Dear Liz: I read your answer to the person who returned a car and wanted to be free of that debt. Our situation is somewhat different. My son’s father had a massive stroke and died two weeks after signing a lease for a Camry on which he made a $2,000 down payment. My grown son, […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Social Security spousal benefits
Dear Liz: Can you please explain Social Security spousal benefits? Is there a certain length of time a husband and wife need to have been married that will qualify the spouse to get the spousal benefit after divorce? For example, if a couple has been married for 20 years and then divorces, will the spouse […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Can your budget survive a serial killer? Also in the news: Hidden money lessons in scary movies, financial discussions you should be having with your kids, and the lesser known factors that determine your car insurance rate. 5 Budget ‘Serial Killers’ Can your budget survive? 5 scary Halloween movies with hidden money […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Retirement planning pitfalls you need to avoid. Also in the news: 2014 scariest credit cards, protecting yourself against credit card hacks, and three proposed changes to Social Security. The Five Scariest Retirement Planning Pitfalls Try to swing right over these. 2014’s scariest credit cards How terrifying is a 36% interest rate? 7 […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to come back from a financial crisis. Also in the news: Simple ways to save for a house, tips on how to avoid ATM fees, and why you may be paying more for your home repair costs. How to Bounce Back From a Financial Crisis Slow and steady. 10 simple ways […]
5 hacks to boost your retirement savings
Many people have trouble saving anything for retirement. But I hear from a fair number of people who are looking beyond 401(k)s and IRAs for more tax-advantaged ways to save. Many have maxed out their 401(k)s at work, or had their contributions limited because they’re considered “highly compensated employees.” Some don’t have a workplace plan […]