To get the most out of summer sales, shoppers have to think ahead — sometimes way ahead. That’s because end-of-summer sales are the ideal time to stock up on hot weather items that you’ll use a year from now. “Flip-flops, bathing suits, beach towels, grills, Adirondack chairs — at the end of the season, that’s […]
Recent Blog Posts
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on seasonal housing market trends and travel credit card tips. In other news: How to survive a strike, act fast to preserve credit when a credit card issuer decides to close an account, and home hospital care is on the rise. Smart Money Podcast: Seasonal Housing Market Trends, Travel […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on student loan repayments and midyear money review. In other news: What disability lawyers to and how much they cost, women’s soccer games are way cheaper than men’s, and how can U.S. airport terminals be better. Smart Money Podcast: Student Loan Repayments and Midyear Money Review Learn how to […]
When to repair or replace your appliances
When our 17-year-old refrigerator started wheezing, I fully expected we’d need a new one. I was shocked — and frankly a little disappointed — when a repair technician fixed it for less than $200. I had to postpone my dream of a shiny French-door replacement, but our no-frills Frigidaire is still working fine eight years […]
Q&A: Taxes and inherited IRAs
Dear Liz: Thanks for the recent column concerning children getting an inherited IRA, because I’m in that situation. Is the attorney for the estate required to include tax information with the distribution, or is it up to my accountant to sort things out? And since I don’t really need the money right now, would I have options as […]
Q&A: Where should you put your extra cash? Here are some ideas
Dear Liz: At 82, I am selling my house and moving to a senior community. For the first time in my life, I will have a substantial amount of cash. Given my age and the fact that certificates of deposit and savings accounts are currently paying more than 5% interest, does it pay for me to […]