Ask Kim

Dear Kim,  I’m recently widowed, and still working full-time. As I look toward retirement in a few years, I worry about how I’ll handle healthcare and long-term care expenses on my own. I have a retirement account that will cover my living… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m 63 and widowed. I keep hearing I should delay taking Social Security, but I’m also watching my savings shrink. How do I know when it’s the right time for me to start drawing benefits? Sincerely,  Considering and Conflicted Dear… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m 45 and raising a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old on my own after my husband’s passing. My husband usually made our financial choices, and we didn’t have any college savings for our kids. I want to start saving for college,… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m 52 and reentering the workforce after being out for nearly two decades to raise my kids. Now that I’m earning again post-divorce, I want to be smart about my finances, but I feel behind.  I have my house free… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for years, and now I’m thinking about going back to school or getting certified in a new field. But I’m overwhelmed by the cost and… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m 56 and widowed. With my youngest child leaving for college soon, I’ve started thinking about relocating—maybe downsizing or even moving out of state. I want a fresh start, but I’m nervous about how that would impact my finances long-term,… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’m 49 and recently divorced after 20 years of marriage. My ex always handled our credit and bills, and now I’m worried about losing access to credit or damaging my score. I still have a mortgage in my name and… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My grandmother passed away and left a small estate. I recently found out that her will stated that if her children died before her, then that portion of her estate would go to the grandchild (which is me).  I want… Read more »

Dear Kim,  My father recently passed away, and I am the executor of his will.  He left a note for me to open after his death, and that note shared that he had loaned $20,000 to a friend a year ago.  He… Read more »

Dear Kim,  Five years ago, when I was 50, I chose to take a large buyout ($100,000) when my company was downsizing. I’m still working at another job now, but I’m single, and I invested that money so that it could hopefully… Read more »

Dear Kim,  I’ve received a life insurance payout following my mother’s death, and while it’s a blessing, it feels heavy to handle alone. It is a six figure amount that I know will be helpful for my future.  What should I be… Read more »

Dear Kim,  After my husband died, I discovered accounts and investments I didn’t even know we had. Needless to say, I was shocked – and sad he didn’t trust me enough to keep me in the know. How do I make sense… Read more »