Hidden credit card charges, moving on from Grandpa’s investment strategy, and why everyone should plan to retire early. Hidden Credit Card Charges: Are You At Risk? Be on the lookout for “grey charges”. How to Improve Your Credit History Credit mistakes don’t have to follow you forever. Four Ways Not to Invest Like Your Grandfather […]
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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Inheriting Grandma’s frequent-flier miles, how to pay less for homeowner’s insurance, and what you need to know about rising interest rates. How Student Loans Can Hurt Your Mortgage Application Those pesky student loans can reduce your ability to borrow money. Can You Inherit or Transfer Your Frequent-Flier Miles? What happens to Grandma’s miles after she […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Helping your kids out of credit card trouble, what to do with the $500 you just won on a scratch ticket, and protecting your home while you’re on vacation. My Kid’s in Credit Card Debt. What Do I Do? The best way to help your kid begin to manage their debt. How to Replace Important […]
Inherited IRA may have more options than you’re told
Dear Liz: My partner passed away a little more than a year ago. I inherited his 401(k) and life insurance. I opened an IRA in which to place the amount of the 401(k), but the company told me that after a year (which is now), I have to withdraw the money over five years. Is […]
How divorced people can get spousal benefits
Dear Liz: I’ve been reading with interest your answers to questions about Social Security spousal benefits, particularly those available to divorced spouses. What if the former spouse is now remarried for more than 10 years, and the current spouse is receiving benefits? Are spousal benefits still available and how are they calculated? Answer: The answer […]
Why are there so many credit scores?
Dear Liz: I am confused. I have always thought there was one FICO score, prepared by a private company. I thought each credit agency also had its own credit score but it was not scaled the same as FICO. Your recent column said one can buy two of the three FICO scores (Equifax and TransUnion), […]