Ask Terry Archives

What 529 plan are you recommending. I have read that you do not recommend Brightstart or College illinois. My son had very little colege debt, i would like my granddaughter to have the same advantage. Thank you Terry Says:  I always put my money where my mouth is!  When my brother had a baby a…

Is this a good time to invest in the S&P 500? If so, how would I go about investing in the fund and how often should I invest(monthly, annually)? Currently, I am not making any money on my savings. Terry Says:   I will answer the way I always answer this question:  It is ALWAYS a…

terry i have 3 or 4 savings bonds that are due this month 30 year ones that are earning 5 percent how do i handle this thanks dan Terry Says:  First, you need to make sure that those bonds are reaching their final maturity, not just the "original" maturity date.  You can do this either…

February 2015 I had my bankruptcy discharged. Since then, I have been able to obtain credit cards and car loans. I have never missed a payment on anything and I always pay more than the minimum. I am aware that hard inquiries can negatively impact your credit score. 11/3 my report dropped 31 points. 11/28…

Hi Terry. is $150,000 in one account with an interest rate of 5% the same as having $150000 spread out over five accounts with the same interest rate .would the compound interest be the same? It seems to me that you would make more interest on your money if it was all together Terry Says: …

Do you know of any banks that offer some incentive for opening a minor saving account. I know Marquette bank matchs $25 when you open a account for $25. Thanks.. Terry Says:  Different banks may have different marketing offers at any given time.  But you might want to think twice about opening a custodial account…

If I gift money to a one of my children,can i deduct it from this years taxes? If so is there a limit. Thank you Terry Says:  Gifting money to children, or anyone other than a registered charity or religious organization, does not get you a tax deduction!  You can gift up to $14,000 a…

What is the best way to give a child money for investment? I wanted to buy savings bonds for my god daughter, but I just found out they aren't purchased at the bank anymore and the ebonds are not purchased at half the price like the paper ones were... Terry Says:  The world has changed. …

I live in Lansing, Il. I obtained an loan in May 2013 in the amount of 2,525.00 the interest rate was 139.12 % from western sky in South Dakota. I have paid 300.00 each month since may 2013. I have paid them over 9,000.00. I received a notice 12/18/15 stating the loan is paid in…

Terry, In your 12-20 Chicago tribune column, you said "don't start withdrawing until the junior year of college..". Why? I can see why it wouldn't effect their junior year Fafsa but what about their senior year Fafsa Also, are contributions in to the 529 subject to gift tax if they exceed the annual exclusion? Thanks…

Terry's column in 12/20/15 Hartford Courant, "5 things to know about FAFSA, financial aid, 529s" states "The FAFSA form asks for all income, substantiated by the parents tax return (of both parents, if divorced.)" According to website info at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/fafsa-parent.pdf, when the parents are divorced and not living together it is only the parent's info…

I am a grandparent I have a custodial stock account for a grandchild. When filling out a FAFSA application does the money in the account have to be listed as an asset to the child. He will be receiving grant money. Thank you Terry Says:  According to Mark Kantrowitz of www.Edvisors.com, one of the leading…

What's the cheapest time of year to buy airfare for travel in early January 2017? Thanks, Bob Terry Says:  Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal just posted an article on the subject, which I found fascinating.  Here is a link to the article.  But you must be a subscriber to read it in full.  It mostly…

I have a two year old and have a small 529 now for her but want to continue to invest for her college. I saw an article you wrote maybe a year or two ago and I didn't get the impression you thought the 529 was a good investment. Do I have the correct understanding?…

When I filed FAFSA it did not ask for both divorced parents income. I was just in court last week because my ex is trying to force me to file for our 2 kids because I have a low income. He has a very high income, has always claimed both kids on his taxes AND…

What is the broker's commission on purchase/sale of Exchange Traded Funds? Terry Says:  Each brokerage firm determines its own commissions, which may be lower depending upon the size of the trade and the dollars being invested.  That's why you might want to try a "discount" brokerage firm for comparison.   Fidelity and Vanguard, as well as…

I am a single retired individual and have been looking at the possibility of moving to a senior (over 55) living community but I am totally overwhelmed when I see their published income levels for single people in that "apparently" my yearly income (about $39,800 gross) does not qualify me for their communities. This is…

Where are these stock gift cards available in chicago area - NW suburbs? Thx Terry Says:   They are supposed to be in Toys 'R Us and K-Mart.  But you can always go to Stockpile.com.  I hope it's not too late to get a physical card mailed, but for sure they will email a gift card…

Greetings, I recently read an article of yours in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, November 22, 2015. I was wondering would you have any information on retrieving lost savings bonds. I would appreciate any information you would share with me on how and whom to contact to solve this issue of mine. Thanks in advance.…

Is it better for us, the grandparents, to maintain 529s in ours and the grandkids' names OR give the money intended for our investment to the grandkids parents to invest in the 529s they have for their children? (The parents are honest and will invest the money according to our wishes.) Thanks for being willing…