This week’s top story: Debt settlement hurts your credit score. In other news: Weekly mortgage rates fall, but existing home sales sag, DOJ files antitrust suit against Live Nation/Ticketmaster, and why the disconnect between economic strength and sentiment matters. Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea? Debt settlement hurts your credit score, and there’s no guarantee of […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: How do I find an estate planning attorney I can afford?
Dear Liz: The question from the couple who wanted to leave a home to their four children hit home with me. I’m in the same boat but with only two kids. How do I go about finding an estate planning attorney that I can trust and also afford? Answer: Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family […]
Q&A: Be patient! Find an expert!
Dear Liz: I have a quick question and would like a personal response. What email address can I use? Answer: You can use the email address of the financial planner you hire to advise you. Just because a question is quick doesn’t mean the answer will be. Answers to financial planning questions take time and effort to […]
Q&A: Update on that CPA search engine
Dear Liz: I am trying to find a CPA personal financial specialist per your column. Using the link you provided, I was told that there are zero people who fit that description in my area, which is hard to believe. Can you help? Answer: A spokesperson for the American Institute of CPAs, which provided the link, notes that […]
Q&A: Clearing up the deal with Social Security survivor benefits
Dear Liz: I read your column regarding the wife who filed for her Social Security benefits at 62 and received $1,500, while her husband filed at 70 and was receiving $4,600. You noted that after the husband died she could receive his entire $4,600 payment, but wouldn’t the amount she receives as a survivor’s benefit be […]
Q&A: Paying bills with auto payments is scary; should it be?
Dear Liz: For several reasons you recommend using online services from the bank or credit union to pay bills. I use that method for most of our bills, but not all. Some vendors want us to set up a process where they are able to pull the desired payment directly from our account. Given the regular […]