Dear Liz: After taking Social Security early at 62, I have called, written and visited in person asking to have my benefit suspended so it can earn delayed retirement credits. Nothing has worked. Social Security representatives say I cannot change anything after the first 12 months. I turn 66 this month and wanted to get […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Here’s why one donation of $1,000 beats 10 donations of $100
Dear Liz: I want to support about 10 charities and nonprofits but have a limited budget of $1,000. I’ve been dividing it among those charities, but would I have a bigger impact contributing the full amount to just one? Answer: Absolutely, for a number of reasons. Each charity spends a certain amount to process your […]
How to create a retirement ‘paycheck’
Your expenses don’t end when your paychecks do, but creating a reliable income stream in retirement can be tricky. The right choices can result in sustainable income for the rest of your life. The wrong choices could leave you uncomfortably short of cash. In fact, retirement includes so many important, potentially irreversible decisions that most […]
Q&A: Setting up nieces and nephews for success
Dear Liz: This is a little unorthodox, but I’m hoping you can help. I have six nieces and nephews from my various brothers and sisters. They range in age from babies to teenagers. When they get older, I want to be able to assist them with therapy sessions — not because I think their parents […]
Q&A: Social Security for a child
Dear Liz: I will be 65 next year and have an 8-year-old son. I have been told by various people that I can receive an extra Social Security allowance for him until he is 18. These same people also said it would reduce my benefit permanently. Is that correct? Answer: Yes, plus your benefit would […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 6 empowering money moves to boost your financial confidence. Also in the news: Credit card fees likely to hit $40 in 2020, when everything will go on sale in 2020, and why saving for retirement is about to get easier. 6 Empowering Money Moves to Boost Your Financial Confidence A confidence boost […]