ArcaMax

Dear Carrie: I just looked at my health insurance bill, and the monthly premiums are almost as much as my car payment! I'm 23 and in good health. The one time I did need to see the doctor, I still got stuck with a $700 bill! It seems like paying for health insurance is just a waste of my money. Do I really need it? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: I'...Read more

Dear Readers: I recently heard an interesting story about a man who expressed his love for his wife in an unusual way. It wasn't with an extravagant gift or a surprise trip to a tropical island. No, he wrote her a book -- a book about their financial life.

While that might not be what you'd choose to give or receive as a Valentine's Day gift,...Read more

Dear Carrie: I've always been a good saver, and now at 29 with a steady job, I have a fairly sizable savings account. My friends are getting into investing, but it seems like such a risk and makes me uncomfortable. Isn't it enough to just keep saving? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Being a good saver certainly puts you ahead of the game. And having a...Read more

Dear Readers: I often write about the financial conversations couples should have before they decide to spend their lives together. To me, getting to know each other financially is an important part of any relationship. But what about after you've been together for a number of years and you are close to retirement? You may think at this point ...Read more

Dear readers: Today I'm departing from my usual format to share with you my greatest wish for the new year and the next decade: that as a nation, we will come together to unleash the tremendous power of financial literacy.

When asked about financial literacy, most people think of a classroom with lessons in budgeting, credit and debt, and ...Read more

Dear Readers, at the beginning of each new year, I'm filled with a sense of new direction. At the same time, I like to look back at the previous year, evaluate what worked and make a fresh commitment to keep going on whatever path proved most successful.

One of the things that was a real boost to me last year was a 30-day food cleanse that left...Read more

Dear Readers: It's hard to believe we're already in 2020. But rather than lament the passing of time, I like to think of a new decade as a time of renewal -- a chance to look at what you've accomplished and what you still want to achieve.

Especially when it comes to financial security, the new year is a perfect opportunity to review where you...Read more

Dear Readers: If I were to ask couples to name the top three things that keep them together, I don't imagine that shared knowledge and interest in their finances would make the list. Yet money is often cited as one of the main causes of divorce. A recent survey by Policygenius found that 1 in 5 people say their partner is financially ...Read more

Dear Carrie: I would like to gift a portion of my stock to my daughter. Do I have to sell it first, or can I simply gift it in the amount allowed this year? Also, I want her to hold on to it until she retires or has a real need for the money. Is that possible? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: This is an excellent and somewhat complicated question ...Read more

Dear Carrie: For the past three years, my 29-year-old daughter has been working for a good company that offers a 401(k), but she still hasn't started to contribute. She says she can't afford it. How can I convince her to get going? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: I wish I had enough space in this column to share with your daughter the myriad stories...Read more

Dear Carrie: I'd like to set up an educational fund for my new grandchild. I understand the tax benefits of a 529 account but am also interested in gifting appreciated stock. What are your thoughts? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Congratulations on your new grandchild! I also applaud your generosity. What a fortunate child to have such a supportive ...Read more