Dear Liz: What are your recommendations for a recent dental school graduate, now practicing in California, who has about $250,000 of dental school loans to pay off but who also knows the importance of starting to save for retirement? Answer: If you’re the graduate, congratulations. Your debt load is obviously significant, but so is your […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Medicare has a prerequisite
Dear Liz: In a recent column, you mentioned that Medicare Part A is free, but that requires 40 quarters (or 10 years) of U.S. employment to qualify. There are, unfortunately, many of us with offshore employment who have found this out too late. Even if one has worked in a country with a tax treaty […]
Q&A: Benefits’ disappearance is no accident
Dear Liz: You recently indicated that restricted applications for Social Security spousal benefits are no longer available to people born on or after Jan. 2, 1954. Who is responsible for this change, and when was that enacted? Is there any way it can be reversed? Answer: Congress is unlikely to revive what was widely seen […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to get the most out of the Walmart Rewards Mastercard. Also in the news: A new checking account that searches for the best interest rate, the pros and cons of automatic bill payments, and how to protect yourself from Doordash’s latest data breach. How to Get the Most Out of the […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Charged an overdraft fee? Expect to pay $35 at banks, $26 at credit unions. Also in the news: This year’s important Black Friday dates, how to catch up on holiday savings, and why you shouldn’t use credit apps as a substitute for checking your credit report. Charged an Overdraft Fee? Expect to […]
Is premium economy airfare worth the money?
As coach travel gets more cramped, airlines have added “premium economy” sections that promise more space and comfort — often at a substantially higher price. Air carriers have discovered many travelers are willing to pay two or even three times the prevailing economy fare to escape the crowded confines of coach. The extra money is […]