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 […]
Recent Blog Posts
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, […]
Q&A: A little known, and restrictive, benefit for vets and their spouses
Dear Liz: Some time ago you referenced an “aid and attendance benefit” for veterans and their spouses. We have a 94-year-old bedridden widowed mom who has a permanent catheter and is tube-fed each day. I had never heard about this benefit and can’t seem to find a contact anywhere within the Department of Veterans Affairs who […]
Q&A: Is it better to spread your wealth between two financial advisors?
Dear Liz: My parents left me with financial accounts at two companies. My instinct is to combine them to deal with one less company. Is there a downside to doing this? Answer: You should first determine whether any of the inherited accounts is a retirement account because those come with special rules. You can’t simply merge an […]