Our tax laws are complex and often difficult to understand. Tax professionals warn us of the perils of audits. Penalties for getting our taxes wrong can be stiff — up to and including jail for those who deliberately evade the taxman. So why don’t we fear the IRS? Clearly, we have some fears about April […]
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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to start investing. Also in the news: Inexpensive online money management classes, social media scams to watch out for, and why your busted March Madness bracket isn’t all bad news. New to Investing? 4 Steps to Get You Started Putting your money to work. Your Guide to Inexpensive Online Money Management […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to save money while repaying Parent PLUS loans. Also in the news: Why your dog needs liability insurance, where you’re paying more in fees than you should be, and how to itemize common tax deductions. Got Parent PLUS Loans? Save Money With These Alternative Payment Plans Repayment plans that could save […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to apply for a credit card after bankruptcy. Also in the news: Avoiding stress while paying down debt, the biggest tax “break” you shouldn’t forget, and how to slash your cable bill. Applying for a Credit Card After Bankruptcy Starting over. Avoid Over-Stressing Your Budget When Paying Down Debt Be patient […]
Q&A: How to deal with debt collectors
Dear Liz: After struggling financially for seven years, I’m getting a good lawsuit settlement. After taxes, I’ll be set. I want to pay my bills but to the actual company — for example, the credit card company, not some bill-collecting clowns that threatened me with “the sheriff will come over and arrest you” or “your […]
Q&A: Reverse mortgage due when borrower dies
Dear Liz: I was laid off from my job this year and decided to move in with my widowed dad in the suburban home that he and my mother purchased outright in 1989. However, over the years they apparently took out a reverse mortgage with a current balance of about $500,000 (the house was recently […]