I write a column similar to this one every January. But I don’t mind plagiarizing myself, because it contains a very important message for people planning to retire in 2021. January is a critical month for the hundreds of thousands of potential Social Security beneficiaries who are reaching 66 and 2 months, their so-called full…
Turning Full Retirement Age in 2021? Consider Filing for Benefits This Month.
The Real Secret to Reaching Your Financial Goals in 2021
January is here, and we all have high hopes for this year—especially after 2020. But here’s the thing about a new year: It’s still the same you. When midnight came on New Year’s Eve, there was no magic wand that transformed you and took all your problems away. The only way anything is going to change…
There Are Other Ways
Dear Dave, I really don’t have any established credit, because I’ve never taken out a loan or had a credit card. What will happen when I’m ready to get a mortgage loan and buy a home? Jillian Dear Jillian, There are basically two ways to be in a position to get a home loan. One…
Raise Your Financial IQ in 2021
Dear Readers: It’s that time again. And while you may have promised yourself to be smarter about your finances in 2021, we all know that New Year’s resolutions are notoriously ineffective. Despite our best intentions, the vast majority of us simply don’t follow through. So this year, instead of making an overwhelming list of things…
Don’t Let Budgeting Myths Sabotage Your Finances
Dear Dave, I made a resolution to start following your plan in 2021. I talked to my parents about this, and while they like some parts of your teaching, they don’t think living on a budget is necessary if you make good money. They also said budgeting is extremely difficult. Are they right? Jensen Dear…
Social Security Update for 2021
It has been my custom for most of the past 23 years to write a year-end column that summarizes the Social Security changes and updates scheduled to take place the following year. Almost all Social Security beneficiaries are familiar with the most popular and publicized upcoming change: the increase in monthly benefit checks for 2021…
Give Your Family the Gift of Financial Conversation This Holiday Season
Dear Readers: If there’s one thing many of us are reluctant to talk about, it’s money. We might be comfortable sharing all sorts of personal information—about our health, our religious beliefs, even our personal relationships. But when it comes to our finances, we clam up. And this year, that reluctance may be stronger than ever….
Full Retirement Age in 2021 and Beyond
I know many people are saying, “Good riddance” to 2020, partly due to political turmoil but primarily due to the deadly COVID-19 virus. But as for me, I have been dreading 2021. Why? It has to do with the increase in the Social Security full retirement age. And therein lies a story. For the first…
Push the Pause Button
Dear Dave, I’ve been following your plan, but recently I experienced a medical emergency. I’m about halfway through Baby Step 2 and paying off my debts using the debt snowball system. Considering the circumstances, should I stop doing the debt snowball for now? Brooke Dear Brooke, That’s exactly what you should do. But make sure…
US News
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