawals can have serious repercussions, including big tax bills today and potential shortfalls in the future. In my latest for the Associated Press, alternatives to consider and what to do […]