Dear Liz: Can my 63-year-old ex-husband, who was a slacker who never worked, collect on my Social Security? I am 59 and happily remarried. He hasn’t remarried. We were married for 25 years before I left him. Answer: Since you were married for more than 10 years, your former husband can apply for spousal benefits […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Credit card interest rates
Dear Liz: I have had a certain credit card for over five years. I just received a letter stating that my interest rate was going to be raised from 10.24% to 12.24%. My FICO score is 819 and I have never had late payments on any of my cards. I called the issuer to complain […]
Q&A: Early withdrawal penalties on CDs
Dear Liz: You told a reader to be suspicious of a bank’s offer to waive early withdrawal penalties on a certificate of deposit. But several credit unions allow early withdrawals from five-year CDs after the account holder turns 59 1/2. These credit unions will even allow you to get higher-interest CDs at other credit unions […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to protect your Social Security number from identity thieves. Also in the news: How to conquer your student debt, the benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and tax tips from the experts. 3 Ways to Protect Your Social Security Number From ID Theft Think of your Social Security number as […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Big changes are coming to your FICO score. Also in the news: Lessons learned from selling a house, building a financial dashboard, and how much you should really set aside for retirement. New FICO Score Factors in Utilities & How Often You Move Changes are coming to your credit score. Lessons Learned […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What you need to know about IRA conversions and college financial aid. Also in the news: Avoiding costly tax mistakes, tips for buying a home when you’re in debt, and five things you didn’t know about a 529 plan. Roth IRA Conversions And College Aid: Timing Is Everything How a conversion could […]