Dear Liz: My dear friend’s husband just passed away and she is immediately selling off all his antiques through an auctioneer. Sales should net well over $100,000 this calendar year. Is there any way to offset the tax hit she will take on this? This will be on top of selling the house in the same […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: What’s the best way to save for education? A 529 plan or I bonds?
Dear Liz: Please write a comparison of 529 college savings plans versus using I bonds for education. I had given baby gifts of 529 funds to grandkids before they had their first birthdays. But due to market volatility, this year I matched those with I bond funding for the kids. The oldest is now 6, so […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on no-spend month 2.0, and recovering from credit damage. In other news: February mortgage rates on the downslope by end of month, having a conversation about fraud with older adults, and how to save your job from laying off. Smart Money Podcast: No-Spend Month 2.0, and Recovering From […]
How to safely use payment apps
As a frequent PayPal user, Kim Palmer wasn’t surprised to see a payment request on the app pop up. But when she read it, she knew something was wrong. In Kimberly Palmer’s latest for the Associated Press, learn how to safely use payment apps.
Q&A: Are you trying for a perfect credit score? Maybe you don’t need to
Dear Liz: My credit score fluctuates between 799 and 815. It used to be 850. I always pay my bills in full and on time, and keep the credit utilization low. The only comment I can find about why my credit score isn’t higher is that I lack a loan. I don’t owe any money and […]
Q&A: Survivor Social Security benefit
Dear Liz: When you discuss a survivor receiving 50% of their spouse’s Social Security benefit, are you basing the 50% on gross or net income? Answer: The survivor benefit is up to 100% of what the deceased spouse or ex-spouse was receiving from Social Security, before taxes. If the spouse or ex starts Social Security early, that […]