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 […]
Recent Blog Posts
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 […]
Q&A: Retirees and disability benefits
Dear Liz: I have a few simple questions about disability, but have been getting different answers from different advisors. Even the Social Security site has different answers. My wife, a nurse, is 71 and has been working for more than 45 years. She is receiving Social Security benefits, starting when she was 70. She has been […]
Q&A: Lost retirement accounts are a growing problem. How to track down yours
Dear Liz: I applied for and received Social Security widow’s benefits from my deceased ex-husband. Social Security notified me that my ex-husband had a profit-sharing plan that could have beneficiary money. I have tried to find out the correct people to talk to, but the original employer has changed hands a few times. I spoke to […]