Personal Finances

Don’t Let These 5 Surprises Derail Your Retirement
Personal Finances

Don’t Let These 5 Surprises Derail Your Retirement

November 1, 2021

Beware of these five retirement financial surprises—ranging from the real results of downsizing to the tax consequences of retirement—that can derail plans, consume savings and leave retirees wondering what went wrong.

Massive Medical Bills? 6-Step Plan to Help You Pay Much Less
Medical Expenses

Massive Medical Bills? 6-Step Plan to Help You Pay Much Less

Caitlin Donovan | October 15, 2021

Even well-insured patients can be subjected to hefty healthcare bills for out-of-network doctor visits, ambulance rides, treatments “not medically necessary.” Here’s help…

Your Inflation Rate Is Not the Same as the Government’s
Personal Finances

Your Inflation Rate Is Not the Same as the Government’s

Christine Benz | September 17, 2021

Many retirees and older ­consumers on fixed incomes keep an eye on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers…

Beyond Your Stimulus Check: How the ­American Rescue Plan Will Affect Your Taxes and Health Insurance
Personal Finances

Beyond Your Stimulus Check: How the ­American Rescue Plan Will Affect Your Taxes and Health Insurance

Gregory Black, CPA, JD, LLM | September 3, 2021

The $1.9 trillion American ­Rescue Plan Act received plenty of publicity for providing a third round of stimulus checks and…

Preparing Your Portfolio for the Coming Inflation Time Bomb
Personal Finances

Preparing Your Portfolio for the Coming Inflation Time Bomb

Robert Carlson | September 3, 2021

It’s been a long time since investors have had to worry about inflation. But as the US economy springs back…

Your Unclaimed Assets Are Waiting for You
Personal Finances

Your Unclaimed Assets Are Waiting for You

Mark Kantrowitz | August 1, 2021

Tens of billions of dollars are just waiting to be claimed—and you could be the winner. That may sound like…

How to Avoid 5 Social Security Surprises That Could Cost You Big
Retirement Planning

How to Avoid 5 Social Security Surprises That Could Cost You Big

Cindy ­Lundquist | July 15, 2021

Beware these hidden traps among the Social Security rules. They could cost you big, but here’s how to keep that from happening.

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: Which Is Better for Retirement Savings
Retirement Accounts

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: Which Is Better for Retirement Savings

Anqi Chen | June 15, 2021

Traditional IRAs allow pre-tax contributions and tax your withdrawals; Roth contributions are with after-tax dollars and withdrawals are tax free. What’s the right type for you?

Best Credit Cards 2021

Best Credit Cards 2021

Sara ­Rathner | June 1, 2021

The past year dramatically shifted how Americans spend their money—and that has shaken up the roster of most-rewarding credit cards.

For Retirement Withdrawals, 3% is The New 4%
Retirement Planning

For Retirement Withdrawals, 3% is The New 4%

David Blanchett, PhD, CFP, CFA | May 15, 2021

Low interest rates mean you have to cut back on your withdrawals to avoid running out of money before you die.

Best Ways to Help A Grandchild Pay for College
College Finance

Best Ways to Help A Grandchild Pay for College

Mark Kantrowitz | May 1, 2021

How you help a grandchild pay for college can have a big effect on financial aid…taxes…and estate planning. Here are four options.

The Shrewdest Money Moves You Can Make in 2021
Estate Planning

The Shrewdest Money Moves You Can Make in 2021

May 1, 2021

With interest rates way down and stock prices, as well as car prices, way up, Bottom Line Personal asked five financial experts for some of the shrewdest money moves you can make now.

7 Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
Medical Expenses

7 Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Richard Sagall, MD | December 21, 2020

Beyond generics and samples from your doctor or drug manufacturer…seven ways to save money on prescription medications.

Your Medicare Premiums Might Be Higher than They Should Be

Your Medicare Premiums Might Be Higher than They Should Be

Danielle ­Roberts | December 21, 2020

If you are paying Medicare more than this amount, you might be able to lower your premium.

How to Protect Inherited Retirement Accounts Under New Federal Law
Retirement Planning

How to Protect Inherited Retirement Accounts Under New Federal Law

Ed Slott, CPA | May 26, 2020

Although the new federal law called the Secure Act provides many advantages for people with retirement accounts