Dear readers: A recent column about private student loans prompted financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz to reach out with some additional advice for people who co-signed student loans for someone who has stopped paying. Although private student loans don’t have the same rehabilitation options as federal student loans, Kantrowitz encourages anyone in this situation to […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Divorced survivor benefits
Dear Liz: After death, do ex-spousal Social Security benefits continue? Answer: Any checks you’re getting from Social Security are supposed to stop when you die. But you’re probably asking what happens after the death of your ex-spouse. The good news is that you would be eligible for divorced survivor benefits. Instead of receiving a check […]
Q&A: Retirement calculators are a wake-up call for undersavers
Dear Liz: Are retirement calculators a hoax? It seems that the published estimates for the amount of savings required are insanely high. If most U.S. citizens haven’t saved much and have a decent standard of living in retirement, where is the misperception? Let’s say an individual is resolved to choose hospice over intensive care — […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Companies that help you repay or avoid student loans. Also in the news: Solutions to your retirement fund shortfall, debunking Social Security myths, and why Walmart is suing Visa. 6 Companies That Help You Repay or Avoid Student Loans Alternative options. 10 Solutions to Your Retirement Fund Shortfall There’s still time to […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 expenses that will change when you retire. Also in the news: Questions for credit counselors, how to budget for a wedding that isn’t your own, and could we be on the verge of another housing crisis? 5 Expenses That Will Change in Retirement Could you see more cash in your wallet? […]
Americans Are Pissed — This Chart Might Explain Why
People are angry. Voters demanding change have helped make Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee for president and fueled Bernie Sanders’ ferocious challenge to Democrat Hillary Clinton. But what are they angry about? Ask and you’ll hear about Washington gridlock, Wall Street greed, trade, stagnant pay, immigration. In my latest for NerdWallet, the one huge […]