Today’s top story: 5 steps to reaching financial freedom. Also in the news: How to furnish your new home without breaking the bank, growing your garden with only a little green, and how to compare and decipher college financial aid offers. 5 Steps to Reaching Financial Freedom One step at a time. You Got the […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Understanding the closing cost for a home seller. Also in the news: How being neighborly can save you money, what homeowners ready to sell need to know about the changing market, and how increased China tariffs might cost you money. What Are the Closing Costs for a Home Seller? Closing costs can […]
The life-changing magic of working a bit longer
Retirement experts frequently recommend working longer if you haven’t saved enough. But you may not realize just how powerful a little extra work can be. Researchers who compared the relative returns of working longer versus saving more last year reached some startling findings. In my latest for the Associated Press, how working just a few […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 8 ways to keep your travel credit cards working for you. Also in the news: Baby steps can get your credit life rolling, how one-way flights could be just the ticket when booking with miles, and 6 things to know about student loans before you start school. 8 Ways to Keep Your […]
Q&A: Inflation and Social Security
Dear Liz: Every time someone asks a question about when to start taking Social Security, all you financial advisers make your calculations based on the 7% to 8% annual increase you get by delaying between ages 62 and 70. What you never mention is that once you start getting Social Security, you also start getting […]
Selling mom’s house may require an appraisal first
Dear Liz: My mother recently passed away. The title to her home was held in the family trust. My siblings and I are in the process of clearing out the house in preparation for a sale. Do we need to obtain a “step-up” basis appraisal before the sale to use in determining capital gain on […]