This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on rising interest rates, and budgeting with apps. In other news: How the Airbnb ‘gold rush’ could impact the homebuying market, avoiding 5 banking mistakes to earn more interest, pay less in fees, and co-buying a house. Smart Money Podcast: Rising Interest Rates, and Budgeting With Apps This week’s […]
Recent Blog Posts
Q&A: When to take survivor benefits
Dear Liz: My wife started collecting Social Security at her full retirement age six years ago. I’m waiting to file to get my maximum Social Security payout at 70 in 2025. If I were to file today, my current benefit would be significantly higher than hers, and even more so if I wait. If I predecease […]
Q&A: How to buy U.S. Treasuries
Dear Liz: Can I purchase a U.S. Treasury bill myself or do I need to go through a bank or a financial advisor? Answer: You can buy government-issued securities — including Treasury bills, bonds and notes —from TreasuryDirect, which is operated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Setting up an account usually takes just a few minutes, but […]
Q&A: Don’t do this with your retirement funds — unless you want to pay tax
Dear Liz: I recently switched jobs and realized that I have multiple 401(k) accounts from prior employers over the years that need to be consolidated. When I reached out to my current employer’s 401(k) administrator to understand the rollover process, they said I would actually need to have a paper check mailed to me for each […]
Make the most of new rules for charitable giving
Most people no longer get a tax deduction when they donate to charity. That shouldn’t keep you from making donations, but you may want to change your approach. Typically, only taxpayers who itemize deductions can write off charitable contributions. The vast majority of taxpayers instead take the standard deduction, which was nearly doubled by the […]
This week’s money news
This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on end of credit card rewards, and luxury credit cards. In other news: December mortgage rates, how high-interest ‘rent-a-bank’ loans sidestep state rate caps, and lifetime income. Smart Money Podcast: The End of Credit Card Rewards, and When to Cancel Luxury Credit Cards This week’s episode starts with a […]