Variable annuities are complex insurance products — so complex that what people actually buy and what they think they’re buying may be quite different. Those misunderstandings can end up costing them, or their heirs, a lot of money. For the uninitiated: Variable annuities are insurance company contracts that allow people to invest money in a […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Green Dot launches 3% cash back and savings account. Also in the news: Apps that could prompt impromptu spending, how to avoid lifestyle creep, and how to financially plan for having kids. Green Dot Launches 3% Cash Back and Savings Account A new offering from Green Dot. These Types of Apps Could […]
Q&A: Resetting the Social Security clock
Dear Liz: I read that you can pay Social Security back the payments you’ve received in order to “reset the clock” and get a larger benefit. Is that true or did I misunderstand the article? My husband started two years ago to claim Social Security benefits at age 67, but if he had waited until […]
Q&A: This is why credit scores are so confusing
Dear Liz: I am from Germany. I have had a bank account in America for over one year. Now I get my FICO score. After six months it was 738, half a year later, it was 771 and one month after that, 759. Why does it change in such a short time? Is it the […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Don’t let lifestyle creep sneak up on you. Also in the news: 7 steps to buying a house, do you need a tax ID number, and how to make sure you don’t lose your credit card rewards when closing the card. Don’t Let Lifestyle Creep Sneak Up on You Living within your […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Don’t be duped by these phone and email scams. Also in the news: Help with checking your finances, how a single mom paid off nearly $80K in debt in eight months, and 1 in 5 Americans are hiding this financial secret from their spouses. Don’t Be Duped by These Phone and Email […]