This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on overcoming financial fears, and appliance repair tips. In other news: What new lending regulations mean for small-business owners, can office-to-housing conversions dent the housing crisis, and 5 steps to prepare for student loan repayment. Smart Money Podcast: Overcoming Financial Fears, and Appliance Repair Tips Hosts Sean Pyles and […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Capital gains taxes on a house sale
Dear Liz: We purchased our home for $220,000 in 1986 and are selling it for $1 million. We own it free and clear. The proceeds from the sale will be going toward the purchase of another property, to be owner-occupied, for $1.4 million. We will be coming in with additional cash to cover the difference. Our […]
Q&A: A health crisis brings high medical bills. Here are tips for dealing with the costs
Dear Liz: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer which has metastasized into at least two areas. Surgery, chemo, perhaps a stay in rehab and possibly radiation therapy will be prescribed by my oncologist. In order not to deplete my retirement savings (the oncologist estimates that I will live longer — years — if the […]
Q&A: IRAs, pensions and taxes
Dear Liz: I contributed to an IRA during my working years. I’m now retired. Both my and my spouse’s IRAs are Roths, so we have no required minimum distributions. I’d like to continue contributing to an IRA, but neither I nor my spouse have W-2 or self-employment income anymore. We do, however, both collect pensions, which […]
Q&A: Wondering why your credit score is bad? Here’s how to make it better
Dear Liz: I am trying to get my credit score figured out and was wondering if you have any recommendations for a credit report guru in my area? I need someone to walk me through why my score isn’t higher and to help me resolve that issue. Answer: Unfortunately, many credit repair companies are scams. Even those that are […]
Q&A: Care planning for ‘solo agers’
Dear Liz: My wife and I don’t have children or any relatives nearby. So far, we’re healthy and completely independent, but that won’t always be the case. Do you know of any fee-based agencies or organizations that might provide assistance with such things as arranging a caregiver if needed, or helping our executor clean out our […]