Get smart with your money
Dear Liz: What are your thoughts on charitable giving? I hear about tithing (giving 10% of income) but would have real problems trying to maintain that commitment. That said, I’d like to become a regular donor to a reputable charity. Answer: Most U.S. households give to charity, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana […]
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Dear Liz: All my friends have said I should get a reverse mortgage to be able to live more comfortably and still stay in my house. I would think our greedy banking system would give you only 50% of value and have a high interest rate that would chew up the remaining value. What is […]
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Exclusive to Ask Liz Weston, this post comes courtesy of Ally Bank. Whether you’ve worked for years or you’re just starting out, it makes sense to create a plan for distributing your assets after you’re gone. That’s where estate planning comes in. Estate planning may involve everything from creating a will to establishing trusts to […]
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How to cure your financial jealousy, steps to improve your credit score, and understanding the Affordable Care Act. How to Combat Financial Envy The greener grass isn’t always the better grass. 5 Budget Busters Draining Your Wallet Simple changes to monthly expenses could make a big difference. 5 Steps to Improving Your Credit Score Paying […]
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Playing mortgage tag, how to protect your accounts from cyber spies, and surviving the dreaded audit. The bank that rejects the most mortgages A rejection at one bank could still mean approval at another. 3 Accounts That Could Hurt Your Credit Score Looking beyond credit cards. How to prevent financial snooping How to keep your […]
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Mythbusting disability insurance, how to protect the finances of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, and what Mike Tyson and retirement planning have in common. 5 Myths About Disability Insurance Mythbusting an essential. Steps to Protect Finances of Those with Alzheimer’s Help for those in the difficult role of being a financial caretaker. How to Develop the […]
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Controlling shared credit card use, the pros and cons of a high-deductible health plan, and ways to save while grocery shopping. What to Do if an Authorized User Is Abusing Your Credit Card Setting boundaries for shared credit cards. r 6 Tips for Navigating the New Health Insurance Exchanges Don’t be intimidated by the new […]
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Dear Liz: I have $40,000 in credit card debt due to home healthcare I had to provide for my mom, who lived with me for six years before she passed away in 2011. I filed a Veterans Affairs claim on her behalf but just got a VA check for $344 with no explanation about whether […]
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Dear Liz: My brother passed away, and for one of his bank accounts, he had named me as his beneficiary. Do I have to pay taxes on the $100,000 I received? Is it subject to a gift tax? Answer: Estate taxes are paid by estates, not by inheritors, said estate attorney Burton A. Mitchell of […]
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The best college savings plan, why credit card companies want to take back your reward points, and the money lessons hidden in your favorite TV shows. What’s best for college saving: ESA or 529? Choosing the right college savings plan. Five Ways Your Can Lose Your Credit Card Rewards Credit card companies would love nothing […]
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