Dear Liz: My husband is being laid off with a severance package equal to seven months’ pay. What’s better for tax avoidance in California, a 529 college savings plan contribution or investing in an IRA? Answer: A 529 college savings plan contribution won’t save you taxes in California. There’s no federal deduction for such contributions, […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Getting spousal benefits after divorce
Dear Liz: When I retired at 63, my husband had been on Social Security for several years. We had been divorced about six months at that time. Should I have been bumped up to his benefits? We had been married for 42 years. Answer: You wouldn’t get an amount equal to his benefit if he’s […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Plug into your car’s computer to save money and drive safer. Also in the news: How to reset retirement plans to weather a downturn, the easiest way to earn 6,000 Rapid Rewards point, and why you should pay off all of your debt before investing in stocks. Plug Into Your Car’s Computer […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What to buy and skip in September. Also in the news: 5 times to stash your cash and pay with plastic, what college freshman need to know about their student loans, and how to choose the best approach to managing your investments. What to Buy (and Skip) in September 5 Times to […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why your parents’ money guru may not be right for you. Also in the news: Home loans with 3% down for 2018, what hotel credit card upgrades mean for your bottom line, and how the student loan grace period works. Your Parents’ Money Guru May Not Be Right for You Striking out […]
How to reset retirement plans to weather a downturn
The older the current bull market gets, the more stories you’re likely to read about how this is an awful time to retire. Yes, we’re due for a correction that trims 20 percent or more from stock values. That could be a big problem for people taking withdrawals from investment portfolios, since market losses early […]