This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on saving on Disney trips, and self-employed retirement. In other news: How a credit card saved me over $1,100 on a home remodel, 5 times credit card rewards aren’t worth it, and as Fed resumes rate hikes, Chair Powell isn’t ‘optimistic’ yet. Smart Money Podcast: Saving on Disney […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Tax issues and trusts
Dear Liz: You recently responded to a reader’s question about protecting an intended bequest. In the answer you wrote, “Assets in the trust get a step-up in tax basis when the first spouse dies, but not when the surviving spouse dies.” My understanding is that, in California and other states with community property laws, the basis of eligible […]
Q&A: What to know about buying a house using retirement funds
Dear Liz: My husband and I are thinking of purchasing a house near us. Can we use any funds from our retirement accounts to make the purchase? We would like to use this money along with some savings so that we do not have to carry a mortgage. Answer: You don’t mention how old you are, whether […]
Don’t let your credit scores retire
Getting rid of debt before retirement is often a good idea. Getting rid of your credit scores? Not so much. People who stop using credit also stop generating enough data to produce credit scores, the three-digit numbers used to gauge creditworthiness. Not having scores can make it harder and more expensive to get loans. Even […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on smart ways to get out of debt, and pet insurance planning. In other news: Not enough homes are for sale, so let’s pay owners to sell, how to pay for an expensive summer move, and growing loyalty programs mean more travelers competing for perks. Smart Money Podcast: Smart […]
Q&A: How to plan retirement withdrawals
Dear Liz: I am 65 and plan on working until 70 to get the maximum Social Security. I have a 401(k) worth about $290,000. How do I determine the maximum monthly payout I should take while being somewhat certain it will last until I’m 90? Our family has a history of longevity, typically living into the early 90s. […]