Ask Terry Archives

I saw you on WTTW and put out a fraud alert like you advised and each agency got back to me stating that it will be on for 90 days. Equifax is suggesting that I should enroll in Trusted ID Premier. It is their company which will guard my credit report a no charge. Is…

While two of the three credit reporting companies quickly and easily processed my request for a credit freeze, Experian processed my wife's request but denied mine. I have no idea why and it is impossible to find a human to clarify. Submit your info by the internet -NOTHING, try to call the number you have…

Having trouble on line to contact Equifax regarding the freeze Thank you Gail

What are the easiest scholarships available to apply for

Is it a good idea to take out a loan to pay off credit cards and students loans so that I would only have one payment per month? Thank you for your help.

Hi Terry, I'm in my 50's and I have some cash in my 401 but nearly not enough to retire on. How can I give it a boost as far as my allocations go and other things I may possibly save too? I don't feel like I'm being as aggressive as I could be. Any…

Could the Equifax breach harm my checking and saving accounts? How can I protect them?

Hi Terry, loved you for years! I left an employer that I worked for seven years and I left my pension there (401k I moved). What is your advice? Leave it, move it? Where to? It's worth about $40,000. Thanks so much!

what is the site or howto do a checkup on whole life policies policies?

I am in the process of purchasing a new car. I will need to finance a portion of the total cost. What happens if I put a freeze on my credit? I want to be protected from identity theft, but will a credit freeze affect me when applying for an auto loan?

Hi Terry I met with a financial advisor today She's from Wintrust. She recommends that i roll over my employer 403k into a ira and invest in bonds. i am retiring end of october 2017 I will be 65 in november 2017. I can't handle my job any longer. What can you tell me about…

Should I consider using LifeLock? If so should I hit my credit freeze before or after signing up for LifeLock? Thank you very much

I'm 58 and retired. I have money to invest but don't want risk exposure to a roller coaster market. I cannot open a Roth IRA because of no earned income. What is a good place to invest to minimize my exposure to taxes?

Once a person reaches 70 1/2 years of age and must start withdrawing from his/her IRA, the urgent question is: What investments can I use in my taxable account to minimize the federal income tax? (Florida has no state/city income taxes.) Do ETF's offer any tax advantages over Mutual Funds? Thank you in advance for…

Hi Terry, Thanks for all of your guidance regarding the credit breach. If I already have LifeLock, is it necessary to also do the credit freeze? Thanks, Liana Wilson.

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.