Most of us have wasted money on ill-considered purchases or stuff we really couldn’t afford. As we get more financially savvy, that happens less often. But we can still profit from other people’s bad choices. People who prize the latest and greatest, for example, quickly need to upgrade to the next shiny thing. That leaves […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The benefits of a just-for-debt credit card. Also in the news: July’s stock market outlook, bogus organic fruit, and how long it takes your credit score to recover from a drastic drop. Just-for-Debt Credit Card: It Has One Job Use this card for only one thing. Stock Market Outlook: A Market That […]
Q&A: The future is bleak for charitable deductions, early retirees’ healthcare costs
Dear Liz: When I sat down with my accountant in March to do my 2017 taxes, he said next year I will take the standard deduction. Are my contributions to charity still deductible if I take the standard deduction? Answer: No. Charitable contributions are an itemized deduction. If you don’t itemize your deductions, you won’t […]
Q&A: Leaving the U.S. for cheap healthcare
Dear Liz: Your column a few weeks ago suggested a couple consider leaving the country for healthcare benefits until they reach the age to receive Medicare. We are in a similar position, with enough money to retire early but profoundly worried about the future availability of health insurance. Which countries are considered good options for […]
Q&A: Healthcare costs could nix early retirement
Dear Liz: Recently you included a letter from a retired person who was amused by the suggestion that early retirees may have to go abroad to find affordable healthcare. I was horrified by that letter and shared your article with several friends. Something is deeply wrong when a nation offers citizens who have contributed to […]
Q&A: Beware of ‘junk’ medical insurance
Dear Liz: In response to your response to the retired couple about healthcare costs. I wish everyone else could be informed about this. Healthcare costs in the individual market before the ACA were anything but affordable. I had to quit my job because my husband got ill in 2000. I was healthy and was paying […]