Americans are slipping ever deeper into hock. To cope, many people turn to debt consolidation loans, cash-out mortgage refinancing and retirement plan loans that promise relief but could leave them worse off. Paying off high-rate debt such as credit cards with lower-rate loans may seem like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, many of these loans have hidden […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Pet insurance can be your wallet’s best friend. Also in the news: How to get the most out of online reviews, talking to your parents about their financial plans, and where the 2020 candidates stand on student debt and college affordability. Pet Insurance Can Be Your Wallet’s Best Friend Covering your furry […]
Q&A: Capital gains on house sale
Dear Liz: I am one of those seniors who purchased their house in the 1970s. I would like to move but I’m reluctant because of the huge capital gain tax that I would have to pay. The exemption amount has not been raised since 1997 when it was enacted. In comparison, the estate tax exemption […]
Q&A: Loans, taxes and home sales
Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about determining home sale profits for a widow. My question is how you calculate taxes when there’s a loan in the mix. For instance, when I bought my home, I took out a mortgage. Subsequently, I took out a second mortgage to pay for a pool and landscaping. […]
Q&A: Facing retirement with parent student loans? Transfer them to the kids
Dear Liz: I’m 60. Should I take a $50,000 distribution from my 401(k) to pay down my $146,000 parent Plus college loan and then try to refinance the balance with a private lender at a lower interest rate? I have $364,000 in my 401(k). I’m paying 8% interest on the parent Plus loan and planning […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you should ask your parents about their financial plans. Also in the news: Why you no longer need a chip-and-PIN card overseas, earning and burning your airline rewards to maximize free flights, and 1 in 4 millennials raiding 401(k)s early to pay down debt. Yes, You Should Ask Your Parents About […]