Dear Liz: We’ve been using a fee-only financial advisor for 25 years. We’d discuss what we needed, she would tell us how many hours it would take, then she invoiced us at an hourly fee. She recently joined a company that charges 1% of investment portfolios to provide financial advice. Is this still considered fee-only financial […]
Recent Blog Posts
Will adding an accessory dwelling unit pay off?
Accessory dwelling units are known by many names: in-law suites, guest houses, backyard cottages, or basement or garage conversions, among others. What all ADUs have in common is that they’re a separate living space typically added to a single-family residential lot, and they’re having a moment. Constructing an ADU could increase your property value while […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on In other news: 5 ways to save money on holiday shopping this season, 6 ways to boost your credit card rewards this holiday season, and why booking travel on your phone is a bad idea. 5 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Shopping This Season Consumers face a […]
Q&A: Getting your delayed refund
Dear Liz: Here’s another option for the person whose tax return got amended and who was still waiting for a refund. Contact your member of Congress or U.S. senator. They have constituent service staff who might be able to prod the IRS. This worked for our family when we learned my late father was owed two […]
Q&A: Flexible spending account use-or-lose deadlines are back after a pandemic hiatus
Dear Liz: The hospital where I work was bought out by another hospital last summer. I was in a flexible savings account at that time with my workplace. I had to enroll in a second FSA through the new medical facility. Trying to keep these two separate FSA accounts was not easy. I thought by March […]
Q&A: Why you need a credit score
Dear Liz: I use a credit card for most of my shopping and pay the balance in full every month. The card was opened years ago as a business card, but the business has since been closed. My credit scores are high but my card isn’t listed on my credit reports. I believe that is because […]