Ask Terry Archives

Hi Terry, What book do you recommend about social security that is easy to read and understand? Thank you so much, Lynda

I believe it was you some time ago that mentioned a person that had a web site for annuities where there was little or reduced fees. Could you supply that web address please. I thought I book marked it but I cannot find it. Thanks

$60,000 in parent's plus loan - first payment due November, 2017. Would like to pay off with 401K loan, re-finance mortgage?

I’d received stocks from an Australian company as part of my compensation package, years ago. 5 years ago I cashed in a portion when the company split… no problem. I am beginning my own business and require some funds so would like to cash in the remaining. It is like “night and day” compared to…

I'm 67 still working self-employed. Slowing down though. What do you think on this investment vehicle: Commercial mortgage bridge loans.com. They promise 6% interest on a minimum of 50 k investment tied up for 1 year, principal returned after 1 year or rolled over, your choice. Have you heard of them. Should I be leery.

HI I contacted Debt Counsel for Seniors and the Disabled for my mother, but they are closed. She has a very large credit card bill and her monthly minimum payment is almost $500. I had hoped DCSD could help. Is there another option? Thank you. Therese McMahon

Hi Terry good morning !I just recently was added to my wife's credit card, Honestly I don't know why I did it my credit score is really good like 740 I thought it would help my credit by increasing my line of credit But I actually lost 8 points when it was reported now I'm…

I will be retiring within a couple years. My wife is a retired Illinois grade school teacher. When I finally file for my Social Security benefits, will she also be able to file for spousal benefits based on my employment record?

I am nearing retirement and was one of the first 5 callers to win a $3000 consultation for free on a radio show. After going they were promoting a fixed index annuity. It sound really good with no loss but limited up side.what's your opinion on these annuity's?

I am a 77 yr old single woman who only has money in a bank and 2 cd's. should i start putting small amt of money into vanguards total stock mkt or some other vehicle. Should i just leave it where it is making practically making nothing. Also, where do I go to find someone…

I was told by my financial planner there is a 1.5 % charge for investment into diversified funds for a 3% return or a 3% initial charge for 5% return. I was thinking of putting 2/3 in the 5% return and divide the remaining 1/3 into the former with the rest going into a money…

Where can I print the personal organizer form ?

Should we buy Bonds for our Grandchildren?

Things are so bad you don't know if you are actually talking to the company you'll calling ( or the person taking your info. will keep it safe) or their website is theirs. Concerning the 3 ( Experian, Equifax and trans union) Is it safer to enter information on their site than by phone??????? Thanks,…

How do I freeze my credit card reports and get a free credit score report from all 3 sources. I am over 65.

FYI: RE EMAIL I SENT A WEEK OR SO AGO: DECIDED TO TRY TO GET REFUND. GIRL AT TRANSUNION SAID SHE COULDN'T DO IT SINCE I HAD THE SERVICE FOR ALMOST A MONTH, WHICH I DIDN'T KNOW I HAD TILL CHECKD DISCOVER ACCNT. I IMMEDIATELY CANCELLED THE SUBSCRIPTION. SHE HELD HER GROUND SAYING I HAD…

Age 69 1/2 I plan on working for 3-4 years more should you move a large amount of investment to cash to insure your investments will be there when you retire and continue to participating with matched investments? I'm really concerned it's going to start a downward turn?

I’m considering borrowing $25000 from my 401k to purchase a home. I plan on selling my condo and paying off the loan with the proceeds. I’m 50 and have a balance of 550k in my account. I also have a Roth & rollover IRA that total 45k. I have 30k in savings. I’m trying to…

Terry, I am 66 and plan to work until I am 70. I am in the 28% tax bracket and have 50% of my non deferred savings in muni bond funds. The rest is in stock funds. My financial planner suggests I sell these muni bond funds, go to 100% stock funds in this account,…

my son took out a gov. student loan quite a few years ago. maybe 3 or 4. I wasn't aware of it at the time. So now he is asking me what to do. He has been charged a lot of interest. They are saying they will take 15% of his minimum wage salary. If…