Ask Kim Archive

The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care

You'll pay a steep price for assisted living, a nursing home or a home health aide. That's why insurance is essential.

How Do I Tap My IRA?

If you're 59½ or older, follow these steps to access your money.

What's in Store for Medicare Part B Premiums

Some people will have to pay more for coverage next year.

Putting IRA Withdrawals Back Into Your Account

The IRS recently extended the period during which you can put 2009 distributions back into an IRA without tax consequences.

Switching Money-Management Software

Users of the discontinued Microsoft Money will find it easy to swap to Quicken.

2010 Retirement-Account Contribution Limits

The maximum amounts you can stash in a 401(k), IRA and other accounts won't increase next year.

How to Get a Loan to Start a Business

Here's what you need to know about applying for a Small Business Administration-guaranteed loan through your local bank.

5 Things to Do During Open Enrollment

Health insurance isn't the only thing you need to consider when making decisions about benefits offered by your employer.

Some Medicare Rates to Rise

Find out what changes to expect -- and what you can do -- if you have a prescription-drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan.

Still Time to Undo a Roth Conversion

You have until October 15 to recharacterize your account back to a traditional IRA. Here's why you might want to do so.

Making Charitable Contributions From an IRA

You have less of an incentive to take advantage of this special rule in 2009.

More Questions About Roth Rollover Rules

Kimberly Lankford explains whether income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA will disappear and whether you can roll a 401(k) directly into a Roth.

Flexible Spending Account vs. Dependent-Care Credit

A couple of tax breaks are available for working parents who pay for child care, but you'll have to choose one or the other.

10 Ways to Lower Your Taxes

Make these moves now to help you shrink your tax liability next spring.

Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage Costs Rising

Here's what else to expect when you get your employer's open-enrollment packet in the next month or so and how to cope with changes in your benefits.

More Roth Rollover Answers

The questions keep rolling in about converting traditional IRAS to Roths.

The New Roth Rollover Rules Explained

Kimberly Lankford answers readers' questions about the new rules that take effect in 2010.

What's Behind the Death-Panel Hype?

The legislation that sparked the controversy actually says nothing about death panels or having anyone other than the patient control end-of-life decisions.

Taxes on Kids' Summer Income?

<p>Your child will have to file a tax return next spring if he or she earned over a certain amount.</p>

Take Advantage of These Stimulus Breaks Soon

Several provisions of the economic-stimulus plan expire by the end of this year.

How You Can Use 529-Plan Money

Funds from a college-savings account can cover tuition, fees, books and some lesser-known expenses.

How to Check an Insurer's Complaint Record

You need to know how an insurance company handles claims before buying a policy from it.

Insurance Needs for Military Families

You have special needs -- especially when deployed -- but you also have some special benefits.

Kids, College and Insurance

You may need to make adjustments to your policies to make sure your child is covered when he or she goes to school.

How Credit Score Affects Insurance Premiums

Your rates could rise if your credit score declines. Here's what you can do.

How Military Members Can Benefit From a Roth

The tax benefits of this IRA are hard to beat if you have tax-exempt deployment pay.

New Credit-Card Rules Take Effect Soon

Starting August 20, card issuers will have to provide more disclosure of their rules and fees. Here's how cardholders will be affected.

Too Late to Get Cash for Your Clunker?

Congress has approved more funding for the government's Car Allowance Rebate System, you might score a better deal selling your gas guzzler on your own.

Expanded Education Benefits for Military Members

A bill that took effect August 1 gives veterans and active-duty members of the military more help paying for college.

Get the Best Rate on Health Insurance

Before you apply for coverage, make sure that your medical records are accurate and that you have any conditions under control.

Guard Against Job-Search Scams

Here's a rundown of some of the common schemes and what you can do to protect yourself.

Early-Warning Signs of Credit Trouble

Consider getting help from a credit-counseling agency if any of these five situations apply to you.

Tax Rules for the Self-Employed

It's up to you to figure out how much you owe Uncle Sam and make payments each quarter.

How to Tap an IRA for a Home Purchase

You can withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free to buy or build a first home, but make sure you know the rules.

How Annuities Are Taxed

The rules vary based on the type of annuity and how you take the money.

Roth IRA Rules for Married Couples

If you recently tied the knot, your combined income may make this tax-advantaged retirement account off-limits for you.

Social Security Payments Could Shrink for Some

Because Social Security won't provide a cost-of-living adjustment next year and Medicare Part B premiums likely will rise, some retirees will get smaller checks.

Incentives for Car Buyers

The economic-stimulus package provides a tax break, dealers have bargains, and the government's "cash for clunkers" program offers vouchers to help people buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.

How to Minimize Long-Term-Care Premiums

Choosing the right benefit period plays a big role in how much you'll pay for coverage.

How to Cope With Rising Life Insurance Rates

Shop around soon because some insurers haven't hiked term life premiums yet.

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Turning Allowances Into Savings

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