Today’s top story: How to find free help for your credit problems. Also in the news: The “Ostrich Effect,” the financial benefits of short-term thinking, and how to Voice Mail Hell. 6 Places to Get Free Help With Your Credit Problem You don’t have to go it alone. Beware the “Ostrich Effect” When It Comes […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Tuition gifts and tax breaks
Dear Liz: You recently answered questions about tax breaks for college education expenses. We are contributing $20,000 to our grandson’s college education yearly. He is not our dependent. We are senior citizens with a gross income of about $110,000. Is there any deduction for this expenditure that we might qualify for? Answer: Your grandson is […]
Q&A: Divorce and Social Security spousal benefits
Dear Liz: My ex-wife and I were married for 12 years. She is 55. I am 64 and collecting Social Security. At what age can she apply for spousal benefits? Answer: If she doesn’t remarry, she can apply for spousal benefits as early as age 62. If she applies early, though, she would lose the […]
Q&A: The value of associate degrees
Dear Liz: Please continue to encourage people to look into two-year technical degrees. I got my associate’s degree in mechanical engineering and in my first job earned more than my father. Later I worked for a company that made touch-screen point-of-sale terminals. Time and time again, I trained waiters who had bachelor’s or master’s degrees […]
Should you bail on stocks?
It’s a trick question, of course. If you’re asking it, then it’s time to review your long-term investment strategy (or to come up with one, if you haven’t done so). The bottom line is that trying to time the market is a loser’s game. Those who say they can do it are blowing hot air […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The most common reasons people visit financial planners. Also in the news: Money lessons to learn by age 50, when you should use a credit card, and how to get your credit score above 800. 4 Common Reasons People Go to Financial Planners Help with life’s major events. 3 Essential Money Lessons […]