Planning ahead is hard when you’re broke. But planning ahead may be the best way to stop being broke and start building a solid financial future. People who have a strategy tend to save more money and be financially healthier than those who don’t, studies have found. In my latest for the Associated Press, why […]
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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 7 ways to ready your finances for divorce. Also in the news: Tips for the Class of 2017, simplifying your savings, and how a credit union raised the roof on credit card rewards. 7 Ways to Ready Your Finances for Divorce Preparing for a difficult time. Class of 2017: Get a Jump […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Choosing between an FHA loan and a commercial mortgage. Also in the news: How to save for a secured credit card deposit, picking a first job based on your debt, and why more people aren’t borrowing home equity. FHA Loan vs. Conventional Mortgage: Which Is Right for You? Making the right choice. […]
Q&A: Money in the bank isn’t safe from inflation
Dear Liz: I am 68 and not in very good health due to heart disease. I’m not sure what do with my savings of over $1 million, which sits in online bank accounts, earning 1.25% to 1.35% in 18-month certificates of deposit. (No account contains more than $250,000 to remain under the FDIC insurance limits.) The […]
Q&A: Good reasons why one spouse’s inheritance doesn’t belong to the other
Dear Liz: You recently told a husband who wanted to spend his wife’s expected inheritance that the money would be her separate property. Is that true of all states or just community property states like California? Even if it can be kept legally separate, should it be? Isn’t it better for couples to share their […]
Q&A: When a government pension doesn’t reduce Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: I have contributed to Social Security for 40 years and have no government pension. My husband selected a reduced teacher’s pension so I would receive that same amount should he predecease me. Will my Social Security be reduced in this scenario? Answer: No. The provisions that may reduce Social Security payments such as […]