Ask Terry Archives

Looking for the best cash back credit card. We have excellent credit, 800+. Thank you

As a grandfather, do I need to transfer my UTMA NY custodial funds to my daughter-in-law, because my grand-daughter will be only 17 when she enters college or can I (as custodian) transfer the funds directly to the college?

hi Terry, you mentioned a particular unscrupulous fund advisor in the BrightStart IL 529, but what if you only invested in the vanguard options. Would that be the safest bet? That way as an IL resident you get the vanguard quality and prices and the tax deduction?

I have so many credit cards. Several that I don't use anymore. I would like to get rid of some of them. 1. I have to call them to discontinue? Can't just cut them up? 2. Will that mess up my credit score? 3.my husband has stage 4 colon cancer and is self employed. Should…

Recently turned 70. Have $10,000 in old 401k from past employer. Also have $10,000 in retirement from another past employer, employer put money in account & interest accrued. What should I do, roll over into something else, know must take withdrawal also. Also, don't need or want to spend the money that has to be…

How can I quickly pay off credit card debt and good saving tips ith good intererst paid

I am 67 and retired 2 years ago. I am living on SS and savings so far. I paid no income tax last year. Can I start to take money out of my ira without paying tax. What is the maximum total income before you pay federal tax. Thanks Ken

We have gotten ourselves into a big debt hole. We have to refinance our house before december in order to pay my parents for a vacation loan they wanted us to go on, dads wish. It has to be paid no later than Dec. So we are having to finish our home to get the…

Dear Terry. Have you ever heard of a program that can refund money to homeowners with a mortgage known as MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE?How and where can I get information about this program? Thank you.

My late father in law invested heavily in Publix, a private grocery store. (It used to be open to parents and siblings of Publix employees.) The stock has grown into many millions of dollars, and that's the good news. He left his estate to his wife who is now 93 years old and in fair…

I read Bob Dyer's 518/17 column in the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal. He mentioned that you have created a four-page "financial organizer" that is free on your website. I was unable to locate it. Can you please provide the link? Thank you.

My husband's 401K is managed by a company his firm has engaged. We think they have done a pretty good job and are always available to sit down with us and answer questions. As we get closer to retirement, we would like an independent fiduciary to give us a second opinion and help us make…

Hi Terry, Where can I get a free credit score rating? Thanks for you help!

Hi Terry. Could a reverse mortgage be used for a second residence? We have most of our extended family here in the Chicago area. But our adult children live in California. We are 62 and may be grandparents within the next couple years. I was wondering if it makes any sense or if it even…

I have a stock retirement pension plan with my previous company and I was wondering if the dividends from the plan are taxed at the same rate as regular income. I am retired now and collecting social security.

What are some good options to move my investments into, if adjusting my money out of stock funds. I have moved some into european real estate funds. Would bond etfs be a good option? What other options would you recommend? Thank you

We are a couple in our late 70"s and have several SERIES E U.S. SAVING BONDS that are at the 30 year maturity date each month now., MY questions are (1) should we cash in these bonds even though they have not all fully all matured ,and pay the taxes on the interest ,(2) if…

Hello Terry - I need to take out a federal student loan for my graduate degree and I have been unable to find the answers to the following questions: 1) Is there a sample of the loan documents available for me to read before I sign up for the loan? The information I have found…

so do you have info for me to know if this knowls recommended by Jordan Goodman has had any bad issue reputation

As a self employed uber driver how much money should I put aside to cover federal, state, social security and Medicare. I don't want to come up short. Thank you