Dear Liz: My husband passed away, and I am 59 years old and no longer working. Social Security’s site says that once I turn 60, I can get 71.5% to 99% of what he would have received at his full retirement age. What determines whether I get 71.5% or 99% or something in between? Answer: The range […]
Recent Blog Posts
How your ex could boost your Social Security
Katja Rivera, 64, is a massage therapist and theater director in Berkeley, California, who says she’s never earned more than about $30,000 a year. When her two daughters were small, she sometimes earned much less. But Rivera was married for 10 years to a man who has consistently earned much more than she has. When […]
Q&A: Delaying Social Security benefits
Dear Liz: I get conflicting answers on whether my wife, who turns 62 in April, should take her Social Security now. I am 68 and am holding off taking my benefits until 70. Will her survivor benefits include the 8% annual increase I will receive when I start benefits in September 2024? And should she take […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on how to leverage inflation for your benefit. In other news: Justice department sues to block JetBlue, Spirit merger, 3 tax credits not to miss when you file this year, and 3 ways to get your income and other money faster. Smart Money Podcast: How to Leverage Inflation for […]
5 ways to deal with money envy
If you’ve ever scrolled through social media posts only to be gripped with envy when you see a friend posing in front of their beautiful house or enjoying themselves at a luxurious resort, then you understand how easy it is to want what other people have. Financial envy is real, and sometimes it can be […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on the tax 2023. In other news: In March, mortgage rates will have little reason to fall, what you should do with savings if there’s a recession, and why a new-construction home may cost less than you expect. Smart Money: The Tax Episode 2023 This week’s episode starts with […]