Today’s top story: What doesn’t affect your credit score. Also in the news: A crash course for first-time Black Friday shoppers, how far your money will stretch on Black Friday, and how to pick a college that won’t break the bank. What Doesn’t Affect Your Credit Score Focusing on the important factors. A Crash Course […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: How to figure out the right time for retirement
Dear Liz: I hear so much talk about waiting to collect Social Security. What are good reasons to start collecting Social Security at age 62? I recently retired from the military with a monthly retirement of $4,400. I plan to work a civilian job until I’m 62 (eight more years). I’m in fairly good health […]
Q&A: When considering retirement, money isn’t the only factor
Dear Liz: You answer many questions about whether people are ready to retire. But there’s one other thing to consider besides money, and this is more important. Folks need to seriously ask themselves whether they can handle being retired. I know I can’t stand it. I have more than enough assets, plus a pension, plus […]
Q&A: Government financial help after disaster may come as a loan
Dear Liz: With all the recent hurricanes and other natural disasters, people are being helped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency with money for rentals or home replacements. What repayment does the government expect? Are there taxes owed by the recipients of that money? Answer: FEMA grants aren’t taxable, but they’re typically not enough to […]
Q&A: More reasons why adding an adult child to a deed is a bad idea
Dear Liz: I’m an estate planning attorney and I agree with your warning to the couple who wanted to add their daughter to their house deed to avoid probate. The daughter’s share of the home would lose the step-up in tax basis she would get if she inherited instead, plus there are several other issues. […]
Q&A: Here’s a way to fight Social Security fraud
Dear Liz: To make us less likely to become victims of fraudulent activity, years ago I froze our credit bureau files. I assume the Social Security Administration could be hacked as well. Can those files be frozen? Answer: No, but you can create an online account to track and monitor your Social Security records — […]