If you’re getting a divorce, it pays to keep quiet on social media, says New York divorce attorney Jacqueline Newman. Trashing a soon-to-be ex or boasting about your great new life can complicate divorce negotiations. One client’s husband, for example, insisted he couldn’t afford a proposed settlement. Then, he inadvertently gave Newman leverage to get […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to prepare for the next recession. Also in the news: How to grow your tax refund, everything you need to know to file your 2018 taxes, and how to wean grown kids off of your payroll. There’s Always a Next Recession, so Be Prepared Soften the blow of the next economic […]
Q&A: There can be legal pitfalls in DIY estate planning
Dear Liz: You answered a letter from a reader who was asked to be the executor of a friend’s estate. The reader was worried about being pulled into a lawsuit because the friend planned to disinherit a brother. You mentioned that the friend’s estate will pay the legal fees and other expenses if the brother […]
Q&A: Social Security survivor benefits complications
Dear Liz: My husband started collecting Social Security benefits at age 62. I was still working at the time. When I reached my full retirement age of 66, I started collecting spousal benefits, or 50% of the benefit he received. After I reached age 70 and retired, I switched over to my own benefit as […]
Q&A: Independent contractors face a wealth of tax consequences
Dear Liz: My son was recently hired in his dream job, but his employer has classified him as an independent contractor rather than as an employee. This would be his first time drawing pay without all the taxes, benefits, insurance and so on taken out. I’m afraid he’s only seeing the good wage and not […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: This winter, your credit should freeze, too. Also in the news: Nerd100 – Celebrating the best-of-the-best personal finance products, the best student loan refinance companies, and finding hospital price lists. This Winter, Your Credit Should Freeze, Too Surviving the credit breaches. Nerd100: Celebrating the Best-of-the-Best Personal Finance Products See who made the […]