Mark Howard of Basalt, Colorado, earned a hefty six-figure income during his 25-year career in financial services. His dream, though, was to teach high school — a job that paid about $40,000 a year. When he floated the idea past his wife and business partner, Danielle Howard, her reaction was surprise and unease. He was […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 3 money tools to save you from yourself. Also in the news: Why paying off debt with retirement money can be dangerous, how to make money selling stuff online, and why you should think twice before giving up financial control at the altar. 3 Money Tools to Save You From Yourself We […]
Q&A: Figuring out capital gains when an inherited house is sold
Dear Liz: I’ve have been following your responses related to the tax exemption on home sales. I understand that up to $250,000 per person of home sale profit is exempt from capital gains taxes and that married couples are entitled to exempt up to $500,000. My spouse and her two siblings inherited a home from […]
Q&A: Social Security lets you un-retire to avoid a benefit hit, but only once
Dear Liz: My wife recently retired at age 62 and will collect Social Security. But she has decided to return to work full time. I know she will collect less if she makes more than Social Security allows per month. If she eventually goes back to not working at all, can she go back to […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you might be down in an up market. Also in the news: 5 Warren Buffett quotes that can make you a better investor, 5 reasons why pay isn’t rising much for many, and how to get the most out of customer loyalty programs. This May Be Why You’re Down in an […]
Free of debt – with regrets
Stories about how ordinary people pay off debt quickly can be amazing, inspiring — and somewhat deceptive. These tales often mention the sacrifices debtors made but may gloss over the cost to their quality of life or the misguided choices they made. Becoming debt-free can be a worthy goal, but understanding the pitfalls can keep […]