Dear Liz: I would like to start a Roth account for each of my kids. (They’re in their 30s.) Is it better to start an account in my name with them as beneficiaries or to start the accounts in their names? Answer: Roth IRAs can be a wonderful way to save, but they’re not custodial […]
Recent Blog Posts
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 5 things home-buyers forget to ask their lenders. Also in the news: Retirement mistakes 30-somethings need to avoid, renting versus buying a home, and how to escape from a job that you hate. 5 Things Homebuyers Forget to Ask Their Lenders Five questions that are absolutely essential to ask. 4 Retirement Mistakes […]
Dropouts, addicts and teachers: must-read stories for this week
My column for Reuters this week covers the perils facing community college students who “stop out” once too often. Reuters also posted an excellent piece on the financial toll addicts take on their families, plus a column on what teachers really want for the holidays (hint: it’s not another coffee mug!). That break from college? […]
Join our credit chat tomorrow
I’ll be hosting a live video panel discussion about credit myths and facts tomorrow, Dec. 13, at noon Eastern/9 a.m. Pacific. Joining me will be John Ulzheimer of SmartCredit.com, Gerri Detweiler of Credit.com and Maxine Sweet of Experian. This is a reprise of a conversation we had at FinCon13, the financial blogger conference held in […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Year-end tax tips from the experts. Also in the news: rescuing your 401(k), 2014 tax tables, and tips for combating financial holiday stress. Year-End Tax Tips For 2013 From Tax Experts These tips could make a big difference in your tax return. Are You Doomed If Your 401(k) Has Bad Fund Choices? […]
How to protect your 401(k) in a frothy market
Reader Claudia asks how she can lock in her recent investment gains: “Is there a way to protect the growth on a 401K? From your post, it doesn’t appear that there is. It appears that the initial investment along with any growth is left to the mercy of the economy, market, etc.” You actually can […]