Personal Finances

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

Neena Mishra, CFA | 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.

Beware Money-Market Fund Dangers
Banking

Beware Money-Market Fund Dangers

Peter Crane | February 18, 2021

The benefits of a money-market fund have faded as the coronavirus-caused recession has lowered interest rates.

Worst Money Mistakes of 2020
Personal Finances

Worst Money Mistakes of 2020

February 18, 2021

In the face of this year’s global upheaval and enormous financial challenges, it is common for many investors, homeowners, consumers and savers to misstep, throwing off their journey toward financial ­security

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.

New Financial and Health Protections for People with Chronic Disabilities
Estate Planning

New Financial and Health Protections for People with Chronic Disabilities

Martin Shenkman, CPA, JD | November 23, 2020

For people with chronic disabilities, here are better ways to protect finances and health options.

Work-from-Home Photos Can Create Security Risks

Work-from-Home Photos Can Create Security Risks

Jason Nurse, PhD | November 23, 2020

Photos of home offices can create opportunities for scammers when posted on social media.

6 Ways Scammers Target Older People

6 Ways Scammers Target Older People

Steven J.J. Weisman, Esq. | November 5, 2020

Most common scams are against people age 60 and up. How to protect yourself from being fooled. How to protect your older loved ones.

How to Save Big on Refinancing Education Loans

How to Save Big on Refinancing Education Loans

Mark Kantrowitz | October 22, 2020

A sharp drop in interest rates means students and parents can save thousands of dollars by refinancing education loans while reducing monthly payments.

How to Become the CEO of Your Household Finances
Personal Finances

How to Become the CEO of Your Household Finances

Lauren Wybar, CFP | October 7, 2020

The financial challenges facing the head of a household are comparable to those confronting corporate chief executives—and so are the solutions.

Don’t Let Your Credit Card Limits Be Slashed

Don’t Let Your Credit Card Limits Be Slashed

Matt Schulz | September 25, 2020

Credit card limits are being cut and cards closed amid the recession, but you can take steps to protect yourself.

How to Raise Emergency Cash Quickly
Personal Finances

How to Raise Emergency Cash Quickly

Daniel Duca, CFP | September 25, 2020

There are various steps you can take now to bolster your cash cushion while limiting damage to your long-term financial plans.

Flexible Spending Accounts Now More Flexible
Medical Expenses

Flexible Spending Accounts Now More Flexible

Stephen Miller | September 25, 2020

New IRS rules may help you avoid losing pre-tax money that you designated for FSA health-care spending.