Unexpected Events

Crisis Button: I just won the lottery! What do I do?

Q&A: What should I do if I'm the victim of identity theft?

Be prepared to do these 4 things right away.

Q&A: Can a spouse claim benefits if their spouse committed suicide?

That depends on a couple of scenarios.

When disaster strikes...strike back.

Q&A: What should I do if I'm the victim of identity theft?

Know the 4 steps

Q&A: What happens to a bank loan in the event of a death?

The answer depends on whether there were any co-signers against the debt.

Q&A: Does credit card debt transfer to your children after death?

This question highlights one of the top reasons why you have credit in your name only.

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The Latest

Should you skip Obamacare and keep your old plan?

May 20, 2013

When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, starts rolling out in October, it will overhaul how Americans get healthcare coverage. Yet many workers will feel little immediate impact.
That's because almost half the...
Brace yourself for $200,000 in retirement health care costs

May 17, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Americans nearing and in retirement are seriously underestimating the amount of money they’ll need for medical care in their post-working years. While there’s a “...
Retirement healthcare costs decline

May 17, 2013

Healthcare costs put a big squeeze on retiree pocketbooks, but the grip may be relaxing a bit.
A 65-year-old couple retiring this year will need $220,000 to pay for healthcare for the rest of their lives, an amount that is eight percent...
Ask Jane: Who can I leave my guns to, legally, if I die?

May 16, 2013

This is a tricky question because state laws differ so much. Compounding the problem is that most states don’t even pay much attention to who inherits guns unless the heir gets into trouble. Then — if possession turns out to be illegal — he or...
Our disconnect on retirement health care is 'staggering'

May 16, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) —Uh-oh.
Not only are U.S. health consumers lax in their effort to go see the doctor, and in taking steps to improve their physical well-being, they also...
Younger workers turn down affordable disability insurance

May 14, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Younger U.S. workers are turning down good opportunities to grab some affordable disability insurance — and it’s not just because they’re young and believe they’re...
4 tips to prevent identity theft

May 10, 2013

Whether they do it online, through texting tactics or by stealing your wallet the old-fashioned way, identity thieves are constantly concocting new cons.
One reason card companies are working hard to...
4 red flags that may trigger your credit card to suspect identity theft

May 10, 2013

Credit card companies are constantly refining their techniques to detect fraud and, for obvious reasons, are reluctant to share specific details of how it’s done.
But there are a few red flags that clue card companies in to fishy activity...
Ask Jane: What should I do if the IRS challenges my tax returns?

May 9, 2013

When I get a letter from the IRS — and yes, it’s happened — I get a chill. Am I in trouble? Did I miss a deadline or overlook...
4 financial precautions for new travelers

May 7, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Have leisure time, will travel — especially when it comes to traveling overseas: It seems to be the mantra for a growing number of Americans.
...