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Women and Retirement: Can You Afford Not to Save?
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
What's the Best Way to Set up an Education Fund for My Grandchild?
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
5 Ways to Make Giving a Family Affair This Holiday Season
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
Five Steps Women Can Take Toward Financial Empowerment
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
Are You Falling for These Financial Tricks?
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
Can You Use IRA Assets to Purchase a Retirement Home? Should You?
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
How Do Social Security Survivor Benefits Add Up?
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
It's Open Enrollment: Are You Making the Most of Your Employee Benefits?
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
Girls and Money: Six Important Steps to Take Right Now
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
Tips for Helping Elderly Parents With Their Finances
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
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