Today’s top story: How Free Money bank promotions can boost your savings. Also in the news: Apple’s new credit card is generous if you use Apple Pay, how to reclaim tax breaks you may have missed in recent years, and matching your kid’s IRA contributions to incentivize savings. How ‘Free Money’ Bank Promotions Can Boost […]
Recent Blog Posts
How to know when it’s OK to spend
Some people are much better savers than spenders. That can become a problem. Certified financial planner DeDe Jones recalls clients, retired schoolteachers, who loved to travel but kept putting off the trip to China and Southeast Asia they’d always wanted to take. “The husband started having health issues, and they missed the opportunity,” says Jones, […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to avoid ‘Subscription Creep.’ Also in the news: cost-cutting travel tips to bring together faraway friends, 5 ways bad credit can you keep you from being a functional adult, and how to know when index funds aren’t a good deal. How to Stem ‘Subscription Creep’ Subscriptions are adding up. Cost-Cutting Travel […]
Q&A: Rules for inherited property
Dear Liz: If someone owns an asset, such as a home or stocks, and passes away, the heirs can get a stepped-up cost basis. What if that same person also owned a second home, vacation property and rentals? Do those properties also get a stepped-up cost basis for the heirs? Answer: Typically, yes. A step-up […]
Q&A: Ask yourself these questions before using savings to pay off student debt
Dear Liz: I’m wondering whether I should use part of my emergency fund to pay off student loans. I currently have $15,000 in an emergency fund to cover three to six months of my living expenses and owe $18,000 in federal student loans. I’ve been feeling the itch to pay off a chunk of my […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to give money advice that sticks. Also in the news: 3 steps to spring clean your credit card debt, how to research 401(k) funds on Morningstar, and using a loan to pay your tax bill. How to Give Money Advice That Sticks Focus on what you say and how you say […]