Today’s top story: How being frugal can actually cost you money. Also in the news: Tips for a better financial future, what to know when refinancing your credit card debt, and how to save when your teenager starts driving. 10 Ways Being Frugal Can Actually Cost You Money Unintended consequences. Listen to your mother: 6 […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: American Opportunity Credit for college expenses
Dear Liz: I am confused regarding my ability to take advantage of the American Opportunity Credit for college expenses in filing my 2014 tax return. My accountant told me I didn’t qualify because my adjusted gross income exceeds $80,000. Yet when I researched on the IRS website, I seem to qualify. I paid qualified education […]
Q&A: “File and suspend”
Dear Liz: You recently encouraged a reader to listen to his financial advisor, who wanted him to file for his Social Security benefit at his full retirement age of 66 but then suspend the application until his benefit maxes out at age 70. Another good feature of this “file and suspend” maneuver is the ability […]
Weekend reading: Purging paperwork, unpayable taxes and saving for college
One of the great things about being a columnist is getting access to experts who can help you with problems in your own life–under the guise of helping your readers, of course. Recently I was lucky enough to interview three smart CPAs who had great advice about purging paperwork from our lives, and have already […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Balance transfer mistakes to avoid. Also in the news: What to do with an unexpected windfall, the savings cell phone carriers don’t want you to know about, and the eight loans to use for paying college tuition. 4 Balance Transfer Credit Card Mistakes Making sure your transfers go smoothly. Got a load […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What to do when you’ve reached retirement age and don’t have anything saved. Also in the news: Social Security taxes, learning from your tax filing mistakes, and how to get cash from transferring your retirement account. You’re Retirement Age With Nothing Saved For Retirement. Now What? Don’t panic. For some Social Security […]