Dear Liz: What’s the easiest way to save money? I have the hardest time. I want to save, but I feel that I don’t make enough to start saving. Answer: The easiest way to save is to do it without thinking about it. That usually means setting up automatic transfers either from your paycheck or […]
Recent Blog Posts
Even military careerists need a Plan B
Dear Liz: I’m about to marry an active-duty military man. We’re in the process of marrying our finances, and I have several questions. First, what is a good emergency fund for us? We run our household on his salary because I’m recently unemployed. I’ve always had a six-month emergency fund for myself, but because he’ll […]
Tax breaks for helping grandchildren
Dear Liz: I am grandmother to two girls ages 10 and 14. I contribute to their Section 529 college funds and pay for expenses such as dental bills, dance lessons and so on. Is there a way I can deduct these contributions from my income tax? Answer: Most states offer at least a partial tax […]
How to get off credit card marketing lists
Dear Liz: Where can I sign up to have my name removed from the mailing lists for credit card offers? Answer: You can remove yourself from marketing lists provided by credit bureaus to credit card and insurance companies by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT (567-8688) or visiting www.optoutprescreen.com. You should see a significant reduction over time in […]
Gift tax rules allow for plenty of giving
Dear Liz: My husband and I have given our daughters gifts over the years, but we have never exceeded the $26,000 gift tax limit for a married couple. Do we need to file IRS Form 709 to split the gifts? If so, how to do we file for past years? Answer: The gift tax system […]
Myths about “death taxes” lead to costly mistakes
Dear Liz: You recently answered a question about capital gains taxes that stemmed from two siblings selling their parents’ home. The children had been added to the parents’ deed, presumably before the parents’ death. You mentioned that the capital gains tax would have been avoided if the parents had bequeathed the home rather than gifting […]