Get smart with your money
Dear Liz: I wanted to comment on the person who was wondering why her multimillionaire friend receives less Social Security. One reason could be that higher-income people pay more for Medicare, the health insurance program for people 65 and older. Instead of the standard $104 a month that most people pay, my wife and I […]
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Dear Liz: My friend and I are widowed and really not money-wise. What is the best form of money to use in Europe, including Budapest, Vienna and various small towns? I’ve heard small-town merchants (and maybe even those in cities) don’t take credit cards, but even if they do, our bank charges substantial fees. I’ve […]
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Today’s top story: What numbers identity thieves want the most. Also in the news: How identity thieves will sell those numbers, expecting the unexpected if you retire at 67, and should you be saving for your retirement or your child’s education? 8 Numbers Identity Thieves Want to Steal From You It starts with your phone […]
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Today’s top story: five money mistakes we all make. Also in the news: the high costs of commuting, which monthly payments you should keep or drop, and exposing the hidden fees that eat up your retirement savings. 5 Money Mistakes Even Diligent Savers Make And how to avoid them. The High Cost of Your Daily […]
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Today’s top story: How to cope with retirement’s biggest stressors. Also in the news: Why you should check your credit score, the financial conversations you should have before getting married, and what you need to ask before hiring a real estate agent. Five top stressors in retirement and how to cope Health plays a huge […]
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Today’s top story: What to do when you forget to pay your taxes. Also in the news: How to make sharing finances in your marriage less painful, 4 things you need to do before buying a home, and how writing out your budget could help you save money. Help! I Forgot to Pay My Taxes […]
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Today’s top story: Why many Americans are afraid of going broke when they retire. Also in the news: The expensive cost of payday, pawn shop and car title loans, tips on how to increase your credit score, and what you can do to fix your credit report. Many Americans fear going broke in retirement How […]
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Dear Liz: I just turned 50. My company has an option to contribute pretax money to a regular 401(k) or after-tax money into a Roth 401(k). Should I put the maximum contribution ($17,500) plus the catch-up ($5,500) into the Roth? Or should I split my contributions? Answer: Given that you’re close to retirement, putting most […]
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Dear Liz: My husband and I lost our home because of unemployment and being underwater (the value of the house was less than the mortgage). We now both are working full time and saving to buy another home. My father-in-law offered to help us by selling us a rental he owns and giving us a […]
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