Dear Liz: You recently wrote that someone’s Social Security survivor benefit would be the same as her spouse’s, including the 8% annual delayed retirement credits and cost of living increases. My husband just took his Social Security at age 70 but we were told I wouldn’t get his full survivor benefit as I took my own benefit at age […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: There’s a new option for leftover funds from a 529 college savings plan — your kid’s retirement
Dear Liz: We put four kids through college using 529 college savings. All four are out of college with good jobs and we have about $50,000 left over. Would you suggest just letting it build for the grandkids’ college in 20 to 30 years? The amount should grow considerably in that time and may pay for all the […]
Q&A: Protecting a daughter’s inheritance
Dear Liz: We need help knowing what to do regarding leaving our home and money to my unmarried daughter. She has had a boyfriend for over 15 years. How can we protect her inheritance so he can’t claim half? Answer: Inheritances are considered separate property. So her inheritance could be considered hers alone even if your […]
Retiring wasn’t easy — even after years of writing about it
A couple of years ago, I wrote a column about how to have a retirement worth saving for. It ended with a quote from personal finance educator Barbara O’Neill, who reflected on how the pandemic disrupted many retirees’ plans. “It wasn’t just two years lost, it was two good years,” O’Neill said then. “You don’t […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Congress delays shutdown again, extends funding to March. In other news: What to do about debt in retirement, 4 strategies for using side hustles to fund retirement savings, and ‘enormous’ savings for Americans by limiting overdraft fees. Congress Delays Shutdown Again, Extends Funding to March On Jan. 18, Congress approved yet another […]
Q&A: With tax day coming, here’s what to know about the difference between an enrolled agent and a CPA
Dear Liz: What is the difference between using an enrolled agent and a certified public accountant to file income taxes? I have used a CPA in the past to file my federal and state income taxes but I need to find a new person for this job. My financial situation is fairly simple: single, no dependents […]