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 […]
Recent Blog Posts
Why you shouldn’t co-sign your grandkid’s student loan
College financial aid offers have been sent out, and the traditional May 1 deadline for high school seniors to pick their schools is fast approaching. That means all across this great land of ours, grandparents are getting hit up by would-be college students desperate to use their elders’ good credit. Federal student loans don’t require […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Lay groundwork for better home value with artful landscaping. Also in the news: How to manage the cost to finish a basement, more Wells Fargo refunds are coming, and how long you should keep your tax returns. Lay Groundwork for Better Home Value With Artful Landscaping Increasing your curb appeal. How to […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: When to ignore credit card advice. Also in the news: More Wells Fargo refunds are coming after $1 billion fine, how SunTrust customers can protect themselves after data breach, and how to live it up without going broke before you die. When to Ignore Credit Card Advice Conventional wisdom doesn’t always apply. […]
Q&A: Don’t run out of money in retirement: Here’s how much to use per year, and why
Dear Liz: I am confused about “safe withdrawal rates” from retirement accounts. I’ve read that withdrawing 4% of savings each year is the gold standard that financial planners utilize to ensure that life savings are preserved in retirement. However, if the Standard & Poor’s 500 index returns on average 8% a year, and if the […]
Q&A: Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: In a recent article you discussed delaying Social Security benefits and wrote that for married couples, only the higher earner needs to wait until age 70 to get the largest possible check. I don’t understand the logic behind that statement. I have always been told to wait until 70 to collect; however, my […]