Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Protecting yourself from identity theft. Also in the news: Unforeseen circumstances that could crush your retirement, what not to do when you pay off your mortgage, and the importance of an emergency fund. Are You a Prime Target for Identity Theft? How to protect yourself. 3 retirement-crushing unforeseen circumstancesWhen your retirement does […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to cut the cord to your TV and save money. Also in the news: Apps to teach kids about personal finance, how to handle your credit card debt while you’re unemployed, and what happens to your debt if you get divorced. How to watch TV for next to nothing Cutting the […]

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Q&A: Retirement savings for freelancers

Dear Liz: I am a freelancer. I don’t consider myself a small-business owner, just someone who gets the work done on time and gets paid. I max out my IRA every year, but would like to save more in a tax-advantaged account. I checked out SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, but they don’t have a Roth […]

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Q&A: Creating a will

Dear Liz: I’m a 58-year-old man. I want to make a will just in case something happens to me. I have about $500,000 in stock and cash. I have a life partner and her son. I would like to split my assets between her and my sister. Any suggestions on how to go about this? […]

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Q&A: Social Security

Dear Liz: My husband decided we should take Social Security before age 65. I worked intermittently until 67. I do not get half of his Social Security as do many women who never worked. Can you explain why? Answer: The reason is probably because your own benefit is greater than what you would get as […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Tax credits that can save you a lot of cash. Also in the news: How to make your kids smarter about money, why we overspend with our credit cards, and how to get through the most awkward money conversations. 5 Tax Credits That Can Save You a Boatload of Cash Don’t miss […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What new grads wish their parents had told them about money. Also in the news: How to maximize your savings, what to know before starting a small business, and how free trials can end up costing you big bucks. 5 Things New Grads Wish Their Parents Had Taught Them About Money It’s […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Habits that can help build your credit. Also in the news: Protecting your data from cyber crooks, the important steps of financial planning, and who’s digging through your credit report? 3 Smart Habits That Can Help Build Your Credit Habits you should pick up. Protect Your Data From Cyber Crooks Tips on […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Tips on improving your credit score by Labor Day. Also in the news: How to get credit bureaus to remove errors from your credit report, the money moves college graduates should make, and how to decide between a credit card or a personal loan. How to Improve Your Credit Score By Labor […]

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Q&A: Breaking even with Social Security

Dear Liz: This is in regard to the reader who created a spreadsheet that he thought showed the advantage of taking Social Security early. I retired at age 62 and am now 69 and have not yet started drawing my benefits. I have never done a spreadsheet to determine the relative advantage in waiting to […]

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