Today’s top story: Personal finance tips for single parents. Also in the news: Overlooked tax deductions, deciphering credit card offers, and upgrading a forgotten 401(k). 5 Personal Finance Tips for Single Parents Planning for emergencies is key. 5 Tax Deductions That Are Typically Overlooked Don’t shortchange your deductions. How to Read a Credit Card Offer […]
Recent Blog Posts
When is the best time to take spousal benefits?
Dear Liz: My wife will be 62 in a few months. I am 77 and we both work full time. Can she collect her spousal Social Security benefit while still working and take her full benefit at 70? Answer: That option is available to her only if she waits until her full retirement age (currently […]
Can life insurance be used as an estate planning tool?
Dear Liz: I am 70 and my wife is 59. My pension covers us for both our lifetimes. We have no debt. My wife and I do not need the required minimum distributions I will soon have to start taking from my 457 deferred compensation plan, which is currently worth $1 million. I planned to […]
Does Paying Off Old Debts Help Your Credit Score?
Dear Liz: How can I get a clear and complete picture of the debts that are hurting my credit score? I have my credit report already. I’m a bit lost and I need to get my credit cleared up to buy a home. Answer: You actually have three credit reports, one at each of the […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The importance of having your affairs in order. Also in the news: Why you should save more for retirement, when it’s time to take over your parents’ finances, and when to smash the piggy bank containing your emergency fund. A Cautionary Tale: Get Your Affairs In Order Now Don’t let the biggest […]
Get all the (college) credit you deserve
One way to save money on college, families are frequently told, is to start at a two-year school and then transfer to a four-year institution. The problem with such advice is that a lot of students never make it to the four-year college. Even when researchers control for family background, achievement and ambition, those who […]