Dear Liz: Everyone talks about Roth IRAs and how beneficial they are. But I am self-employed, my husband contributes 16% toward his 401(k), our house is paid off, and we no longer have dependents to deduct on our 1040 tax return. My contribution to my traditional IRA is the only tax deduction we have left. […]
Recent Blog Posts
Is moving in with Mom unfair?
Dear Liz: I just read your reply to the woman who was struggling to make ends meet with her part-time job. She was wondering whether she should sell her house and move in with her mother. I couldn’t get to my computer fast enough to ask you how on Earth you can recommend with a […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Why you’re never really alone while shopping at the mall, what debt you should focus on first after graduating, and how to protect your finances from natural disasters (sharknado!). Is Your Mall Spying on You? Your cellphone could be providing retailers with a wealth of information. How to Keep Telemarketers at Bay Putting a stop […]
In case you missed it: credit score myths, zero waste and baby dilemmas
Too many people believe too many lies about credit scores, and it’s costing them money. Read the real scoop in my MSN Money column “Credit score myths that need to die.” Our family may never achieve “zero waste,” but we’ve started some easy ways to reduce the amount of garbage we generate. More in “Are […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
How to save big bucks when traveling, preparing for back to school shopping, and what mistakes to avoid when managing your 401(k). 5 Coolest Travel Share Websites Why pay for an overpriced hotel room when you can have the literal run of the house? 9 Money Management Tips for Newly Employed Millennials Finally making real […]
Are you ready for a “zero waste” lifestyle?
Most of what we buy or consume requires trade-offs. When it comes to some of the most important features–convenience, thrift and environmental friendliness—we often settle for one or two out of three. A book and a few Web sites devoted to the “zero waste” movement have convinced me to try a little harder on the […]