Business

Q. Now that the estate tax is being phased out, what is meant that it benefits the top 4 percent? Please address the new estate tax exemption.

Q. I have $10,000 in credit card debt and I can’t seem to pay more than the minimum. I’m thinking of using my HELOC which I have never used to pay it off. Are there any downsides?

Q. My sister and I both own our dad’s home. He died last year. I want to move into the house and she wants to sell it. I can’t afford to buy it. What can I do?

Q. My son is switching to a new job and he’s thinking of taking the money out of his first 401(k) to help pay moving costs. I’m saying it’s a bad idea. Can you help me explain why?

Q. I’ve heard that commodities are a good alternative investment. What’s the best way to buy? How do I know which ones are the best for this market?

Q. My daughter is having her first baby and I want to give a money gift for college. What’s the best way to do this?

Q. My husband and I have discussed using a substantial amount from our retirement accounts to either pay off our home or the SUV. I’m retired with a pension from the state but not eligible for Social Security for another two years, and my husband is 62 and still working. He wants to retire, but fear that if we don’t pay either the house or the truck, we may face financial problems later on.

Q. We have tuition for my son in a 529 plan. Is there an advantage to doing the college’s monthly payment plan or should we just make one large payment?

Q. I know I can take money from my Roth to buy a new home. Can I do it to help with a new home for my kids? And what other reasons can I take the money out without a penalty?

Q. My dad recently died, and I just learned I have an UTMA that my parents started when I was a teenager. I’m now 47, and I don’t think taxes were ever paid on this account. What can I do about it?