Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about whether someone should use a Roth IRA to pay off a mortgage. In your answer, you mentioned the requirement to take minimum distributions from the account. One of the huge advantages of a Roth, besides tax-free distributions, is that there are no required minimum withdrawals. Did I […]
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Q&A: Why this widow can’t get her late husband’s Social Security benefit
Dear Liz: My husband passed away 10 years ago at age 66. I called then to see if I could collect Social Security, because he was receiving benefits when he died. Our daughter was still a minor, so she was able to collect survivor benefits until she turned 18. I was told I couldn’t collect […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The silliness of using airline miles to go to Europe. Also in the news: Black Friday is now a season, students who don’t fill out FAFSA are missing out on their share of billions in financial aid, and why you should leave your high-yield savings account alone. The Silliness of Using Airline […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Wake up to the truth about ‘dream schools.’ Also in the news: 4 things to stop doing online immediately, recognizing the signs of financial abuse, and why carrying a balance won’t boost your credit score. Wake Up to the Truth About ‘Dream Schools’ Thinking beyond the elites. Stop Doing These 4 Things […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Understanding the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Also in the news: How hungry college students can get help, Robinhood takes another shot at cash management accounts, and a new scam that asks for your bank PIN on the phone. Hunger on Campus: How College Students Can Get Help What Is the Difference […]
Wake up to the truth about ‘dream schools’
The college admissions scandal — which recently led to a 14-day prison sentence for actress Felicity Huffman — exposed a group of wealthy parents’ obsession with getting their kids into the “right” school. Prosecutors say the families paid bribes, faked test results and pretended their kids were athletes to get them into selective colleges. Unfortunately, […]