Retirement

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

April 30, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Distinguishing between good and bad debt. Also in the news: How to fly for free, reducing your post-retirement cost of living, and protecting yourself from buying a lemon of a home.

When Your Student Loan Debt Shouldn’t Be Your First Priority
Learning the differences between good and bad debt.

How Our Family of 3 Will Fly Free for the Next 2 Years
It’s all about the points.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Post-Retirement Cost of Living
While reducing your stress at the same time.

Protect Yourself from Buying a Lemon of a Home
Don’t buy a money pit.

5 reasons to try a 2-week spending freeze
Give your savings a jump start.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

April 29, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Are you being charged too much for your 401(k)? Also in the news: Teaching your kids about money, using your tax refund to pay down debt, and tips that will make next year’s tax filing a breeze.

Is Your Small-Company 401(k) Charging Too Much?
How much are you paying in fees?

3 Everyday Events That Can Teach Your Kids About Money
It’s never too early.

Use tax refund to reduce your debt
While not as fun as a new TV, it pays off in the long run.

Tips to Make Your Taxes Way Easier Next Year
Anything to make taxes less stressful.

13 Times Being Cheap Could Cost You More
The high price of trying to save money.

Q&A: What to do with an old IRA?

April 27, 2014 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I left a job several years ago to become a full-time freelancer. I have a SEP IRA and a SIMPLE IRA from that job that have basically just been sitting there. What are my options in moving this money to a better retirement investment?

Answer: SEPs and SIMPLEs are just the tax-advantaged buckets into which you (and your then-employer) put money. It’s the investments you choose within those buckets that determine what kind of returns you’ll get. The financial institution that’s holding these accounts can be a factor as well: If it’s charging a lot of fees, your returns will suffer accordingly.

Your best bet is to make sure the accounts are being held at a low-cost provider and that you have sufficient exposure to stocks to offer growth that will offset inflation over time. Most discount brokerages and mutual fund companies offer target-date maturity funds that give you diversification, professional asset allocation and automatic rebalancing at a low cost.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

April 25, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Poll reveals Americans are feeling better about their personal finances. Also in the news: How to raise financially savvy kids, learning how to balance saving for the future with enjoying the present, and five credit card fees you should try to avoid.

Americans’ Ratings of Their Personal Finances Inch Up
Does your opinion match up?

How to Rear Money-Smart Kids
Starting kids off on the right foot with money.

How To Balance Enjoying Life With Saving For Your Goals
Saving for the future doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the present.

5 Credit Card Fees to Avoid
There’s no need to give the banks extra money.

5 Ways to Save for a One-Time Expense
Saving for and expecting the unexpected.