Today’s top story: Why not all debt is bad. Also in the news: An explanation of benefits from your health coverage, why your boomerang kid may be sabotaging your retirement, and why it’s time to have the talk about estate planning. Not All Debt Is Bad Debt is getting a bad rap. Check Your Health […]
Recent Blog Posts
Think Twice Before Rolling Over a 401(k)
Wall Street has done a remarkably thorough job of brainwashing investors into rolling their old 401(k) accounts into individual retirement accounts. IRA rollovers are certainly a better option than cashing out, which is the stupidest thing you can do with a 401(k) account other than not fund it in the first place. But moving money […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Understanding your credit card’s free FICO score. Also in the news: The difference between a soft inquiry and a hard inquiry, surviving Social Security with a minor cost of living adjustment, and how apps can both help and hurt your finances. To Understand Your Credit Card’s Free FICO Score, Get Your Credit […]
Q&A: Tips for divvying up your retirement investments
Dear Liz: With all the investment options offered in 401(k) plans, how as a contributor do I know where to place my money? Answer: Too many investment options can confuse contributors and lower participation rates, according to a study by social psychologist Sheena Iyengar of Columbia University in cooperation with the Vanguard Center for Retirement […]
Q&A: No wedding, no Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: I’m a female who has been with her male partner for 20 years. We are not married. In the event one of us dies, is the other entitled to the partner’s Social Security benefits? Or do we have to be legally married to qualify for benefits? Answer: Your genders don’t matter. Your marital […]
Q&A: Fiduciaries can help with estate trusts
Dear Liz: I enjoyed your recent column about spendthrift trusts. You’re right that when parents assign the job of trustee to one sibling for the benefit of another sibling, it creates a hazardous situation that often results in a court battle. The appointed professional trustee should be a neutral party. You recommended a bank or […]