Tag: Advice

You May Already Have Some

Dear Dave, I started listening to your radio show recently, and I heard you say people should have 10 to 12 times their yearly income in life insurance. I’m single, with no plans to get married. Plus, I don’t have any children. Do I still need a big life insurance policy like that? Kris  …


What to Do If You Are a Victim of Unemployment Fraud

Unemployment fraud in the United States has reached dramatic levels during the pandemic—the Labor Department inspector general’s office estimates that more than $63 billion has been paid out improperly through fraud or errors since March 2020. Criminals are seizing on the opportunity created by the pandemic. Using data stolen from prior data breaches, the criminal…


Raise Them to Become Great Adults

Dear Dave, Why do you seem to put so much emphasis on teaching young children about money? Isn’t there time for that later when they’re older? Cyndi   Dear Cyndi, I firmly believe that one of the best ways you can make sure your kids are ready to face adulthood when the time comes is…


Struggling With Retirement Savings? Uncle Sam May Give You Extra Credit

Dear Carrie: I work for a small nonprofit. I love my job but don’t make a lot of money, so saving for retirement is hard. The company offers a retirement plan that I contribute to, but there’s no match. How can I save more?—A Reader Dear Readers: This is a great question—and a great time…


Social Security—It’s Not Rocket Science

I am constantly hearing from readers who comment on the perceived complexities of Social Security laws. They liken the program to something just shy of rocket science or brain surgery. And they marvel that I can keep up with “all the changing and complex rules and regulations.” Well, I am no rocket scientist. Nor am…


Female Entrepreneurs: Here’s the Best Way to Build Confidence

Building a business can leave you feeling lonely. Week after week, through all the ups and downs, you start to doubt yourself. You’re tempted to give up. When you’re frustrated, maybe you sign up for a webinar, or pick the most recent bestselling book on productivity, or buy a new tool that will help you…


It’s Just Not Worth It

Dear Dave, Do you think I should get a new hybrid car to save money on gas? A lot of my friends have done this, and with the rise in gas and oil prices lately, they’re telling me I should, too. According to them, I’ll save a ton of money, especially since I have a…


Is Investing in the Stock Market Gambling?

Dear Carrie: My boyfriend is on his phone all the time trading stocks. Sometimes, he makes a lot of money quickly, and other times, he gets upset because he loses. Overall, though, he says it’s fun and that I should invest too (right now, all of my money is in savings). To me, it all…


Don’t Lose Sleep Over Future Cuts to Social Security

Readers are always telling me they are worried about the future of Social Security. And they say they are inclined to file for Social Security benefits before they originally planned to because they are convinced benefits will be dramatically cut as part of any upcoming Social Security reform. They plan to do this because they…


Rules of Engagement: How to NOT Fight With Your Fiance About Money

Dear Carrie: My boyfriend and I just got engaged. While we agree on most things, we seem to have a lot of differences when it comes to handling money and have had several arguments about it. How can we keep this from becoming an ongoing problem?—A Reader Dear Readers: “How to avoid fighting about money”…