Dear Liz: I’ve been reading your answers to Social Security questions, but they do not address my situation, which is extremely unconventional. I was a quasi-widow at 31 with three children under age 9. My husband was institutionalized because of an accident when he was 33. He died 23 years later, having outlived all his […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Forgiving credit card debt
Dear Liz: Recently you wrote about debt being forgiven after seven years, but in your book “Deal With Your Debt,” I’m sure you said after four years credit-card debt is usually not collectible. Could you clarify? When I tell debt collectors about this, they merely laugh. Answer: That’s understandable, because there is no forgiveness for […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to protect yourself from credit card breaches. Also in the news: The best ways to pay for college, how to avoid year-round tax scams, and what happens to your debt after you die. Shelter yourself from payment card breaches How to protect both your finances and your identity while shopping. The […]
Secret Fed recordings should scare you–a lot
People remember where they were when they heard about big historical events, like the planes flying into the World Trade Center buildings. Finance geeks remember where they were in September 2008 when they heard that the Prime Reserve Fund had “broken the buck.” A money market fund’s share price had just dropped below $1 for […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to save on closing costs when buying a new home. Also in the news: Unnecessary credit cards fees, money management lessons for teens, and why you should never feel self-conscious about being frugal. 5 Ways to Save on Closing Costs You’re already spending enough on the house. Check Your Credit-Card Bills […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How you could be spending too little in retirement. Also in the news: How a late payment could disable your car, what bills to pay when you can’t pay them all, and deciphering the “Nanny Tax”. 7 Signs You’re Spending Too Little In Retirement Yes, you read that correctly. Miss a Payment? […]