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Topic:  
What is the true definition of "disposable income". Is it what is left after the basic life expenses are paid? Or is it the total amount of income received? We are retired, with a good income, but our property taxes are humongous. We could get a reduction if our "disposable income" is less than $35K annually. Thanks!
Submitted Mar 9, 2011
I will be turning 65, August 2011 and would like to continue contributing to my HSA. I will NOT be receiving Social Security payments for at least another year or several years. Can I NOT enroll in Medicare Part A this year and be allowed to enroll in a year or two?
Submitted Mar 9, 2011
I learned I need a knee replacement. I am 68 and drawing Social Security. I have just signed up for Medicare because I have health insurance with my employer. Should I have the surgery before I quit work and let my insurance pay first? Would medicare pay the outstanding balance or should I quit work and use Medicare and the supplement I'm planning on taking out? I...
Submitted Mar 3, 2011
My mom is 74, and would like to give each of her 4 children (including me) a gift of a piece of land that she has had for over 40 years. The land is 5 acres valued at $190,000 by the County Appraisal District. She would like to give each of us 1.25 acres valued at $47,500. What is the best way that she can gift this land to us while minimizing the federal gift...
Submitted Mar 3, 2011
I have about 80,000 in student loan debt, about 8,000 in credit card debt and about 35,000 in an auto loan. I am upside down on my car loan, so I can''t sell and move to a cheaper car. My loan payments total 1,600 a month and credit card payments are about 600. Rent is 800/mo. I make a pretty good income for a single person, however I am having trouble paying down...
Submitted Mar 1, 2011
My wife and I are almost 60. Our son is 29 and he lives by himself. The family income is from my salary. Does my wife still need to carry life insurance? She currently has a $50k whole life insurance. Regards, Philip
Submitted Feb 24, 2011
Dear Money Dr., I am 66 yrs old, retired with a 401k and a retirement package. We lost a lot of our 401k in 2008 along with many others. The market is up but I am getting very concerned about it. I cant afford to lose more of our 401k. I would like to find another place , safe place, to put some of our money. I dont know much about CD''s, Securities,or annuity''s....
Submitted Feb 23, 2011
I have about 3500 in credit card debt that I hope to have paid off in a year.I am not putting any extra money into an emergency account. Should I continue to put all the extra money I can towards my credit card debt or should I be putting money into an emergency fund?
Submitted Feb 22, 2011
Dear Sir: My 94 year old mother has 3 sons(i am the oldest)and an accumulated wealth of about 1.1 Million. 6-700K is in the form of a Beach House. It is still in her name. My younger brother takes care of her at her home. Our goal is to keep the beach house in our family of three sons. One son is not married. Two of the three sons are financially stable into...
Submitted Feb 21, 2011
My salary has been reduced to less than 50% of what I made several years ago. I was laid-off for over a year and now, even though I am reemployed, I make about half of my old salary. I have exhausted all my savings and now I am considering bankruptcy. Do any special tax filing rules apply to my situation? Any advice you can will be appreciated. Thanks, Jack...
Submitted Feb 21, 2011

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