Dear Liz: I have savings bonds that have achieved full face value. What should I do? Keep them indefinitely or cash them in to fund my Roth account or what? Am I correct that once they have matured, there’s no more money to be made off them? Answer: You are correct. Once savings bonds have […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Social Security survivor’s benefits
Dear Liz: I am 64 and have been divorced over 22 years. My former husband passed away two years ago at the age of 62. Our marriage lasted more than 10 years and neither of us remarried. I went to the local Social Security office after he passed away, but the official there said I […]
Q&A: Calculating capital gains and losses
Dear Liz: With my father’s recent passing, I received a substantial inheritance, much of it in the form of stocks and mutual funds. If I sell these assets, do I calculate the capital gains and losses based on the date I took possession of the assets? Or do I use their value on the date […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Debunking retirement money myths. Also in the news: How to get zen about your finances, how to pick the best target date fund, amd what stock market volatility means for your student loans. 5 retirement money myths debunked Retirement mythbusting! 4 Zen Concepts That Will Improve Your Finances Self-awareness is key. 10 […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Year-end tricks to boost your tax refund. Also in the news: Unstacking the deck for student loan borrowers, the most important mortgage documents you’ll sign, and why you shouldn’t raid your retirement savings to pay for the holidays. 5 Year-End Tricks to Boost Your Tax Refund Now’s the time to reduce your […]
College scholarships aren’t free money
It is National Scholarship Month, which means high school seniors are being exhorted to scoop up free money for college. What they are often not told is that scholarships won from corporations, non-profits and other “outside” sources can reduce — dollar for dollar — the grants and cost-reducing financial aid they might get from colleges. […]