Dear Liz: I have little credit history and my Experian credit score is about 620. My wife has no credit history. We are in the process of increasing our creditworthiness. I have an unsecured credit card from my credit union. She will be getting a secured credit card. We will use these lightly and regularly, […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Delaying Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: My wife is a retired schoolteacher who has a pension. Because she is subject to the government pension offset, she will not be eligible for my Social Security benefit when I pass. My plan was to wait until 70 to file to maximize my benefit. This usually has the advantage of also increasing […]
Q&A: An emergency kit document hack
Dear Liz: Thanks for answering my question about storing hard copies of financial services records for emergency preparedness. My wife and I finally reached a compromise: We printed out our account numbers, but we attached code names to them that only we would recognize. Now both of us are comfortable that even though someone might […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Make your brand loyalty pay off. Also in the news: When your new car have more tech than you know what to do with, one thing to know when filing your taxes, and beware email attachment scams this tax season. Make Your Brand Loyalty Pay Off Cash in on your devotion. Does […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Beware of these overhyped financial strategies. Also in the news: How to get car insurance quotes online the smart way, how often should you shop around for car insurance, and what to know about the marriage tax penalty. Beware of These Overhyped Financial Strategies Looking out for your best interests. How to […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: When and how to say no to extended car warranties. Also in the news: How to save money with used baby items, medical expenses you can deduct on your taxes, and why you really need to set up automatic credit card payments. Extended Car Warranties: When and How to Say No Don’t […]