Ask Terry Archives

Can the Equifax breach reveal any information that could be used to effect deposit accounts such as Bank CDs, 401s, IRAs, or Brokerage accounts? I don't know if any of these have a credit aspect. I have no credit open with them.

Good Morning Ms. Savage, I enjoy reading your articles in the Tampa Bay Times. Sunday you discussed "What to know in the wake of Equifax breach. I am a member of Identity Guard and would like your opinion whether or not I am protected from the Equifax breach with my Identity Guard protection. Thank you.…

How much cash can I give adult children with no tax paid by them?

Is it true as you get older (I am 70) that your allocations should be adjusted to reflect 70% in bonds and 30% in stocks to assure some growth while maintaining funds securely in bonds? I presently have 52% stocks and 48% bonds. I am retired.

I have tried several times to freeze my Equixfax credit report online and was unable to do so. The response was to call, but I don't want to give my info on the phone. How do I proceed. Please tell me how.

Credit Karma offers free monitoring. Is their monitoring service as good as the companies that charge you monthly fees?

If you put a freeze on your credit report and also have credit monitoring, will you be made aware if someone tries to access your credit report while the freeze is on?

Terry, I currently have 26,000 in loans that I am ahead on paying by 2,000$. I have a mortgage that I split with my fiancé. And I have a Roth IRA that I was maxing out until I bought the house. No credit card debt. Question: I want to know what you would suggest to…

Have 400 shares of. Merck. And 400 shares of Altro (MO ) . They have double in price since I bought them . Which one do you think I should sell or both or hold on to them . I really don't need the money also I am 70 yrs old

I am in the same position at your father - not quite understanding how the loan, and principal limit ($ available) is building and for how long. I understand I can stay in my house until death or decision to sell. I am 86 years old and in excellent health. My husband (now deceased )…

Hi Terry. I'm hoping you can help me make a decision. I'm currently making six figures at my current job. After home expense contributions(mortgage, bills, etc.), son's college fund, 4% 401(k) contribution at work with 4% match, 100% ROTH IRA contribution, and 8 months of emergency savings I still have roughly a few thousand left…

I am currently things about the way my 401 K is distributed. I have not touched it since my company set it up for me. Currently I have 30% in bonds, which I am getting told is way too much for someone my age. Fedelity is even telling me that is too much. I was…

I have a small pension from Sears and they have offered me a lump sum. I am 62 and planned to start receiving benefits at age 67 because the amount will double. What should I do? I don't think Sears will be around for very long. Thanks Barbara Gordon

i have a 401k worth 84000.00, should i leave it alone or look for other options (ira)?

Terry, What is your opinion of the companies offering identity theft protection for a monthly fee? What should I look for in choosing a reliable company?

Terry, I recently sold some real estate and need to know where to invest so I can supplement my social security and be able to live. I have somewhere between $600,000 to $800,000 to invest. Since I am no longer getting monthly income (besides ss) I want to able to live off the investment with…

I am 60, possibly retiring between 68 and 70. What is the best investment strategy now, for my 401k, do not wish to lose too much of the capital. How best to protect against a downturn in the market.

Soon to turn 65 and have term insurance enough for burial. Now getting mail saying universal life is better now. What's your thoughts on this, continue term insurance which is going up because of my age or universal life.

I just watched you on the news and you stated that paying the minimum will take 30 years to pay off. My minimum payment is quite large. Would it be better to transfer part of the debt to another card, then I can make larger payments? Or a personal loan to get this down? Thank…

Hello Terry, Thank your helpful advice on College 529 Savings. My question is: I am Illinois Resident and wold like to open 529 Savings account for my 3 yrs old daughter. I saw your article on Bright Start Vs. Bright Directions and like it very much! I would like to know your Opinion about BRIGHT…