Q&A: Retirement calculators are a wake-up call for undersavers

Dear Liz: Are retirement calculators a hoax? It seems that the published estimates for the amount of savings required are insanely high. If most U.S. citizens haven’t saved much and have a decent standard of living in retirement, where is the misperception? Let’s say an individual is resolved to choose hospice over intensive care — […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Companies that help you repay or avoid student loans. Also in the news: Solutions to your retirement fund shortfall, debunking Social Security myths, and why Walmart is suing Visa. 6 Companies That Help You Repay or Avoid Student Loans Alternative options. 10 Solutions to Your Retirement Fund Shortfall There’s still time to […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 expenses that will change when you retire. Also in the news: Questions for credit counselors, how to budget for a wedding that isn’t your own, and could we be on the verge of another housing crisis? 5 Expenses That Will Change in Retirement Could you see more cash in your wallet? […]

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Americans Are Pissed — This Chart Might Explain Why

People are angry. Voters demanding change have helped make Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee for president and fueled Bernie Sanders’ ferocious challenge to Democrat Hillary Clinton. But what are they angry about? Ask and you’ll hear about Washington gridlock, Wall Street greed, trade, stagnant pay, immigration. In my latest for NerdWallet, the one huge […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Debunking emergency fund myths. Also in the news: How filing separately could give some couples a lower tax bill, the financial benefits of living with less, and how much down payment you should have to buy a home. Debunking 5 Emergency Fund Myths Separating fact from financial fiction. Filing Separately Could Give […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The red flags of a toxic online loan. Also in the news: What to do when you can’t get enough financial aid, why 43% of Millennials have bad credit, and 10 questions to help start getting your financial life in order. 5 Red Flags of a Toxic Online Loan Who are you […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do when your employer is acquired. Also in the news: Tips for selling your home this summer, surprising things about cellphone insurance, and how to avoid retirement calculator mistakes. 5 Steps to Take When Your Employer Is Acquired Tips for uneasy times. Simple Tips to Sell Your Home for the […]

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Q&A: The pitfalls of renting a house to relatives

Dear Liz: My son and his family are having trouble with money. I see him stepping up since he had my lovely granddaughter. I am getting ready to retire from teaching. I have my teacher’s retirement and a nest egg set aside. I was thinking of buying him a place where he could pay me […]

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Q&A: How much liability insurance do you need?

Dear Liz: In a previous answer to a question about liability insurance, you indicated that people should normally have enough insurance to cover their assets. Which assets should be included, as it is my understanding that some assets are exempt from creditors, such as 401(k)s and IRAs? Also, how are future earnings or future annuity […]

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Q&A: Another tool to avoid probate

Dear Liz: You recently cautioned a reader whose mother wanted to add her to a home deed to avoid probate. Please tell readers that they now may be able to avoid probate for a residence by using a transfer on death deed, similar to what’s available for bank accounts and cars. California recently enacted this […]

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