Q&A: House gift needs a lawyer’s help

Dear Liz: I have a rental house that I would like to give to my sister as an outright gift. (She is the current tenant but cannot afford to buy the house.) How can I do this legally? Do I need a lawyer? If so, what kind? I have already asked a real estate agent, […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to holiday shop at the last minute. Also in the news: 6 ways to save money on holiday travel, 2022 small business outlook, and easy ways to clean up your finances before another year begins. How to Holiday Shop at the Last Minute Here’s what to do if you still have […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 8 rules for saving, borrowing, and spending money. Also in the news: How purchase plans pay advances could change in 2022, how to find the hidden costs of starting a small business, and 1 in 5 Americans are saving less for retirement due to Covid. 8 Rules for Saving, Borrowing and Spending […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to stay up to date on foreign travel restrictions. Also in the news: Southwest to roll out 4th fare type in 2022, maximizing holiday spirit while minimizing taxes, and how to spot a shady landlord. How to Stay Up to Date on Foreign Travel Restrictions Look to federal agency and embassy […]

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8 rules for saving, borrowing and spending money

The best personal finance advice is tailored to your individual situation. That said, a few rules of thumb can cut through the confusion that often surrounds money decisions and help you build a solid financial foundation. In my latest for the Associated Press, guidelines for saving, borrowing, spending and protecting your money culled from nearly […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Cash back, miles, or…wine? Credit card rewards are evolving. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on why you should question your bills and how to make the most of a raise, Medicare’s telehealth experiment could be here to stay, and the best way to ask for […]

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Q&A: Understanding the gift tax

Dear Liz: I am 83 and have always been employed and a regular saver. I find myself in the unusual position of having amassed a considerable estate and, barring a financial or medical catastrophe, probably having more assets than I will use in my lifetime. Of course these assets will pass to my wife or […]

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Q&A: Here’s why you have many different credit scores

Dear Liz: Have you ever covered the fact that the credit score that a person receives from the reporting agencies is entirely different from the one provided to lenders? The difference I discovered was 819 vs. 710. I’m a retired lawyer who represented investors in securities arbitration for 20 years, so not easily shocked or […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Medicare’s telehealth experiment could be here to stay. Also in the news: 4 best practices to simplify your small business, how Omicron could impact your travel, and 7 things to buy early this holiday season. Medicare’s Telehealth Experiment Could Be Here to Stay An astronomical increase in telehealth visits by Medicare beneficiaries […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to maximize your health span. Also in the news: Home affordability for first-time buyers, 6 steps to higher net worth, and how to avoid a tax bomb when selling your home. How to Maximize Your ‘Health Span’ We’re living longer on average, but the number of years we’re healthy hasn’t kept […]

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