You want to save as much as possible for retirement. The financial services industry wants to make as much money off you as it can. That thorny conflict is at the heart of the battle over what is known as the “fiduciary rule.” If implemented, it would require financial advisers to put clients’ best interests […]
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Quiz: How’s Your Financial Health?
How’s your financial health? NerdWallet’s eight question quiz can help you find out–and point you to ways to improve it. Start here: https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/financial-literacy/
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: April 18th isn’t just the tax-filing deadline. Also in the news: Why so many credit cards are from Delaware, how to file a tax extension online, and lowering your tax bill with IRA contributions. April 18 Isn’t Just the Tax-Filing Deadline Other items to add to your to-do list. Why So Many […]
Q&A: Investors need to stop trying to time the market
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 […]
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 […]