Working just to pay the bills isn’t enough. We should be reaching for something more: financial independence. Financial independence is when your investments and other sources of income provide you with a comfortable-enough living that paid work becomes optional. As we mark the anniversary of our nation’s independence, I like to review our progress toward […]
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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
The mystery behind credit scores, why buy a dress when you can rent one, and what turns Americans off about haggling. What Really Influences Your Credit Score? The creators of the VantageScore, a rival to the leading FICO, discuss the formula behind the numbers. Taking Control of Your Personal Debt While the math may be […]
Tuesday’s need-to-know money news
Financial survival tips for before the wedding and after the marriage ends, freedom from credit card debt, and beating the retirement clock. Engaged? You Might Need Money Therapy Things you should know before you walk down the aisle. How Does Divorce Affect Bankruptcy and Mortgage Things you should know for when the walk down the […]
“Mommy, are we rich?”
My recent MSN column, “One way money is a lot like sex,” has to do with the questions our kids sometimes ask–and how much discomfort we can feel about answering. I argue that we need to get comfortable talking about money with our children, because these are incredibly important teaching moments. Psychotherapist Thayer Willis, who’s […]
Save or pay debt? Do both
Dear Liz: I am a 67-year-old college instructor who plans to teach full time for at least eight more years. Last year I began collecting spousal benefits based on my ex-husband’s Social Security earnings record. Those benefits give me an extra $1,250 each month above my regular income. I have been using the money to […]
Estate taxes no longer a worry for most people
Dear Liz: My father passed away two years ago and my mother recently died as well. I will be getting about $50,000 from the sale of their house. Everyone tells me the tax on this will be very high, so I need advice about how not to give my parents’ money to the government. Their […]