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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

Dear Reader: It seems we hear the word "gratitude" a lot these days. In spite of being faced with all kinds of challenges, the idea of being grateful for what you have -- whether it's family, friends, financial security or just a beautiful moment -- appears to be a common theme. I like that concept, and I like the idea of using it as a way to ...Read more

Dear Carrie: Despite our many advances, it seems like women still fall behind men when it comes to money. Is that true? And what can we do to catch up? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: Your question is spot on because, yes, women are still behind men financially. And yes again, there are definitely things we can -- and must -- do to catch up.

The ...Read more

Dear Readers: It's the rare person who doesn't occasionally fall into some poor financial habits that can lead to potentially scary results. This fall, make sure you're not tricking yourself into a financial bind. Rather, treat yourself to greater security by reviewing these 10 personal finance "gotchas" and making any necessary changes. The ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My wife and I are both over 63 and want to purchase a primary residence for our retirement. Can we use money from our individual retirement account for the down payment? If so, are there any tax issues? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: It's great that you and your wife are thinking ahead about where you'll live in retirement. We often ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My husband and I are each getting Social Security based on our own work records. When one of us dies, will the survivor collect both benefits, or do we need to plan for substantially reduced income? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: There's a misconception about survivor benefits that when both spouses are collecting Social Security and ...Read more

Dear Readers: It's open enrollment time, and I have a question for you: Are you taking full advantage of your employee benefits? Employee benefits play a significant part in your financial life. And to me, staying on top of what's offered is as important as staying on top of your investments.

Open enrollment gives you the opportunity to make ...Read more

Dear Readers: Did you know that Oct. 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child? Designated an official international day by the United Nations, its goal is to focus attention on the particular challenges girls face worldwide, encourage programs that empower girls and celebrate the achievements of girls.

So what does this have to do with ...Read more

Dear Carrie: My parents are in their early 80s. Fortunately, they're in relatively good health and still quite independent, but I want to help them be prepared should things change. How can I get involved with their finances without being intrusive? -- A Reader

Dear Reader: While popular wisdom might say that 80 is the new 60, the reality of ...Read more

ATTENTION ASK CARRIE EDITORS: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2014. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. -- CREATORS

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Do You Have to Pay Income Taxes on Social Security Benefits?

Dear Carrie: From what I've read, if a married couple has annual withdrawals from 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts or pensions that exceed ...Read more

Dear Readers: What do dinosaurs and virtual reality have to do with financial education? A lot, according to teachers who responded to the most recent financial education Innovation Challenge sponsored by the Charles Schwab Foundation in partnership with DonorsChoose. The challenge asked entrepreneurial K-12 teachers to come up with innovative...Read more