Q&A: Lost tax payment

Dear Liz: I just received a letter from the IRS informing me that I missed a quarterly tax payment last September with several resulting penalties. I made that payment with a check from a securities trust account that I don’t closely monitor, so I didn’t realize the check hadn’t been cashed. The check was placed […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: It’s time for your midyear financial checkup! Also in the news: Credit card vows for newlyweds, how your credit score could affect your auto insurance rates, and the surprising affects of credit card debt. A Guide to Your Mid-Year Financial Checkup How’s your year going so far? 6 Credit Card Vows Every […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money moves that could kill your retirement. Also in the news: How to stress test your budget, how to build long-term wealth while renting, and how to prepare your parents for financing their long-term care. 9 Money Moves That Could Kill Your Retirement Avoid these at all costs. Stress-Test Your Budget with […]

Continue reading...

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How buying a home can give your credit a boost. Also in the news: What really happens when you default on your student loans, why it’s important to protect your digital assets, and what happens to your budget when your parents move in. How Buying a Home Can Help Your Credit Your […]

Continue reading...

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A guide to student loan debt for new college grads. Also in the news: What parents should teach their kids about finances, what to do before hiring a financial adviser, and major money mistakes made by seniors and retirees. The New Grad’s Guide to Student Loan Debt Congratulations! Time to pay up! […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Investment advice websites

Dear Liz: I invest in real estate and have a secure pension, but I also have a managed stock account worth about $250,000 and would like to get more involved in investing that. Can you recommend some good books on how the market works and perhaps a couple of good middle-of-the-road websites? Everything I see […]

Continue reading...

Q&A: Filing and Suspending Social Security

Dear Liz: I was told by a staff person at our Social Security office that because I am seven years older than my husband (he is 58, I am 65), the “file and suspend” wouldn’t work for me and that because I am waiting until 70 to claim benefits, it was a non-issue. Is that […]

Continue reading...

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What you need to know about the huge US data breach. Also in the news: What lenders are looking for, checking in on your financial health, and making sure your extra student loan payments are going to the right place. The Massive U.S. Government Hack: What You Need to Know Four million […]

Continue reading...

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save money on your taxes by deducting work-related expenses. Also in the news: Learning about financial therapy, decreasing credit card limits, and financial advice for baby boomers. How IRS Form 2106 Can Save You Money on Taxes Deducting the work expenses your employer doesn’t cover. What You Should Know About […]

Continue reading...

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Auditing your 401(k) plan. Also in the news: When you should buy both whole and term life insurance, the tax documents you should always keep, and how a balance transfer could help your credit score. How Good Is Your 401(k) Plan? This basic audit will tell you. When to Consider Both Whole […]

Continue reading...