Today’s top story: How replacement window costs add up. Also in the news: Hiring a vacation photographer, how to fight about money and stay madly in love, and 5 things to do first if you win tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot. How Replacement Window Costs Add Up Things to take into consideration. So Long, Selfie Stick. […]
Recent Blog Posts
Managing Debt in Retirement Takes Some Planning
Owing money in retirement isn’t ideal — but most people do. Seventy percent of U.S. households headed by people ages 65 to 74 had at least some debt in 2016, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Finances. So did half of those 75 and older. Paying debt usually gets more difficult on […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Don’t let your love of logos become a financial faux pas. Also in the news: No-sweat solutions to save money on car fixes, what it’s like to use a financial advisor, and overlooking a risk in your home could cost you nearly $10,000. Don’t Let Your Love of Logos Become a Financial […]
Q&A: Should a soon-to-be retiree use savings to pay off the mortgage?
Dear Liz: I am 64, single and planning to retire in two years. I have saved enough to pay off my $100,000 mortgage. It will take the bulk of my savings but I have no other debts. I will have a pension and Social Security. I also have a credit score over 800. Should I […]
Q&A: Figuring the tax toll for an inherited house
Dear Liz: I inherited my home when my husband died. If I sell this house now at a current market value of around $900,000, what will be the basis of the capital gains tax? I think at the time of my husband’s death, the house’s market value was $400,000. Answer: Based on your phrasing, we’ll […]
Q&A: Self insurance brings risk
Dear Liz: A letter writer in your column says that “self insurance,” or going without health insurance, “certainly reinforces healthy lifestyle choices.” My husband made all of those “right” choices for more than 60 years, which was absolutely no protection against being diagnosed with brain cancer. Your penny-pinching correspondent might currently be running marathons or […]