Dear Liz: I am considering refinancing my home from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year loan and wondered if it would be a wise decision. I am 57, divorced and make a little over $100,000 a year as a high school teacher (and I plan to keep working until at least age 65). Other than […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Where to find FICO scores
Dear Liz: I’m looking to buy a car and I’d like to see the FICO scores that lenders use. I already visited MyFico.com, but I want another site that shows my real FICO scores for auto lending. If you could point me in the right direction, that would be great. Answer: You were at the […]
Q&A: Accessing Social Security account data
Dear Liz: I read your answer to the gentleman trying to locate his W-2 forms to add missing years to his Social Security account. I wonder why, even as you give advice about keeping old W-2 forms indefinitely, you didn’t mention that the Social Security Administration allows everyone who has paid into the system to […]
Q&A: When to take Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: I’m about to turn 66 and my wife is 60. I plan to delay Social Security benefits until I’m 70. My benefit will be large enough that whenever she starts benefits, her spousal benefit will be larger than what she earned on her own. Here’s the question: I think that the time for […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to avoid ATM fees. Also in the news: The true cost of a bounced check, surprising ways to use your credit card rewards, and the pros and cons of college tuition insurance. How to Avoid ATM Fees You shouldn’t have to pay to access your money. The True Cost of a […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Benefits for Millennials. Also in the news: The downsides of prepaid debit cards, a parents’ guide to insurance for college students, and how your house can save your retirement. Benefits 101 for Millennials: What You Need to Know New job, new perks. Prepaid Debit Cards Are Popular but Still Have Downsides Keep […]