Dear Liz: As a recent retiree, I opened an IRA with a well-reputed, independent financial planner. I was assured of our fiduciary relationship and told “besides, it will soon be law” that advisors will have to put their clients’ interests first when offering advice about retirement funds. I guess that whole “soon to be law” […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Which is better: Will or living trust?
Dear Liz: I am 48 and my wife is 45. Should we set up a will or a living trust? Which is better? Answer: One of the major differences between wills and living trusts is whether the estate has to go through probate, which is the court process that typically follows death. Living trusts avoid […]
Q&A:Prenup may help with student loan issue
Dear Liz: You recently heard from someone who discovered after marriage that his wife had more than $100,000 in student loans. Would having a prenuptial agreement help in this situation? Answer: Possibly. Debts incurred before marriage are considered separate rather than joint debts, but creditors still sometimes try to go after joint assets to get […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Consumers have a powerful tool in credit card chargebacks. Also in the news: Credit card trends for 2017, how to stay on budget and still have a social life, and deducting your student loan interest. Consumers Have Powerful Tool in Credit Card Chargebacks When to dispute a charge. 4 Credit Card Trends […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 7 ways to lower your cable bill. Also in the news: The rate of mortgage approvals in each state, 5 steps for tracking your monthly expenses, and a beginner’s guide to filling out a W-4. 7 Ways to Lower Your Cable Bill Cutting the cord. The Rate of Mortgage Approvals in Each […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Americans don’t know much about taxes – or that they might get them done for free. Also in the news: 19 ways to save on a wedding, why you shouldn’t buy a salvage title car, and 8 tax tips for people with disabilities (and their caregivers). Americans Don’t Know Much About Taxes […]