Today’s top story: How to cope with retirement’s biggest stressors. Also in the news: Why you should check your credit score, the financial conversations you should have before getting married, and what you need to ask before hiring a real estate agent. Five top stressors in retirement and how to cope Health plays a huge […]
Recent Blog Posts
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: What to do when you forget to pay your taxes. Also in the news: How to make sharing finances in your marriage less painful, 4 things you need to do before buying a home, and how writing out your budget could help you save money. Help! I Forgot to Pay My Taxes […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Why many Americans are afraid of going broke when they retire. Also in the news: The expensive cost of payday, pawn shop and car title loans, tips on how to increase your credit score, and what you can do to fix your credit report. Many Americans fear going broke in retirement How […]
Q&A: Social Security Benefits and Divorce
Dear Liz: I am 53 and divorced. My ex-husband died at the age of 49 and had contributed significantly to Social Security. I don’t plan to remarry. Would I be able to make any claim on his record as an ex-spouse when I reach age 62, or would he have had to reach retirement age […]
Q&A: Regular 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)
Dear Liz: I just turned 50. My company has an option to contribute pretax money to a regular 401(k) or after-tax money into a Roth 401(k). Should I put the maximum contribution ($17,500) plus the catch-up ($5,500) into the Roth? Or should I split my contributions? Answer: Given that you’re close to retirement, putting most […]
Q&A: An offer of “help”
Dear Liz: My husband and I lost our home because of unemployment and being underwater (the value of the house was less than the mortgage). We now both are working full time and saving to buy another home. My father-in-law offered to help us by selling us a rental he owns and giving us a […]