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 […]
Recent Blog Posts
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), […]
In case you missed it: “cliff” retirements and how to tell if Mom is losing it
How can you make up for lost time if you’re approaching retirement age and haven’t saved enough? Adjusting your expectations is the first big step. Read about the others in “Facing the ‘cliff’ of retirement.” The early signs of dementia may not be what you expect. In “How to tell if Mom is losing it,” […]
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Baby Boomers are facing a different kind of retirement, how canceling credit cards impacts your credit score, how the new home office deduction may reduce your taxes and what happens to joint accounts when a parent declares bankruptcy. Why Boomers May Not Retire like Their Parents Is the baby boom generation about to fizzle? Prepaid […]
Friday’s need-to-know money news
How to tweak your retirement, save on summer utility bills, and enjoying having to show an ID. 10-Minute Tweaks to Save Your Retirement Simple steps that could go a long way towards saving your retirement. How to Control Your Utility Bills This Summer Don’t let your air conditioner melt your wallet. Why Paying Down Your […]