Today’s top story: The hidden bonuses of paying off credit card debt. Also in the news: Financial tips for the sandwich generation, how to start preparing your taxes, and the changes coming to your credit card perks. The Hidden Bonus of Paying Off Credit Card Debt Your credit score will thank you for it. The […]
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Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Five credit reports you may not know about. Also in the news: Money gift ideas for the holidays, why your nest egg could be at risk next year, and the top money scams affecting your pocketbook. 5 Credit Reports You Don’t Know About But Should How’s your casino credit? 5 Money Gift […]
Q&A: 401(k) followup
Dear Liz: Your reply about what to do with a 401(k) after someone leaves a job was off base, in my opinion. You advised the questioner to leave the 401(k) with the former employer until it could be rolled over to a new 401(k) with a new employer. Wouldn’t it be better to roll over […]
Q&A: Brokerage accounts
Dear Liz: I have some questions regarding my brokerage accounts. What happens to my investments there if the brokerage company goes out of business? How much of my investments will I be able to recover and how? Also, does it matter if my accounts are IRAs, Roth IRAs, or conventional brokerage accounts? Answer: Most brokerages […]
Q&A: Delayed tax refunds
Dear Liz: How long is too long for an IRS tax refund to be disbursed? I got my state tax refund in a matter of weeks. The IRS refund has been “under review” for almost five months. Answer: A sizable surge in tax refund theft as well as a database breach that exposed more than […]
Six mistakes people make when giving to charity
Here is a helpful rule of thumb for donating to charities this holiday season: Take your time. People waste billions of dollars on inefficient, poorly run or downright fraudulent charities because they do not bother to research where their money is going. And even donations to legitimate causes can be squandered by last-minute, impulsive or […]