Ask Terry Archives

Terry. . . not a question, just a comment. In today's column in the San Diego UT, you didn't mention the possibility of establishing 529s for yet-unborn babies. Several years ago, I set up 529 accounts for my four grandchildren and soon will be setting up 8 accounts for yet-unborn great-grandchildren, anticipating two greats per…

I have $ 57,000 sitting in a Money Market after selling my home.I was looking at Knowles System who are involved in Bridge Loans and giving 6% monthly and guarantees your principal back when you decide to end the 12 ,18, 24 month contract.Actually even higher interest % above a 12 month contract.I know your…

Hi Terry. My 16 year old son just spilled, unknowingly, all about his investments in bit coins. I listened and let him tell me ALL about it. He has gone to try to find bit coin machines(we live in oak lawn and he got a friend to drive him to Mokena-ahhh jez, very far) and…

I read this post and wonder about what to ask internet banks regarding death of the CD holder and the obtaining of the money by the inheritors. I have a internet CD and the bank doesn't have a method to identify beneficiaries. They said the survivor has to go to court and get "letters." Doesn't…

I would like a copy of the Personal Financial Organizer form that you mentioned in your April 30, 2017 article. Thank you.

i am a 45yo that recently terminated 9 years employment from a small company that made contributions on my behalf in there employee profit sharing plan. They gave me my vested share of $28,000 and a 1099R. I want to use this money to buy a home. Is the plan administrator required to give me…

This is an answer, not a question: The one social security alternative I haven’t seen you mention is: If one signs up for social security on their full retirement age and continues working and paying into social security, they will continue to receive social security payments every month, and their benefit will continue to increase…

Can you talk about tax implications of rebalancing . Last time I rebalanced I got whacked hard with income taxes. Therefore very reluctant to do this on a regular basis. I get the 401k/IRA part. No tax impact. But the plain old investment account gets crushed by the IRS upon rebalance. Any tips?

where on your website is the Personal Financial Organizer mentioned in your column in the April 30 2017 Hartford Courant

Financial Planner Jordan Goodman was recently on WGN’s Steve Cochran’s radio show recommending commercial real estate income funds. It sounds too good to be true. What are your thoughts regarding this type of investment, and more specifically, the associated risks? Thanks for your advice.

Embarrassingly it's taken too long, but I need to understand what's going on with my money and figure out how to invest it. I have some mutual funds a 401K an IRA just floating along. It's my money I want to know if it's in the right place earning what it should. How do I…

My husband and I bought a house and renovated it. We ran out of money and still had to do the kitchen. We both have excellent credit scores, so we both opened up 12 month interest free credit cards with a credit line of $20,000 each. I had $5,000.00 on my card which has been…

Can you give me the name or names of reputable debt consolidation companies? I greatly appreciate it.

Will my monthly social security continue to increase if I defer but do not work past age 63 ?

A while ago, we started using a Fidelity CC that accumulated points that could be rolled into an IRA account at Fidelity. We have been doing that for a while and it turns out that I cant roll over my benefits into either of the IRA accounts i have with them (one Simple IRA another…

My question is in regard to "Total investment expenses: 0.120% $1.20 (per $1,000 invested). .120% seems expensive on its own. When my 401k starts to grow that "per $1,000 invested" expenses gets very expensive. Am I understanding the expenses correctly?

I am now overseeing my mother's finances since my father has passed on. She pays a wealth advisor quite a large sum for managing her portfolio. I am concerned that 60% of her portfolio is invested in ETFs. She has a home of approximate one million dollar value with approximately half that amount mortgaged. My…

Good Morning, I will apply for Medicare at 65 (all parts). However, I plan to take Social Security at my fully retirement age of 66 and 2 months. Since Medicare is typically deducted from the Social Security check, how will I pay for Medicare if I'm not yet receiving SS. I'm sure there's a way,…

Would you be willing to comment on this Buy/Sell agreement between me and my significant other whom I am buying a house with in Florida. The house will be in both of our names "tennants in common with right to surviorship". However if there is a falling out between the parties, and one wants "out"…

Terry, Is there a better fund to invest money for grandchildren's education? I am with scottrade and can not decide if to pull out funds with go with scottrade. Dan