Wall Street is trying to prevent new rules that would require financial advisors to put your interests ahead of their own. Big brokerage firms have said they simply won’t serve the middle class if they can’t offer conflicted advice to them. Even more telling, MetLife Inc. CEO Steven Kandarin recently used a car salesman analogy […]
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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Protecting yourself from identity theft. Also in the news: Unforeseen circumstances that could crush your retirement, what not to do when you pay off your mortgage, and the importance of an emergency fund. Are You a Prime Target for Identity Theft? How to protect yourself. 3 retirement-crushing unforeseen circumstancesWhen your retirement does […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to cut the cord to your TV and save money. Also in the news: Apps to teach kids about personal finance, how to handle your credit card debt while you’re unemployed, and what happens to your debt if you get divorced. How to watch TV for next to nothing Cutting the […]
Q&A: Retirement savings for freelancers
Dear Liz: I am a freelancer. I don’t consider myself a small-business owner, just someone who gets the work done on time and gets paid. I max out my IRA every year, but would like to save more in a tax-advantaged account. I checked out SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, but they don’t have a Roth […]
Q&A: Creating a will
Dear Liz: I’m a 58-year-old man. I want to make a will just in case something happens to me. I have about $500,000 in stock and cash. I have a life partner and her son. I would like to split my assets between her and my sister. Any suggestions on how to go about this? […]
Q&A: Social Security
Dear Liz: My husband decided we should take Social Security before age 65. I worked intermittently until 67. I do not get half of his Social Security as do many women who never worked. Can you explain why? Answer: The reason is probably because your own benefit is greater than what you would get as […]