Dear Liz: My husband and I have substantial pre-tax savings in our workplace retirement plans and IRAs. Based on where those balances would be in retirement, we would definitely be paying more in taxes than now, and face the potential of running out of money if forced to withdraw it all. You often refer people to […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Safeguarding your personal data is hard. Here are a few tips.
Dear Liz: I was recently alerted that my Social Security number has been found on the dark web. My information was part of the AT&T breach that took place recently. I am no longer an AT&T customer and haven’t been for several years, but they have not made any contact with me. What do I do […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: 7 surprising facts about credit cards. In other news: Weekly mortgage rates rise again, look to last-minute scholarships when you can’t control FAFSA delays, and best cities for freelancers and self-employed workers 2024. 7 Surprising Facts About Credit Cards Card issuers have a lot of leeway in terms of when and how […]
Q&A: Is my wife’s pension at risk?
Dear Liz: My wife worked in the private sector for 30 years and paid into Social Security before starting her current job in the public sector. She will get a small pension from this job when she decides to retire. It’s our understanding that the windfall elimination provision won’t apply to her since she contributed to […]
Q&A: A sticky inheritance scenario
Dear Liz: I have an adult daughter by a previous marriage who has no savings or retirement funds. I want to change my living trust to ensure that my daughter only receives a monthly amount similar to my required minimum distribution from my IRA, plus half of our paid-off house after my wife and I pass […]
Q&A: Credit for time spent on a DIY home project?
Dear Liz: My husband remodeled all of the bathrooms in our home. We have receipts for the materials we purchased so that we can reduce our capital gains when we sell our home. Can we claim my husband’s time as labor costs for the home improvements? Answer: No. You can add the cost of improvements to your […]