Dear Liz: My brokerage wanted me to start moving from stocks that paid me steady dividends into bonds as I got older. If I’d followed that advice, I wouldn’t be nearly where I am today. I sleep just fine with my dividends. Things can change, of course, but until I see solid evidence otherwise, I […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Understanding Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: I am 62. My friend (also 62) is considering when to take Social Security. She understands, from reading a finance book, that Social Security payments change only at 62, 66 and 70. She thinks if you don’t start at 62 when your benefit is, for example, $1,000, that it will stay $1,000 until […]
Q&A: Capital gains taxes explained
Dear Liz: Do I understand correctly that I must live in a house for two years before selling it to avoid paying capital gains tax, regardless of how much I may profit from the sale? Answer: You do not. You must live in a home for two of the previous five years to exempt up […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Spending, saving, or investing your graduation gift. Also in the news: How to find your net worth, how to avoid auto repossession, and avoiding a huge salary negotiation mistake. Should You Spend, Save or Invest Your Graduation Gift? Using it wisely. How to Find Your Net Worth Determining your number. Late Car […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Budgeting for newlyweds. Also in the news: What you need to know about May’s Fed meeting, should a partner’s debt keep you from marrying, and a retirement literacy quiz you need to pass. Budgeting for Newlyweds: Figuring Out Family Finance Now comes the fun part. May 2017 Fed Meeting: 7 Questions (and […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Four times when you might need a financial planner. Also in the news: Understanding the Glass-Steagall Act, how to manage money in your 20s, and how the Affordable Care Act drove down personal bankruptcy. 4 Times When You Might Need a Financial Planner Times when you shouldn’t go it alone. The Glass-Steagall […]