Your mother’s maiden name is probably not a secret. Neither, necessarily, is your high school mascot or the size of your car payment. But some banks and brokerages still pretend this is information only you would know, and that could be putting your money at risk. So-called security questions long ago outlived their usefulness, since […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to find a good tax preparer. Also in the news: Excuses for delaying retirement savings, what the TCF bank suit means for you, and why used cars usually have higher interests rates. How to Find a Good Tax Preparer (and Write Off the Bad Ones) Finding good help during tax season. […]
Q&A: Paying an advisor vs. doing it yourself
Dear Liz: I started with a fee-only advisor 10 years ago. She moved to another company a few years after and I followed. She’s really done well for me. My question is, now that I’m getting ready to retire, should I manage my own accounts to avoid incurring commissions or fees? I don’t anticipate making […]
Q&A: Taking a look at the confusing world of credit scores
Dear Liz: I was recently denied a credit card and told my score was 150 points lower than what my credit reports show. Why would this be? Am I being deceived by the credit reporting agencies? It was such a low number that it’s a little hard to believe since I have been approved for […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to prep (or not) for President Trump’s proposed tax changes. Also in the news: You could be owed money in the Western Union fraud case, why inauguration rental hosts could get a tax break, and 4 ways your expenses can skyrocket when having kids. How to Prep (or Not) for Trump’s […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 financial goals to set in 2017. Also in the news: What you should do with rising home equity credit rates, simple tasks to prepare you for tax season, and 7 ways to prepare for an unpaid maternity leave. 5 Financial Goals to Set in 2017 Short-term and long-term. Home Equity Line […]