Today’s top story: VA Loans vs Conventional Mortgages. Also in the news: How much you can spend each month, how investors can sabotage their own portfolios, and what the AHCA ‘s preexisting condition rules could cost you. VA Loans vs. Conventional Mortgages The important differences. How Much Can I Spend Each Month? Creating a monthly […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: How to find the right balance when investing
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 […]
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 […]