Dear Liz: My daughter, 63, has been recently amicably divorced and receives a small alimony ($1,000). Her ex-husband of 30 years is a doctor who just retired. Is she entitled to part of his Social Security? Neither has remarried. Answer: Because they were married for more than 10 years, your daughter should qualify for spousal […]
Recent Blog Posts
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
The pros and cons of becoming an estate executor, why you shouldn’t procrastinate when it comes to paying your bills, and what to do when you have too many credit cards. Should you become the executor of someone’s estate? Serving as an executor can be both an honor and a nightmare. Smart financial tips for […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Wedding bells and tax deductions are ringing, using credit cards to pay off student loans, and how to avoid having your identity stolen while on vacation. Tax Deductions Available for Your Wedding Could tax deductions be the best wedding gift ever? Should You Use Credit Card Rewards to Pay Auto, Student Loans? Cash-back rewards for […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
How your credit score could impact your child’s’ student loan, the best cars to keep young drivers safe, and where to expect the worst possible customer service. How Credit Scores Impact Some Student Loan Approvals How the credit scores of both you and your co-signer could affect your interest rates. The 10 Best Cars for […]
Thursday’s need-to know-money news
Avoiding health care scams, improving your credit mix, and navigating the rocky roads of inheritance. How to Avoid Healthcare Fraud Don’t let yourself be scammed. Rules of the Road for Improving Your Credit Mix Taking on new credit could make it easier to get a mortgage. Stop Family Feuds Over Inheritances Before They Start Few […]
The young and the foolish
Lifehacker’s post today “How Much You Should Save for Retirement, Based on 139 Years of Data” is a nice summary of Professor Wade Pfau’s research on “safe savings rates.” But some of the comments made me groan. The reasons people gave for not saving for retirement aren’t unusual: some can’t imagine ever getting old (you […]