Dear Liz: You recently answered a question from a reader who found an old refund check that couldn’t be cashed. You pointed out that checks typically must be cashed within six months or they’re worthless. But your reader should check the unclaimed-property department of his state. Each state has laws that all companies must follow […]
Recent Blog Posts
Emergency funds: How much is enough?
Dear Liz: A lot of financial advice sites say you should have an emergency fund equal to three to six months of living expenses. What would be considered living expenses? Should you use three to six months of your net take-home pay or a smaller number? Is three to six months really enough? Answer: Let’s […]
About to retire? Get some help
Dear Liz: I am approaching being able to retire in three years at 56, but I’m really concerned with the current market conditions. I have around $320,000 in 401(k) and 457 accounts now, all of it invested in stocks. Should I scale this back to more moderate allocations? My pension will pay me around $5,200 […]
Avoid tax refund ripoffs, and think twice about getting married
My recent MSN Money columns, in case you missed them: How to avoid tax-return rip-offs Beware of promises to get your refund faster. Refund anticipation loans are gone, and what’s replaced them isn’t worth the cost. Gay marriage can muddle finances Gay and in love? You might want to wait to marry. ‘Boomerang’ kids: Moving […]
Graduating without student loans is tough
A few months ago I gave a verbal spanking to a woman who equated college loans with handouts. She wondered why people didn’t just delay college for a year and earn enough money to pay for their entire education, as she did back in the day. I pointed out that there weren’t many jobs available […]
Protect those who look after your kids
A woman who works as a nanny and housekeeper wrote into the Wall Street Journal recently. Her employers had paid her under the table for years. As a result, at she’s facing retirement with only a miniscule Social Security benefit. This drives me nuts. If you can afford to hire a nanny or a housekeeper, […]