Carrie Schwab Pomerantz

Carrie Schwab Pomerantz

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Can You Take a Hardship Distribution From a 401(k)?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (May 17, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm 57 years old and unemployed. I have $250,000 in a 401(k). Can I withdraw some of the money under hardship? --A ReaderDear Reader: While it sounds like you're... more

First Job. First Financial Responsibility. Now What?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (May 10, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm about to graduate from college and have landed my first job. It doesn't pay a lot, but it's in my field. From a financial perspective, what are my first... more

Can You Protect a Senior From Internet Scams?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (May 02, 2012)

Dear Carrie: My 75-year-old mother is pretty independent. She uses email and is comfortable online getting news and even making some purchases. Lately, she's been telling me... more

Does a Roth IRA Conversion Make Sense at Age 80?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Apr 25, 2012)

Dear Carrie: At age 80, I've never put any money into my IRA since retirement. Can I roll my traditional IRA into a Roth IRA without penalty? --A ReaderDear Reader: The... more

Which Retirement Account Is Best for You?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Apr 11, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm trying to be smart about investing for retirement, but all the different accounts out there confuse me. Help! --A ReaderDear Reader: I believe saving for... more

Should You Ever Use Retirement Savings To Pay Off Debt?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Apr 04, 2012)

Dear Carrie: When I turn 59 and a half, I think it would be a good idea to withdraw $40,000 from my 401(k) to pay off high-interest rate credit cards (24 percent APR). I plan... more

Does a 529 Account Still Make Sense?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Mar 28, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I opened a 529 account for my daughter two years ago. She's now 14, so we have four years before she starts college. The returns have been dismal, and I'm... more

A Look at Your Financial Life: An Annual (At Least!) Ritual

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Mar 21, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm not an active trader. So a few years back (I'm 53 now), I built a retirement portfolio using ETFs and index funds. I haven't changed anything since, and in... more

Can You Make IRA Contributions After You Retire?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Mar 14, 2012)

Dear Carrie: What's the difference between an IRA and a non-IRA account? Can I put money into either account now that I'm not working and retired? -- A ReaderDear Reader:... more

Are You Managing Your Withholding Wisely?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Mar 07, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I get a big tax refund every year. Is it better to invest it, pay off debt or save it for a rainy day? --A ReaderDear Reader: Your question certainly hits three... more

Should You Apply for Medicare Even Though You're Still Working?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Feb 29, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm turning 65 next year and plan to work for a couple more years. Should I apply for Medicare even though I have coverage through my employer? --A ReaderDear... more

New Baby, New House, New Job -- Is There a Way to Stay in Financial Control?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Feb 23, 2012)

Dear Carrie: In the last year, my husband and I bought a new house, had our first child and he switched jobs. All this change has me in panic mode, and I don't know how to... more

Can You Collect Both a Public Pension and Social Security?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Feb 16, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I'm 69, worked 23-plus years in the private sector and I am still working in the public sector and receiving monthly Social Security payments. When I retire and... more

Love and Money: Can You Overcome Your Financial Differences?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Feb 08, 2012)

Dear Carrie: My husband and I have been married for less than a year. He comes from a moderately wealthy family and my family was always scrimping for every penny.... more

Retiring Early: What's the Best Plan for a Too-Small Nest Egg?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Feb 02, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I only have about $21,000 saved and I am headed into a way-too-early retirement. Should I be investing aggressively to make up for lost time? --A ReaderDear... more

Do You Need More Financial Advice as You Get Older?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Jan 23, 2012)

Dear Carrie: We are getting older and need help managing our investments. What do you suggest for people in our circumstances? --A ReaderDear Reader: You're wise to be asking... more

Paying Off Student Debt: Can You Find a Financial Balance?

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Jan 11, 2012)

Dear Carrie: I am relatively new to investing. I have set money aside and plan to take an aggressive approach to paying off my student loans. Can you offer an ideal action... more

Cutting Your Credit Card Debt: How to Get Started

By Carrie Schwab Pomerantz (Jan 04, 2012)

Dear Carrie: Please help. I'm determined to get out from under my credit card debt this year, but don't know how to get started. I'm currently earning $50,000 a year as an... more