Dear Liz: I am trying to help my daughter deal with enormous student loans. She is a doctor and very busy and simply cannot deal with the stress of almost $350,000 of education debt. I want to help her refinance, but to get the best rate I would like to help her improve her credit […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: IRS direct pay
Dear Liz: Regarding the reader whose tax payment never made it to the IRS: I agree that electronic payments are the best and safest, but you might want to emphasize that the payments should be done directly through the IRS website. I made the mistake of scheduling a couple of payments through my online banking, […]
Q&A: Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
Dear Liz: I’m often required to make estimated quarterly payments and was always concerned I would miss one of them. A few years ago, I came across the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) that is offered by the U.S. Treasury. The beauty of the system is that once it is set up, there is […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you need to pay close attention to your car insurance. Also in the news: Supreme Court ruling makes finances easier for same-sex couples, financial resources for active military, and when it’s okay to take a hit on your credit score. 4 Ways Being Forgetful Can Raise Your Car Insurance Rates Set […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why applying for a credit card can hurt your credit score. Also in the news: Things on your credit report that might scare off lenders, why couples don’t talk enough about retirement planning, and when is the right time to consider annuities. Here’s Why Applying for a Credit Card Hurts Your Credit […]
Your financial advisor: just a car salesman?
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 […]