Ask Liz Weston

Q&A: What to consider when investing in target date retirement funds

Dear Liz: I have 100% of my 401(k) in a fund called “Target Retirement 2030.” This fund is made of several other funds, so does that qualify as “diversified”? Answer: It does. Target date funds have become increasingly popular in 401(k) plans because they do the heavy lifting for investors. The funds select asset allocations […]

Q&A: Life insurance for people over 65

Dear Liz: Can you give us some direction on how to get good term life insurance when you’re over 65? We had 25-year term policies and the premiums skyrocketed, so we are looking. Will getting a group plan (such as the one offered by AARP) help me? I’ve had two heart valve surgeries and knee […]

Q&A: 30-year versus 15-year mortgage

Dear Liz: Regarding the 57-year-old woman who wanted to refinance to a 15-year mortgage, why didn’t you present the benefits of keeping the low interest and low payments available on a 30-year loan and investing the difference? In 30 years the house would be paid off, but there would also be a pot of cash […]

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to know you’re mortgage pre-approval worthy. Also in the news: AmEx doubles your rewards at small businesses until the end of the year, where the savviest shoppers live, and the most common money schemes people still fall for. How to Know You’re Mortgage Preapproval Worthy Don’t be caught by surprise. AmEx […]

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How new grads should handle their student loans. Also in the news: 7 in 10 people would boycott a bank that rejected them for a credit card, why medical crowdfunding campaigns are rarely successful, and how to pick the right Medicare Part D plan. New Grads Owe New Debts in November. How […]

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Staples becomes the latest employer to start paying student loans. Also in the news: Places with the highest and lowest credit scores, why you can’t always bring your cell phone to a new carrier, and the pros and cons of paying for travel over time. Staples Jumps on Hot Employer Trend: Paying […]

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to start married life with extra cash. Also in the news: Credit counseling for new grads, how your brain tricks you into using the wrong credit cards, and the retailers that reward you for recycling your unwanted junk. 5 Ways to Start Married Life With Extra Cash Giving your marriage a […]

Book Giveaway – The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

I’m giving away a copy of “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated,” written by my friend Helaine Olen of Slate.com and Harold Pollack. These two cut through the hype and clutter to tell you what you really need to know about money. To enter to win, leave a comment here […]

If the Social Security Administration thinks you’re dead, you might wish you were. People who accidentally wind up on the agency’s Death Master File have seen their bank accounts frozen, credit cards closed, health insurance cut off and benefit payments canceled or even pulled back from checking accounts. One California man told me his 97-year-old […]

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Frightening types of 401(k) fees. Also in the news: It’s time for open enrollment, how to avoid bringing zombie debt back from the grave, and the staggering amount of money behind all things pumpkin. 3 Frightening Types of 401(k) Fees The dark side of retirement funds. Nov. 1 Means It’s Time for […]

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