Ask Liz Weston

This week’s top story: Life insurance living benefits. In other news: What you can do dealing with FAFSA glitches and confusion, what you can do when no-warning credit limit cuts happen, and more student loan changes are on the way. What Are Life Insurance Living Benefits? Life insurance living benefits provide extra financial security while you’re still […]

Q&A: What to know about capital gains tax on a house sale

Dear Liz: My husband died in November 2022. I was told that if I sell the house within two years of his death, I can benefit from two capital gains exclusions, his and mine, each for $250,000. The house was appraised at $912,000 based on his date of death. I don’t imagine it would sell for […]

Q&A: Using 529 accounts on groceries

Dear Liz: You said 529 accounts could not be used for groceries. I searched on the internet and found that students can use 529 money to purchase meals off campus and buy groceries. Which is correct? Answer: The original letter writer’s child lived on campus, so the amount the family can withdraw tax free from the 529 account is limited to what they […]

3 time-sensitive money tasks for new widows and widowers

Widows and widowers are often told not to make any major decisions for a year or more after a spouse’s death. Grief can cause you to make choices you later regret. Some financial tasks, though, shouldn’t be postponed. Revising your budget, meeting with a tax pro and securing access to credit can help protect you […]

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: White House touts U.S. economy’s strength as election year begins. In other news: 5 signs you should consolidate your credit card debt in 2024, the cost of literally keeping your chin up, and 5 cities where you can book a 5-star hotel for cheap. White House Touts U.S. Economy’s Strength as Election […]

Q&A: 529 college savings rollovers

Dear Liz: The beneficiary on the 529 college savings account I manage has no education plans so they cannot use the 529 funds without tax penalty. They also do not work, so I cannot roll the money over into a Roth IRA for them because there is no earned income to qualify for the rollover contribution. However, I […]

Q&A: Here’s a 2024 resolution: Stop using paper checks. Fraud is soaring

Dear Liz: I had several checks stolen from the U.S. Postal Service. The thieves altered and cashed the checks. I monitor my bank accounts religiously and discovered the altered checks quickly. I immediately put holds on the checks and for the most part I have been reimbursed. One check, however, was written out to one bank […]

This week’s money news

This week’s top story: January mortgage rate forecast. In other news: 4 things that could impact your credit in 2024, the new 2024-25 FAFSA, and how to pay for promising medications like Ozempic. January Mortgage Rate Forecast: Steady While Waiting for Spring Mortgage rates might not change much in January, after going through a tumultuous spell toward […]

Overspent in December? Here’s how to battle the January blues

The first workday in January after the holidays hits a little bit differently: The parties are over, debt payments are soon due and it can feel like there’s nothing to look forward to. You may be able to minimize the doldrums with some planning and other steps to turn things around, financial experts say. “Financial […]

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