If it’s the thought that counts, then gift cards don’t count much at all. They’re popular, granted. Six out of 10 people responding to National Retail Federation surveys this year said they wanted to receive gift cards for the holidays, and more than half said they planned to give them. The rest of us may […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to tell your checking account is the right fit. Also in the news: Tips for handling holiday financial stress, financial concepts you’ll actually use, and important things to know about 529 college savings plan withdrawals. 5 Ways to Tell If Your Checking Account’s the Right Fit Avoid excess fees. 5 Tips […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for December. Also in the news: How to tell if a Roth 401(k) is for you, why postdating checks is a waste of time, and how many credit cards you should have. NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for December 2016 Just in time for holiday spending. How […]
Q&A: Proposition 13 considerations
Dear Liz: I read your column with some interest since I just had a client who received a life estate from his long-term partner. They neither married nor formed a registered domestic partnership, either of which might have saved my client some bucks. The Los Angeles County assessor reassessed the property at its full value […]
Q&A: Transferring property after death
Dear Liz: Just a quick comment on the woman who contemplated transferring her house to her partner and daughter as joint tenants. One must always consider the property tax impact on such transfers. In Los Angeles, real property that is transferred to a transferor’s significant other who is not the spouse or domestic partner will […]
Q&A: Does moving to a new state necessitate a new living trust?
Dear Liz: My husband and I have a revocable trust that was drawn up in Florida. We live in California now. We are renting and don’t own a house. Do we still need a trust if we don’t own property and have just one adult child to leave our financial funds to? One tax planner […]