March 17, 2015 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Tax tips for military personnel. Also in the news: What to do when your credit card interest rate goes up, how to handle tax return fraud, and how to survive financially when you don’t have an emergency fund. Top Tax Tips for Military Personnel Military service comes with some unique tax breaks. […]

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March 16, 2015 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The downsides of low-interest credit cards. Also in the news: How to beat a spending addiction, the complicated world of the Alternative Minimum Tax, and how to get a better credit card rate by threatening to cancel. 7 Downsides of Low-Interest Credit Cards What’s great in the short terms could come back […]

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March 16, 2015 By

Q&A: IRA interest rate terms

Dear Liz: I went to renew my IRA certificate of deposit and the bank officer suggested that I renew at the greater rate being offered for a five-year term (about 1.5% APR) rather than the lower rate for a one-year term (about 1% APR). She explained that since I am over 59 1/2, I can […]

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March 16, 2015 By

Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits

Dear Liz: I am 61 and going through a second divorce. Would I be able to start drawing my first husband’s Social Security now or would I have to wait till I am 62 later this year? Also, could I draw off my second husband’s work record, since he made more money? Which would benefit […]

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March 13, 2015 By

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Five signs of impending financial doom. Also in the news: Spring cleaning your finances, the risks of automatic bill pay, and why you should keep a burner email account. 5 Signs You’re Financially Overextended Your finances could be heading for disaster. 7 tips for financial spring cleaning Time to clean the dust […]

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March 12, 2015 By

Lies, damn lies and press releases

A recent press release from an “identity theft protection company” was so filled with misinformation, I had to double-check make sure it wasn’t April Fool’s Day. Here’s what it said: The Federal Trade Commission believes ID Fraud will be a significant issue during this tax season. Many people will consider freezing their credit report if […]

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March 12, 2015 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to pass a financial stress test. Also in the news: How smart parents teach their kids about money, the worst money mistakes made by Millennials, and what to do if your homeowner’s insurance claim is denied. 5 Tips For Passing a Financial Stress Test How would you do? 7 Ways Smart […]

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March 11, 2015 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to perform a debt autopsy. Also in the news: How to choose between leasing and financing a new vehicle, spring break travel tips, and how to tell if a credit card has a good interest rate. If You Really Want to Kill Off Your Debt, Do a Debt Autopsy Not nearly […]

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March 10, 2015 By

Q&A: Social Security survivor benefits

Dear Liz: I earned more than my wife, who died at age 57 after 18 years of marriage. When I turn 60, can I take survivor Social Security benefits based on her work record and then request my benefit at age 70? Answer: In a word, yes, and doing so may be smart. Survivor benefits […]

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March 10, 2015 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Changes to the credit report dispute process are on the way. Also in the news: What to do with your tax refund, things you should consider as you approach retirement, and the biggest tax law changes you need to know about. Your Biggest Credit Report Complaint May Be Getting Fixed Changes in […]

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