A college degree today is what a high school diploma was 60 years ago, a college consultant told me. Meaning: the bare minimum for staying in the middle class. There will be exceptions, of course, but your kid is unlikely to be one of them. So here, in my ongoing “rules of thumb” series (previous […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: An Update
Dear Liz: I think you were way too hard on the young man who said his 30-year-old girlfriend’s lack of retirement savings was a potential deal breaker. You told him to get off his high horse. He was just being prudent. Answer: It would be prudent to regard massive debt, alcoholism or drug use as […]
Q&A: Social Security Payouts
Dear Liz: My wife and I, 63 and 62, plan to continue working till at least 65. We will begin collecting Social Security benefits in September. Our combined income is $58,000, we own our home outright, and we have no debt, no children, $84,000 in a traditional IRA and $90,000 in a stock portfolio. I […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why you should ditch your debit card. Also in the news: Knowing when it’s okay to co-sign for a loan, how much credit card debt is too much, and 3 common mistakes when choosing an insurance plan. 5 Expert Reasons to Ditch Your Debit Card Why some believe credit is better than […]
Money rules rock
The more you learn about personal finance, the more you realize that “one size fits all” advice doesn’t really fit all. There are often too many exceptions, too many differences in upbringing, personality, culture, financial situations and goals to confidently say, “This is what everyone should do.” Yet at the same time, people want clear […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: When the best times are to both purchase airfare and to travel. Also in the news: An under-the-radar retirement risk, five ways to avoid ATM fees, and how white lies about money can leave you deep in debt. Best Days to Travel, Buy Airfare Flying at certain times of the day can […]