The more you understand about how credit works, the more frustrated you get with how much misinformation is floating around out there. At least, that’s true for me and the three experts who joined me last week on a Google hangout to talk about “Credit myths that need to die.” John Ulzheimer, who’s worked at […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to stop the barrage of credit card offers. Also in the news: How to lower your property tax bills, keeping your financial resolutions, and why playing a lottery that you’ll never, ever win could be a good thing. How to Stop Getting Credit Card Offers in the Mail Opting out of […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Changes are coming to the 2014 mortgage market. Also in the news: The privacy of your credit score, financial predictions for 2014, and how to avoid charitable giving tax mishaps. What You Need to Know About the 2014 Mortgage Market Seven possible changes to next year’s mortgage market. How Private Is Your […]
Elderly parent wants to help unemployed sons
Dear Liz: Both of our sons, ages 63 and 59, are currently unemployed. We are 93 and self-supporting with Social Security and my retirement benefits. We live in our own home and are able to handle all our expenses, even though my wife requires a companion for 12 hours each day. I believe we should […]
Lack of savings makes becoming a landlord risky
Dear Liz: My husband and I, both 44, own and live in one side of a duplex. The owners of the other side are moving next year and have offered to sell it to us. We don’t have enough in savings to cover a 20% down payment for a traditional mortgage, but our neighbors offered […]
How to start Roth IRAs for your kids
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 […]