We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
HOA Won’t Pay Repair Bill
HOA Won't Pay Repair Bill Here's why the homeowners association won't agree to foot the entire bill for water damage to an owner's unit. Q: We own a condo in Atlanta as a secondary residence. About a year ago we discovered a portion of our floor was saturated with water. We discovered, and the [...]
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts A reader wants to know if it is a problem that their revocable and irrevocable trusts aren't funded. Q: On the advice of an attorney, many years ago my wife and I each created a revocable trust. We never funded the trusts because all our major assets, including stocks, bonds and [...]
Why did my credit score drop?
Why my credit score drop? Paying off loans or credit card debt may temporarily drop your credit score. Even as it seems paying off debt should raise them. Q: So my mortgage got sold again to a new loan servicing company. And, again my credit score went down. My score went down when they closed [...]
Should I Put Inherited Property In LLC?
Should I Put Inherited Property In LLC? Reader wants to know if using an LLC to transfer property ownership after death is the best way to avoid probate Q: I inherited a parcel of land upon my father's death. His wishes were for the property to remain in the family for my children. In order [...]
2024 Personal Finance Resolutions
2024 Personal Finance Resolutions Every year, Ilyce and Sam offer their readers New Year’s resolutions for home buyers, sellers and their personal finances. These are their 2024 Personal Finance Resolutions. Have you made your 2024 Personal Finance Resolutions yet? Before you do, consider this: Are we in a Silent Depression or a booming economy? Since [...]
Calculating Capital Gains
Calculating capital gains. You'll want to keep receipts to make sure keep your capital gains as low as possible. Q: I read your recent article on capital gains and how to calculate them. Here’s my issue. I thought I could shred a whole bunch of receipts accumulated during my ownership of my home. I see [...]
Do I need a quit claim deed?
Do I need a quit claim deed? Reader wonders if she needs a quit claim deed if living trust is in place Q: Is there any risk, concern or benefit to simply adding a child to title through a quit claim deed (not replacing homeowner on title, but adding)? This child is the beneficiary and [...]
Do Revocable Trusts Need a Separate Tax ID Number?
Do Revocable Trusts Need a Separate Tax ID Number? Q: I have a question regarding my mom’s revocable trust. My brother and I are the beneficiaries of the trust. The home was put on the market while my mom was alive but she has since passed. We actually received an offer for the home on [...]
Aging in place: Forgetful seniors cause property damage
Aging in place: forgetful seniors cause property damage Q: What do you do about forgetful seniors who are hellbent on aging in place and are causing property damage? We live in an upscale condo high rise building. We have a sizable group of aging residents who cause damage to units around them and common areas. [...]
Adverse Possession | If You Pay Someone’s Property Taxes Do You Own the Property?
Adverse Possession: If You Pay Someone's Property Taxes Do You Own the Property? Does paying property taxes give ownership? Q: My question is on adverse possession: If you pay someone's property taxes, do you own the property? I own five acres of land with two others. Two of us have paid all of the property [...]