The typical American family makes less than it did in 1989, according to a recent Washington Post analysis of Census Bureau data. Although some pundits seem to have completely missed the point—one even argued that we’re better off now because electronics are cheaper—most people instinctively understand how not-good this actually is. It’s a reversal of […]
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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
How to win the retirement lottery, getting help with your finances, and what boomers need to know about Obamacare enrollment. Open A 401(k) And Win The Retirement Lottery Opening a 401k as soon as possible could be the key to a prosperous retirement. How Can I Get Help With My Finances? How to take the […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
How to do your banking on your phone, solving the mysteries of Obamacare, and avoiding the habits that could ruin your retirement. Can a Debt Collector Double My Debt? Unfortunately, they can. How to Stay Safe Banking on Your Phone Learn how to safely pay your bills in between rounds of Angry Birds. Obamacare Isn’t […]
How to make charitable giving part of your financial plan
Dear Liz: What are your thoughts on charitable giving? I hear about tithing (giving 10% of income) but would have real problems trying to maintain that commitment. That said, I’d like to become a regular donor to a reputable charity. Answer: Most U.S. households give to charity, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana […]
Reverse mortgage: what to consider
Dear Liz: All my friends have said I should get a reverse mortgage to be able to live more comfortably and still stay in my house. I would think our greedy banking system would give you only 50% of value and have a high interest rate that would chew up the remaining value. What is […]
What you need to know about estate planning
Exclusive to Ask Liz Weston, this post comes courtesy of Ally Bank. Whether you’ve worked for years or you’re just starting out, it makes sense to create a plan for distributing your assets after you’re gone. That’s where estate planning comes in. Estate planning may involve everything from creating a will to establishing trusts to […]