Dear Liz: My daughter graduated from college seven years ago and moved to London. She has not paid her student loans. Do they drop off her credit reports like other unpaid debt? What about the government’s ability to collect? Does that expire as well? Answer: The government can pursue people who owe federal student loan […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: Retirement annuity vs lump sum
Dear Liz: I am 54 and considering retiring in three or four years. I have been fortunate to work at a Fortune 100 company for 30-plus years and have both a defined benefit pension plan and a 401(k). When I retire, we have the option of taking a lump sum or an annuity. Most financial […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: It’s time to stop ignoring your finances. Also in the news: The best ways to invest in real estate, how to get help for financially assisting your parents, and how you can get rewarded for saving money. How to Stop Ignoring Your Finances You can’t keep ignoring the elephant in the room. […]
What’s wrong with Disneyland Paris
We decided to visit Disney’s European theme park just a few days before we were scheduled to leave France. We aren’t diehard Disney fans, but we had annual passes when our daughter was younger and thought it might be fun to see how the park outside Paris compared with the ones in Anaheim and Orlando. […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Social Security is in better shape than originally though. Also in the news: how to reduce your monthly expenses by having a “bill haggle day”, personal finance tips for recent college grads, and why you may want to wait before upgrading your cell phone. 4 Reasons Not to Panic About Social Security’s […]
The lines at the Louvre: 3 ways to have a better time in Paris
One thing that’s impossible to understand, no matter how many times we visit Paris: the long lines to get into the Louvre. It’s not that the place isn’t amazing and an absolute must see. It’s that you can skip the lines simply by buying a Paris museum pass. Even if you’re not big on museums, […]