Dear Liz: I’ve gone back and forth over whether to buy property to live in. I would only consider a condo, because I don’t think it’s ecologically responsible for a single person to live in a stand-alone house, plus I have no interest in or aptitude for maintenance. But through family and friends’ experiences, I’m […]
Recent Blog Posts
Are student loans a bad idea?
Dear Liz: I am a junior in college, and I might have to take out a loan my senior year because of financial cuts in the state. Is it really a bad idea to take a loan for college? Answer: No, it’s not. You don’t want to overdose on education debt, but a student loan […]
Should you pay to boost your credit scores?
Dear Liz: I’ve seen advertisements for services that promise to help you raise your credit score by the exact number of points you need to qualify for a good mortgage rate. Are these services worth the money? Answer: There’s one thing you need to know about these services: They don’t have access to the actual […]
IRA distribution could go into Roth
Dear Liz: You recently answered a reader who wondered whether he could delay mandatory distributions from his traditional IRA because he was still working. You said correctly that he could delay taking required minimum distributions from a 401(k) but not an IRA. But as long as the questioner is working full time and meets the […]
My book is out! Get it for free.
“Deal with Your Debt” is now available, and I’m giving away five copies this week. To enter to win, leave a comment here on my blog (not my Facebook page). Click on the tab above the post that says “comments.” Make sure to include your email address, which won’t show up with your comment, but […]
401(k) withdrawals can be postponed, but not those from IRAs
Dear Liz: I just turned 70. Must I draw now from my IRA? I still work full time. I heard from one investment company representative that since I work, there is an exemption that I may not have to start withdrawals. Is this true? Answer: Withdrawals from retirement plans typically must begin after age 70-1/2. […]