Get smart with your money
Dear Liz: I am confused. I have always thought there was one FICO score, prepared by a private company. I thought each credit agency also had its own credit score but it was not scaled the same as FICO. Your recent column said one can buy two of the three FICO scores (Equifax and TransUnion), […]
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How can you make up for lost time if you’re approaching retirement age and haven’t saved enough? Adjusting your expectations is the first big step. Read about the others in “Facing the ‘cliff’ of retirement.” The early signs of dementia may not be what you expect. In “How to tell if Mom is losing it,” […]
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Baby Boomers are facing a different kind of retirement, how canceling credit cards impacts your credit score, how the new home office deduction may reduce your taxes and what happens to joint accounts when a parent declares bankruptcy. Why Boomers May Not Retire like Their Parents Is the baby boom generation about to fizzle? Prepaid […]
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How to tweak your retirement, save on summer utility bills, and enjoying having to show an ID. 10-Minute Tweaks to Save Your Retirement Simple steps that could go a long way towards saving your retirement. How to Control Your Utility Bills This Summer Don’t let your air conditioner melt your wallet. Why Paying Down Your […]
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Advice on how to hire a contractor, how not to waste your summer vacation money on AMT fees, and what to do when you realize someone has hacked your email. Top 8 Pro Tips on Hiring a Contractor Home renovations can be much less stressful with the right contractor. Save Money on Summer Travel by […]
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The questions I get about Social Security have made it clear how incredibly complicated this benefits system can be. So here’s a little story to illustrate one important facet of Social Security: spousal benefits. Jack was a charming guy—maybe too charming. He enjoyed the ladies and the ladies enjoyed him, at least until they discovered […]
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Negotiating medical bills, why a financial power of attorney is a must, and the pros and cons of “pocket listings”. Is It Ever Too Late to Negotiate a Medical Bill? How soon do you need to question that eight dollar aspirin? Why You Need a Financial Power of Attorney Preparing for the unexpected is a […]
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I hear from a lot of people who think they’re doing the right things with their money—little realizing that they’re impoverishing their future selves. Three behaviors you’re most likely to regret later: Putting off saving for retirement. Some people spend every dime they make, while others delay saving while they pursue other goals that seem […]
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How to avoid mistakes with your credit cards, plan a cheap summer vacation and get personal finance advice in the palm of your hand. Best Personal Finance Apps of 2013 How your smartphone can make your wallet smarter. Nine Stupid Things You’re Probably Doing With Your Credit Card Innocent mistakes can lead to serious problems. […]
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Dear Liz: Everyone talks about Roth IRAs and how beneficial they are. But I am self-employed, my husband contributes 16% toward his 401(k), our house is paid off, and we no longer have dependents to deduct on our 1040 tax return. My contribution to my traditional IRA is the only tax deduction we have left. […]
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