The emergency fund is a bust. Millions of Americans don’t have one, and some of those who do resist tapping what they’ve saved. I’d like to propose an alternative for both sets of people: The “oh, crap!” fund, a savings account for not-quite-emergency expenses. One of the reasons people don’t have emergency funds is misplaced […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: If you’re putting money in a 401(k) and an IRA at the same time, be ready for the taxes
Dear Liz: I recently returned to a regular 9-to-5 job after freelancing for several years. I contributed the maximum amount to an IRA while self-employed and continued to do so after starting my new job. I was surprised to learn when doing my taxes this year that I could not deduct my IRA contributions because […]
Q&A: The idea here is not to cheat public servants
Dear Liz: Thanks for your column about Social Security claiming strategies. Here’s a further complication you didn’t address. If the surviving spouse is a teacher in many states, access to survivor’s Social Security benefits is further restricted (if not entirely blocked) by a misogynistic, anti-teacher ruling dubbed the windfall elimination provision, which perhaps was a […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: If you sold fearing a market crash, here’s what to do now. Also in the news: Why you should look under the hood of your target-date fund, a home buyer’s guide to motivated sellers, and is Amazon Prime worth its new price? If You Sold Fearing a Market Crash, Here’s What to […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Start prepping for next year’s taxes now. Also in the news: Taking the shame out of rebuilding your finances, 3 reasons to hire a fee-only financial planner, and what you should know about Roth IRA withdrawals. Do Future-You a Solid: Prep for Next Year’s Taxes Now Give 2019 You a head start. […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Need a gift for a college graduate? Consider a Roth IRA. Also in the news: An Olympian’s victory versus debt, how to tackle common home worries with a plan, and the best jobs to have when the economy tanks. Need a Gift for a College Graduate? Consider a Roth IRA A gift […]