Stock market crashes don’t just test investors’ mettle. Abrupt downturns also can reveal what kind of financial adviser you have. Some people will discover, to their horror, that they’ve been dealing with outright crooks. Ponzi schemes are among the cons that fall apart when markets do, as investors try to pull their money out and […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Cancel your travel credit card due to Coronavirus? Ask for a retention offer first. Also in the news: What to do when a family member or friend needs money, and before opening a new credit line, check for this restriction. Cancel Your Travel Credit Card Due to Coronavirus? Ask for a Retention […]
Q&A: Where’s my stimulus check?
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 […]
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 […]