Dear Liz: I left a job several years ago to become a full-time freelancer. I have a SEP IRA and a SIMPLE IRA from that job that have basically just been sitting there. What are my options in moving this money to a better retirement investment? Answer: SEPs and SIMPLEs are just the tax-advantaged buckets […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: What to do with a big tax refund?
Dear Liz: I got a big tax refund this year and am trying to figure out what to do with the money. Right now I have school loans with a 4% interest rate that I do not need to make a payment on until 2024 with my current payment plan, but the amount I owe […]
Social Security statements make a comeback
Until a few years ago, Social Security sent annual statements to just about everybody who was still working to let them know what they could expect to receive in retirement, survivor and disability benefits (minus a 25% or so haircut if Congress never gets its act together to fix the system). Those statements got axed […]
A Social Security “do over” you should consider
For years Social Security had a loophole that allowed people to hit “reset” on their benefits. Those who had made the mistake of starting benefits early had the option of paying back all the money they’d received from Social Security. Then they could restart their checks at a higher rate that they would enjoy for […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Poll reveals Americans are feeling better about their personal finances. Also in the news: How to raise financially savvy kids, learning how to balance saving for the future with enjoying the present, and five credit card fees you should try to avoid. Americans’ Ratings of Their Personal Finances Inch Up Does your […]
Take a year to Get Rich Slowly
J.D. Roth went from being over $35,000 in debt to having over $1 million in the bank. He documented his journey at the excellent Get Rich Slowly site, sharing what he learned about frugality, investing and smart money decisions. He also wrote a very good book, “Your Money: The Missing Manual.” But The Missing Manual […]