Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

Retirement

Monday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: TSA-Approved ways to cut the airport screening line. Also in the news: How to talk retirement with your spouse, the most and least affordable areas in the country, and things to consider before co-signing a student loan.

TSA-Approved Ways to Cut the Airport Screening Line
Is TSA pre-check worth the price?

How to Talk Retirement With Your Spouse
One of the most important conversations you’ll ever have.

Home Affordability Watch, Q1: California Buyers, Keep Dreamin’
The most and least affordable areas in the country.

Piggybacking on good credit: Things to consider before co-signing a student loan
A few things to think about.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 3 questions to help grow your retirement savings. Also in the news: 7 annoying international travel fees you can shrink or skip, why waiting to file bankruptcy can hurt you, and 7 ways to retire without Social Security.

3 Questions to Help Grow Your Retirement Savings
Evaluating your current position.

7 Annoying International Travel Fees You Can Shrink or Skip
Leaving your more money for souvenirs.

Why Waiting to File Bankruptcy Can Hurt You
Making a bad situation worse.

7 Ways to Retire Without Social Security
Creating your own retirement income.

3 money tasks you shouldn’t tackle on your own

By

No one cares as much about your money as you do, but never asking for help can be dangerous — and expensive.

In a previous column, I detailed the hazards of trying to do your own estate plan and how problems often aren’t apparent until it’s too late to fix them. The following financial tasks also are more complex than they may seem, and the consequences for ignorance can be severe. In my latest for the Associated Press, why hiring an expert help may ultimately save you a bundle.

Beware of hidden taxes in retirement

By

Your taxes in retirement may be a lot more complicated than taxes while you’re working.

Social Security checks may or may not be taxed, depending on your income. You’ll pay federal income taxes on most retirement plan withdrawals, but additional state taxes depend on where you live. Tax rates on investments can vary as well.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what to expect when you hit retirement age.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: Here’s how much you should have saved by 30. Also in the news: Taking the smart investor’s vow: to buy and to hold, getting real about the cost of an average retirement, and the MyHeritage hack affects 92 million customers.

Here’s How Much You Should Have Saved by 30
The magic number.

Take the Smart Investor’s Vow: to Buy and to Hold
In it for the long haul.

Let’s Get Real: What an Average Retirement Costs
Breaking down the numbers.

MyHeritage hack affects 92 million customers, reveals more risks with genealogy sites
Another day, another data breach.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

By

Today’s top story: 5 proven ways to increase your home’s value. Also in the news: Paying off debt while saving for retirement, fresh ways to save some green at the farmer’s market, and how some employers are helping to pay student loans in order to attract workers.

5 Proven Ways to Increase Home Value
Enhancing your curb appeal and interior.

Q: Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement? A: Both
You don’t have to choose.

Fresh Ways to Save Some Green at the Farmers Market
Avoiding high prices at the supermarket.

Employers Help Pay Student Loans to Attract Workers
Now that’s a perk.