Dear Liz: My 25-year-old son is a new investor. He put $11,000 ($5,500 each for 2016 and 2017) into an IRA in a money market fund with a discount brokerage firm. He doesn’t want to get into the market yet because he thinks it is in a bubble. I’m afraid with this strategy, he could […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Co-signing a loan may affect credit score
Dear Liz: Despite having high credit card debt (about $35,000), which I am working hard to pay off, my FICO score is consistently over 765 and I have never been denied credit — until now. I was recently denied for a card because of “high debt to earnings” (I earn about $85,000 annually.) Could that […]
Q&A: Capital gains tax on home sale profit
Dear Liz: I recently sold a home and am trying to escape the dreaded capital gains tax. I’ve done everything I can to reduce my overall tax bill, including maxing out my retirement contributions. I don’t want to buy a more expensive home to escape the gains tax. Any thoughts? Answer: Buying a more expensive […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Only 1 in 10 Americans are at Peak Financial Health. Also in the news: How to dodge stock market scams, when a tax refund means bankruptcy, and millennial parents face the reality of baby costs. Only 1 in 10 Americans at Peak Financial Health Where Americans are falling short. How to Dodge […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to save like a superhero. Also in the news: The best way to pay for your next flight, the big mistake one-third of credit card holders are making, and warnings about Amazon third-party accounts. Save Like a Superhero: Roth IRAs and 529 Plans Superpowered savings. Cash or Points? The Best Way […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What student loan borrowers need to know about the Navient lawsuit. Also in the news: 5 ways to avoid blowing your tax refund, how to prepare financially for a baby, and spreading your tax refund across multiple accounts. Navient Lawsuit: What Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know Navient is facing three lawsuits. […]