Dear Liz: I am trying to find a CPA personal financial specialist per your column. Using the link you provided, I was told that there are zero people who fit that description in my area, which is hard to believe. Can you help? Answer: A spokesperson for the American Institute of CPAs, which provided the link, notes that […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Clearing up the deal with Social Security survivor benefits
Dear Liz: I read your column regarding the wife who filed for her Social Security benefits at 62 and received $1,500, while her husband filed at 70 and was receiving $4,600. You noted that after the husband died she could receive his entire $4,600 payment, but wouldn’t the amount she receives as a survivor’s benefit be […]
Q&A: Paying bills with auto payments is scary; should it be?
Dear Liz: For several reasons you recommend using online services from the bank or credit union to pay bills. I use that method for most of our bills, but not all. Some vendors want us to set up a process where they are able to pull the desired payment directly from our account. Given the regular […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: The hidden cost of helping friends earn more credit card rewards. In other news: 6 LGBTQ+ celebrations around the world worth a trip, how to use credit cards to save money on gas, and white house extends key student loan forgiveness deadline. The Hidden Cost of Helping Friends Earn More Credit Card […]
Q&A: Newlyweds wonder if it’s the time to buy a home
Dear Liz: My husband and I are newlyweds and looking into purchasing a home. However, many homes in our area sell for $50,000 and more over the asking prices, which already are pretty high. We have stable jobs, but our dilemma is whether we should go into the market now or continue to save and wait […]
Q&A: More credit score drama over a missed payment
Dear Liz: You responded to a woman who was concerned that a missed payment had hurt her credit score. My situation is also about a missed payment. In fall 2018, I received a dunning letter from a bill collector. I did a ton of research because I never received the bill that ruined my previously stellar […]