Widows and widowers are often told not to make any major decisions for a year or more after a spouse’s death. Grief can cause you to make choices you later regret. Some financial tasks, though, shouldn’t be postponed. Revising your budget, meeting with a tax pro and securing access to credit can help protect you […]
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This week’s money news
This week’s top story: White House touts U.S. economy’s strength as election year begins. In other news: 5 signs you should consolidate your credit card debt in 2024, the cost of literally keeping your chin up, and 5 cities where you can book a 5-star hotel for cheap. White House Touts U.S. Economy’s Strength as Election […]
Q&A: 529 college savings rollovers
Dear Liz: The beneficiary on the 529 college savings account I manage has no education plans so they cannot use the 529 funds without tax penalty. They also do not work, so I cannot roll the money over into a Roth IRA for them because there is no earned income to qualify for the rollover contribution. However, I […]
Q&A: Social Security versus government pensions
Dear Liz: I have a dear friend who after 48 years of marriage went through a horrible divorce. She worked for a school district that did not pay into Social Security but her ex was self-employed and did pay into the system. I advised her to apply for spousal benefits but she was told she was […]
Q&A: Here’s a 2024 resolution: Stop using paper checks. Fraud is soaring
Dear Liz: I had several checks stolen from the U.S. Postal Service. The thieves altered and cashed the checks. I monitor my bank accounts religiously and discovered the altered checks quickly. I immediately put holds on the checks and for the most part I have been reimbursed. One check, however, was written out to one bank […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: January mortgage rate forecast. In other news: 4 things that could impact your credit in 2024, the new 2024-25 FAFSA, and how to pay for promising medications like Ozempic. January Mortgage Rate Forecast: Steady While Waiting for Spring Mortgage rates might not change much in January, after going through a tumultuous spell toward […]