Dear Liz: I live on Social Security alone, which puts me at the poverty level. The state pays for medical and dental premiums, so I have no copay for doctor visits or prescriptions. I was just notified that I was left $175,000. If this shows up in my bank account, I will lose all the medical […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Co-owned credit cards are great … if you can find them.
Dear Liz: Recently you recommended that both spouses have a credit card on which they are the primary account holder. Another option is for the spouse to apply to be a co-owner of their current credit cards. This worked for me when my husband passed away five years ago. The bank canceled his access, but left […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Small-business lenders share an inside look at the loan process. In other news: What to know before you enroll when you are considering college at 25+, SAVE lawsuits, and weekly mortgage rates sink to 4-month low. Small-Business Lenders Share an Inside Look at the Loan Process Two experienced small-business lending professionals shed […]
Q&A: Til death do your credit part?
Dear Liz: My wife and I have credit cards where I am designated as the primary account holder. What happens to my wife’s access to the account should I pass? Should she now apply for credit cards where she is the primary holder? Answer: Credit card companies typically close accounts when they learn of the primary cardholder’s […]
Q&A: When temptation to spend an inheritance strikes, what’s the right move?
Dear Liz: My brother is 54 and has always worked low-wage jobs. He owns a condo thanks to the help of our parents, and his monthly expenses are very low. He’s in a stable position. He does not have any retirement savings or really any other savings to speak of. Recently, he came into an inheritance […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money Podcast on unlocking financial opportunities for women. In other news: How the next generation will use credit cards, weekly mortgage rates decline, following the rate of inflation, and grocery prices tick back up in lates inflation report. Smart Money Podcast: Unlock Financial Opportunities for Women: Jean Chatzky on Investing, Negotiating, […]