Personal Finances

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

Prepare Your Finances for an Emergency Handoff
Estate Planning

Prepare Your Finances for an Emergency Handoff

Amanda DesBarres | May 8, 2020

Confusion and costly mistakes can easily occur if you don’t plan ahead for someone to take over handling your finances in an emergency.

The “Best” Credit Card for 2020? That Depends on How You Spend

The “Best” Credit Card for 2020? That Depends on How You Spend

Sara ­Rathner | April 29, 2020

With credit card rewards as high as 5% or 6%, creating a portfolio of cards can pay off big. Here’s how…

How Your Trust Can Avoid Taxes by Changing States
Wealthy and Wise

How Your Trust Can Avoid Taxes by Changing States

Gideon Rothschild, Esq. | October 28, 2019

You can completely avoid state income tax on a trust’s income based on guidelines from a recent US Supreme Court ruling. Here’s how.

The Best Medicare Advantage Plan

The Best Medicare Advantage Plan

James Beem, MHA, MA | October 21, 2019

Members of Medicare Advantage plans share their insights to help you choose the best options.

Don’t Let Hospitals Make You Prepay Your Bill
Medical Expenses

Don’t Let Hospitals Make You Prepay Your Bill

Adria Gross | June 10, 2019

Here’s what to say when hospitals ask you to prepay for a procedure, which they are increasingly doing.

The New Rules to Protect Your Online Accounts After You Die
Estate Planning

The New Rules to Protect Your Online Accounts After You Die

Natalie Banta, JD | April 22, 2019

The laws on controlling digital accounts after someone dies have been quietly changing. Here's what you need to know.