Dear Liz: In 2012, I financed a 2008 Honda at my credit union. The car was priced at $16,500. With a trade-in, the loan came to $22,000. GAP coverage was factored into the loan payments, which were $464 a month. Last year, the car was wrecked and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Loaning money to family
Dear Liz: My cousin borrowed some money from us because he said they were behind on their house payments. It was only a small amount, but we said we wanted to sit down with him and his wife to discuss this. He agreed to meet with us in the evening of the day he received […]
Q&A: Taking Social Security early
Dear Liz: My wife will be 62 in November and does not work. I am 55 and have a 401(k) for our retirement. I know you preach waiting to take Social Security. But what about if my wife takes it early and we invest all of the money? Would it then make sense to take […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What kids can learn about money by having a savings account. Also in the news: A guide to debt management, the easiest way to cut your 2015 tax bill, and how Uncle Sam is trying to help you save. What a Savings Account Can Teach Your Child About Money Good money habits […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to tackle private student loans. Also in the news: Re-evaluating your life insurance needs, a potentially embarrassing new way to pay with a credit card, and ten retirement saving strategies you should know about. 3 Ways to Tackle Private Student Loans A whole different set of rules. Re-Evaluating Your Life Insurance […]
Can You Be Arrested for Debt?
Owing money isn’t supposed to be a crime. So why are people being arrested over delinquent student loans and other debts? The official line for why U.S. Marshals confronted Houston resident Paul Aker earlier this month is that he failed to appear in court over a $1,500 student loan taken out three decades earlier — […]