Dear Liz: My husband and I are Gen Xers who are renting. We have enough cash from the sale of our last home to make a small down payment on another. If we moved to a more affordable community, we could manage the payments, but it would still be a stretch. That scenario would not […]
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This week’s money news
This week’s top story: 8 ways to personalize your rental and get your deposit back. In other news: Life insurance for small business, how couples can share the mental load of money management, and how to plan for retirement. 8 Ways to Personalize Your Rental — and Get Your Deposit Back Cosmetic upgrades can help personalize […]
How to escape from a money rut
Sometimes, climbing out of a money rut starts with a pep talk — to yourself. “I like affirmations and speaking out loud,” says Giovanna Gonzalez, a financial educator and author of “Cultura & Cash.” Her favorite affirmations are statements like, “I am not a reflection of my money mistakes,” “I can improve my financial situation,” […]
Q&A: Can my credit score really be marred over $20?
Dear Liz: I have had great credit for years. Late last year, I somehow overlooked a $20 payment due from one of my credit cards. My score dropped by more than 50 points, from about 815 to 765. I quickly paid the $20 and contacted the issuer. They told me they were required by law to […]
Q&A: Complicated condo question
Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about gifting a condo. I understood the first part of your answer: If the person receiving the gift lives in the condo for two of the last five years, then there is no capital gains exposure. The second part of your answer is a little confusing to me. You […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: What student loan borrowers should know if MOHELA is your servicer. In other news: Pregnant workers must get time off for birth, abortion, what not to do during mortgage preapproval, and 5 questions to ask when helping an older parent with money. MOHELA Senate Hearing: What Student Loan Borrowers Should Know If […]