Dear Liz: I have little to no information — good or bad — in my credit reports. I am considering obtaining a secured loan from my credit union to establish better credit. Does it make any difference to my credit score if the credit union reports the loan as “secured”? Answer: Credit scores don’t treat […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Saving and investing for a child
Dear Liz: I recently got a court judgment for my daughter’s father to pay me child support. She is 1 year old, and it will be about $1,500 a month. I would like this money to be a gift for her when she is older. I’m told not to put it in her name now, […]
Q&A: Getting rid of robocalls
Dear Liz: We’re getting daily robocalls from collection agencies attempting to collect debts from people with names similar to our own. Generally we ignore the calls on the advice of a friend whose mother died heavily in debt and who said nothing can be gained from a conversation with Repo Man. Is that good advice? […]
Q&A: Social Security survivor’s benefits
Dear Liz: I became a widow in my 40s. My children collected Social Security until reaching age 18. At age 60, I started collecting survivor’s benefits. Now that I’m 65, do I need to do anything to collect my late husband’s full Social Security amount at age 66? Answer: Starting early means you won’t get […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to tell when financial advisors are worth the fee. Also in the news: Making your personal finances fun, how to prepare financially for starting a family, and uncovering tax myths. Are Financial Advisors Worth the Fee? When it’s time to call in the pros. 4 Ways to Make Your Personal Finances […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why Millennials fear filing taxes online. Also in the news: Using the 4% Rule to determine when you can retire, tips for doing your own taxes, and five things you should never do with your 401(k). Millennials Fear Filing Taxes More than Most Americans, NerdWallet Survey Finds Using screens for everything BUT […]