Today’s top story: The cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii using points and miles. Also in the news: 5 things to know about the Platinum Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, why you should use caution with buy-now, pay-later platforms, and see how the Democratic candidates tax plans would affect you. The Cheapest Ways to Fly […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to navigate the Yahoo data breach settlement. Also in the news: Identity theft and babies, getting grandparents on board with using reward credit cards, and a more realistic way to look at health care costs in retirement. How to Navigate the Yahoo Data Breach Settlement Here we go again. Has Your […]
In ‘SIM swap,’ criminals really have your number
If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified. This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social […]
Q&A: Weighing investment choices
Dear Liz: I felt your advice about using an inherited IRA to pay off a mortgage was spot on, but I would add one suggestion. The person could use their required minimum distribution (or a little extra) from the inherited IRA each year to pay down the principal on the mortgage. Then they could see […]
Q&A: Inherited Roth IRA distributions
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 […]
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 […]