Dear Liz: You had an interesting column recently about the filial responsibility laws that most states have on their books requiring adult children to support indigent parents. I have friends that transferred their parents’ funds to the grandchildren so the parents will qualify for Medicaid. Doesn’t the government see through this scam? Besides being unethical, […]
Recent Blog Posts
Was letter writer blaming her parents?
Dear Liz: In your answer about filial responsibility, your statement that the letter writer’s financial situation is the result of her own choices and that she needs to stop blaming her parents is completely misjudged and inappropriate. Clearly, the writer is not blaming the parents and seems amazingly strong and clear thinking for one with […]
“I don’t need life insurance…my wife can just remarry.”
For a moment I was speechless. The journalist who said these words obviously thought he was being perfectly logical. He thought life insurance was a scam and he was too smart to fall for it. In a way, what he said was kind of flattering. He obviously thought his wife would have no trouble finding […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How to work towards a debt free 2014. Also in the news: PayPal and credit ratings, finding the cheapest holiday gifts, and how to avoid financial pitfalls this Thanksgiving. Tips for Paying Off Debt in 2014 Starting the new year off on the right foot. Can PayPal Hurt Your Credit? Conversely, could […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: The dangers lurking behind Black Friday shopping. Also in the news: How to resist splurging during the holidays, the pros and cons of tech warranties, and what you need to know before signing up for a store credit card. 5 Dangers of Black Friday Shopping One of the favorite days of identity […]
Will declining enrollment lower college costs?
The number of high school graduates peaked in 2011 at 3.4 million and will drop to about 3.2 million next year. That’s not a huge decline, granted, but it’s a big change from the two previous decades where colleges could count on an ever-growing population of “traditional age” students. Still, the experts I interviewed for […]