Here’s the voicemail he left me (in a rather heavy Indian accent): “I am Jonathan Knight and I am calling you from the federal investigation department of IRS. My badge number is 46719. The matter at the hand is extremely time sensitive and urgent as after audit we found that there was a fraud and […]
Recent Blog Posts
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to prepare for a credit check. Also in the news: What you should include in your long term care plan, how to avoid holiday shopping scams, and why you should purchase renters insurance before the holidays. How to Get Ready for a Credit Check Three steps to help you prepare. 4 […]
Black Friday: Fun, hype–or class warfare?
American shoppers seem to fall into two groups: those who are planning their early-morning raids on major retailers (starting as early as Thanksgiving morning!) and those who sneer at people who head out into the cold in search of bargains. I used to belong to the latter group, until a friend pointed out I was […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The three things you should do before tackling your student loan debt. Also in the news: Three tax changes for 2015, how to protect your finances during a late-in-life divorce, and how changing the order in which you deduct from your paycheck could save you more money. 3 Things to Do Before […]
Q&A: Social Security and same-sex marriage
Dear Liz: My partner of 30 years recently died. Am I eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? I don’t want anything I don’t deserve, but if I’m entitled to something, every penny would be appreciated. I am 54 and make minimum wage. Answer: Your eligibility for Social Security benefits as a spouse depends on three […]
Q&A: Student loan forgiveness and taxes
Dear Liz: You recently wrote about student loan forgiveness. After 15 years as a public defender, my wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and could no longer pursue her career as a lawyer. She applied for forgiveness of the federal student loans she used to attend law school. About three years later, the loans were […]