Q&A: VA health coverage and the Affordable Care Act

Dear Liz: My brother is a Vietnam veteran. Every month since his separation from the Navy in 1969, he has had a monthly premium deducted from his pay and sent to the Veterans Administration for his medical insurance coverage. Last month he received a notice from his employer stating that if he doesn’t sign up […]

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Q&A: Pensions and the windfall elimination provision

Dear Liz: As a faculty member who was only recently allowed to participate in our state’s public employees’ retirement system, I will have a very small pension. I’m told that Social Security will then reduce my benefit by up to 50% as a result of the so-called windfall elimination provision. Can you tell me how […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to find the best airfare deals. Also in the news: Financially preparing for a job search, how “reason codes” can help improve your credit, and ten money moves to make before the end of the year. 3 Insider Tips for Getting the Best Airfare Deal How to get the best possible […]

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Flight delays? Lost luggage? Your credit card may help

Hundreds of flights have already been cancelled on this busy travel day, with more cancellations and delays likely to come as a winter storm rolls through the East Coast. If you used the right credit card to book your trip, though, you may be entitled to some compensation. Most cards offer some kind of travel […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The best airline miles credit cards. Also in the news: Behind the scenes of a student loan deal, how to prioritize your bills when you’re low on cash, and five items to donate for a charitable tax deduction. The Best Airline Miles Credit Cards in America Getting the most mileage bang for […]

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An IRS impersonator just called me

Here’s the voicemail he left me (in a rather heavy Indian accent): “I am Jonathan Knight and I am calling you from the federal investigation department of IRS. My badge number is 46719. The matter at the hand is extremely time sensitive and urgent as after audit we found that there was a fraud and […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to prepare for a credit check. Also in the news: What you should include in your long term care plan, how to avoid holiday shopping scams, and why you should purchase renters insurance before the holidays. How to Get Ready for a Credit Check Three steps to help you prepare. 4 […]

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Black Friday: Fun, hype–or class warfare?

American shoppers seem to fall into two groups: those who are planning their early-morning raids on major retailers (starting as early as Thanksgiving morning!) and those who sneer at people who head out into the cold in search of bargains. I used to belong to the latter group, until a friend pointed out I was […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The three things you should do before tackling your student loan debt. Also in the news: Three tax changes for 2015, how to protect your finances during a late-in-life divorce, and how changing the order in which you deduct from your paycheck could save you more money. 3 Things to Do Before […]

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Q&A: Social Security and same-sex marriage

Dear Liz: My partner of 30 years recently died. Am I eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? I don’t want anything I don’t deserve, but if I’m entitled to something, every penny would be appreciated. I am 54 and make minimum wage. Answer: Your eligibility for Social Security benefits as a spouse depends on three […]

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