Dear Liz: If you have never written about the new reverse mortgages, please consider it. I’m nearly 90 and this Home Equity Conversion Mortgage sounds too good to be true. Is it? I’ve talked to a broker and a direct lender and attended a two-hour seminar on the subject. Answer: Reverse mortgages once deserved their […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: More solutions for avoiding probate
Dear Liz: I’m wondering why, in your answer about whether to use a will or a living trust, you didn’t mention that probate can be avoided by using beneficiaries for assets such as mutual funds and brokerage accounts and now, in many states, homes. This seems quite relevant to the question and the gist of […]
Q&A: When a living trust can save money
Dear Liz: Here’s another advantage to a living trust. If the person owns real estate in more than one jurisdiction and just uses a will, there will be a probate in the resident jurisdiction and ancillary probates the other location or locations, with the attendant time, costs and delays — all of which could be […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Know your rights if the IRS breaks the rules. Also in the news: How to avoid an early withdrawal penalty on a CD, could Amazon Go change the way we shop, and how much community college students save by state. Know Your Rights if the IRS Breaks the Rules You can fight […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 ways to boost your chances of a mortgage preapproval. Also in the news: How to get free tax help from a human being, introducing Mom and Dad to mobile banking, and the most expensive mistakes we made for love. 5 Ways to Boost Your Chances of a Mortgage Preapproval Increasing your […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The student loan tip that saves you money year after year. Also in the news: Overlooked small business tax deductions, when you need a cashier’s check and how to get one, and why Americans are drastically under-saved for retirement. This Student Loan Tip Saves You Money Year After Year It’s all about […]