America’s credit bureaus haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory when it comes to protecting your private data. So you might well be skeptical about two new credit-enhancing products that require not just credit information but also access to your bank accounts. In my latest for the Associated Press, why the boost in your score might […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to decipher your college aid. Also in the news: What to do when your income peaks before you’re ready, 9 tips for 2019 college grads anticipating their first paychecks, and how your child’s sports could be sabotaging your financial health. Accepted! How to Decipher Your College Aid Making sense of the […]
Q&A: Timing those spouse benefits
Dear Liz: My husband and I are retired. He is 67 and I’m 65. We have been delaying Social Security as we are financially able to wait until he turns 70 to begin benefits. We both turned 62 before January 2, 2016, and are wondering how the “restricted application” rule applies to us. My husband […]
Q&A: Here’s a big tax mistake you can easily avoid
Dear Liz: I’m self-employed and my wife wasn’t working last year. In December, we returned to California and found a small home to purchase using $107,000 I took out of my IRA. Since we weren’t quite certain of what our income would be, we received our health insurance in Oregon through an Affordable Care Act […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What not to buy for your vacation. Also in the news: How to tidy up your finances so each dollar sparks joy, how to save on road trips, and how your retirement savings compares to others in your age group. What Not to Buy for Your Vacation What to buy to save […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Planning to work into your 70s? Why you need a Plan B, too. Also in the news: How your income can peak before you’re ready, college-bound students could face $37,400 in loans, and how to sell or recycle your old electronics. Planning to Work Into Your 70s? Why You Need a Plan […]