Dear Liz: I have two accounts at a full-service brokerage. One is an inherited IRA and the other is a Roth IRA that I opened. Both have a mix of stocks and mutual funds that I chose. My accounts have done well, but I am not happy with the commissions that my brokerage charges when […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Dealing with a big lottery win
Dear Liz: My brother-in-law won a good chunk of money playing the lottery. He is waiting for the check to come any day now. He is willing to give me $2 million. The question for you is how I can maximize that amount of money short term or long term? Answer: If your brother-in-law has […]
Q&A: Refinancing an education loan
Dear Liz: You were asked a question about whether it would be wise to refinance a parent PLUS loan through a private lender and you said yes because the interest rates are so much lower. Doesn’t this ignore the benefit of the IRS tax credit? I figured out that my interest rate is effectively a […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Life without credit cards. Also in the news: What to splurge (and skimp) on for back-to-school shopping, why you should pay an extra $100 on your student loans right now, and how banks are working to gain your loyalty. Life Without Credit Cards: How Two Families Make It Work Could you do […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Mortgage refinance options for people with bad credit. Also in the news: The best cell phone deals for July, steps to financial independence, and 10 personal finance headscratchers. Mortgage Refinance Options for People With Bad Credit Hope is not lost. Best Cell Phone Deals in July Time for an upgrade? Five Essential […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Most families don’t plan ahead for college costs. Also in the news: The Brexit effect on mortgages begins to fade, the pros and cons of partial payments, and common money mindsets that are holding you back. Most Families Don’t Plan Ahead for College Costs, Study Finds High school graduation is just around […]