Dear Liz: A good friend who is childless wishes to give his property to my daughter before his death. He has been an informal uncle for the whole 50 years of my daughter’s life, and we are, in effect, his family. However, I am concerned that the gift tax may be more than he bargained […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Should grandma sue over the student loan she co-signed?
Dear Liz: You recently answered a letter from a grandmother who co-signed a student loan for a granddaughter who isn’t paying the debt. Although you did not suggest it, a very viable option would be for the grandmother to contact an attorney and sue her daughter and her granddaughter for the debt owed. It doesn’t appear […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Plug in 3 numbers to plan your financial future. Also in the news: 10 questions to ask a financial advisor, how to stop scammers from stealing your down payment, and shopping around for car loans. Plug in 3 Numbers to Plan Your Financial Future A retirement calculator can help. 10 Questions to […]
How to buy the last house you’ll ever buy
My husband and I bought what we thought was a starter home 20 years ago. Now we think of it as our “forever” home, where we plan to retire and live out the rest of our days. We got lucky, because most of the features that make our place good for “aging in place” — […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Mad at Equifax? Use that fuel to boost your cybersecurity. Also in the news: What to weight when considering a secured credit card, what not to do on your Facebook small business page, and 3 mistakes to avoid when picking a Medicare plan in open enrollment. Mad at Equifax? Use That Fuel […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The scariest thing to find on your credit report. Also in the news: How to spend your day when you’re unemployed, advocates praise student loan scam crackdown, and how to get your student loans back on course. The Scariest Thing to Find on Your Credit Reports Beware of surprises. How to Spend […]