ArcaMax

Dear Carrie: I'm a single parent with two middle school-aged kids and was just laid off because COVID-19 regulations forced my employer to shut down. I'm worried I may be out of work for a while. I received a small severance and have a 401(k), but that's about it. What's the best way to get through the next few months? Can I draw money from my ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My partner and I recently had our first child and are trying to get our finances in order. We met with an attorney to put together a will, and she mentioned that we might need life insurance. I do have a policy through work, but now that I'm a new dad, I don't know if it's enough. Can you advise me on how much I need and the best ...Read more

Dear Readers: I'm hearing from lots of students and recent grads about how uneasy they are about entering the labor force in this difficult economic climate. With unemployment numbers at a record high, it's no surprise that the estimated 4 million new college graduates will have a particularly challenging time this year. But all is not lost, ...Read more

Dear Readers: Recently, I did my first ever Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA). I was really excited about it, and not just because my kids are Redditors who constantly seek and give advice on the channel. I wanted to have a real-time discussion with people about something that's weighing heavily on everyone's minds: how to manage your personal ...Read more

Dear Readers: Even in the best of times, money concerns can cause a lot of stress. But according to a recent survey by the National Foundation for Financial Education, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say that COVID-19 is making money a primary cause of anxiety. Add to that the need to juggle working from home, child care, home schooling and health ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'm 26 and in the Navy. I enlisted last year and am currently stationed in South Korea. With some extra cash I'm expecting from my next deployment, I should finally have all my credit card debt paid off and a decent cash cushion. I'm ready to start seriously saving for retirement. Is a TSP a good move? I'm not sure if I'll stay in...Read more

Dear readers: The recent market plunge has a lot of people feeling more anxious than usual. Not surprising. Feeling out of control of your finances -- and your future -- takes both a financial and emotional toll. And it's not only during times like these that money causes stress. Everyday money management -- or lack of it -- can cause problems ...Read more

Dear Readers: With so many families around the country facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I'd like to devote this column to discussing ways that we as parents can best help our kids through these challenging times.

One of the most insidious parts of this pandemic is that it has undermined our sense of personal ...Read more

Dear Readers: From singing on the balcony to community cheers for those on the front lines to young people grocery shopping for elderly neighbors, people around the world are reaching out in support of others during these difficult days. If there's a bright spot to what we're all going through, it's that a crisis seems to bring out a positive ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I just lost my job and received my final paycheck with a small amount of severance money. I'll probably need the money over the next few months, especially if my job search takes a long time, but would like to invest it in the meantime. Where's a good place to put it? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: I'm sorry to hear about your losing ...Read more

Dear Carrie: With interest rates dropping, I'm thinking of refinancing my mortgage. What do I need to know? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Interest rates are on a lot of people's minds these days. For savers, rising interest rates are a plus, but borrowers benefit more when interest rates are low. For homebuyers and existing homeowners with a ...Read more

Dear Readers: Today we often hear the phrase "extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures." And while it's usually used to refer to large-scale problems and solutions, I think it can apply much closer to home as more and more people are faced with a fast-changing financial reality. It's not just about the markets and investors. This ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I find myself in the unfortunate position of needing some cash in the midst of this horrible pandemic and the resulting market decline. I have a small emergency fund, but that's not enough. What's the best way to generate additional cash? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: First, congratulations on having a rainy day fund. Even if it's not...Read more