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 […]
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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 […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why buying an energy-efficient home is a financially bright idea. Also in the news: Calling your credit card issuer for a favor, a new bundle of tax hassles for Harry and Meghan, and how to see beyond the “money fog.” Buying an Energy-Efficient Home: A Financially Bright Idea Good for the earth […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What to buy (and skip) in May. Also in the news: Early retirees share hard lessons learned, a student loan partial financial hardship calculator, and why you should research mortgage lenders the way you research restaurants. What to Buy (and Skip) in May It’s a good time for furniture shopping. Early Retirees […]
Income can peak before you’re ready
Most retirement calculators are optimistic to a fault. They assume our incomes will rise throughout our working lives, or at least stay roughly the same. In reality, our incomes are likely to peak years — and sometimes decades — before we retire. In my latest for the Associated Press, why saving early for retirement is […]