Dear Liz: About five years ago, I transferred a 401(k) account to an IRA with a financial advisor recommended by a friend. I receive monthly statements, but like most people, I am busy and do not study them, which is my fault. The statements are very confusing, even though I am a college graduate with […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Healthcare coverage should be part of retirement planning
Dear Liz: You’ve been writing about how much to save for retirement, including how much of our incomes we should aim to replace with our savings. Two additional reasons to shoot for a higher replacement rate is the possibility that medical needs will be higher the older one becomes (even with Medicare and a supplemental […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why debt-to-income ratio matter when buying a house. Also in the news: Crucial insurance changed to make after divorce, how to manage your finances when you’re separated, and a bill in congress that would remove credit report strikes after four years. Debt-to-Income Ratio Matters When You’re Buying a House How to improve […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to find the best deals for Memorial Day sales. Also in the news: Money mistakes to avoid for new grads, why Americans are pretty clueless about their credit cards and scores, and deciding what to do with an old 401(k). Memorial Day Sales: How to Snag a Good Deal, Guaranteed The […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Insurance changes to make when you retire. Also in the news: Deciding between whole life and term life insurance, protecting your credit card points, and the pros and cons of balance transfer credit cards. 5 Insurance Changes to Make When You Retire It’s a whole new ballgame. Should I Get Whole Life […]
When Bankruptcy Is the Best Option
Bankruptcy isn’t the end of the world. It may even be good for you. Bankruptcy stops collection calls, lawsuits and wage garnishments. It erases debt. And despite what you’ve heard, bankruptcy may help your credit scores. Credit bureaus and scoring experts often say bankruptcy is the single worst thing you can do to your scores. […]