The Help Desk

How do I buy an ETF cheaply?

How would I purchase an ETF? What is the cheapest way to buy an ETF? – Name withheld

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are widely available from a variety of brokerage firms, says Roger Woodman, founder of Roger F. Woodman Jr. & Co., a financial advisory firm in Portland, Maine. Just open an account at a major online broker such as Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, E*Trade, or TD Ameritrade, and you can MORE

When should I apply for Medicare?

I'm planning on retiring when I turn 65, which is in five months. Do I wait until I'm 65 to apply for Medicare? – Sharon V.

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65, says James Long, a licensed health insurance agent at Young's Insurance Services in Eagleville, Penn.

If you're not receiving Social Security benefits, however, consider signing MORE

How do you straighten out a credit file mix-up?

My mother and her ex-daughter-in-law shared the same first and last name. My ex-sister-in-law has ruined her credit ratings, and now my mother is having issues with her checks, charge cards, etc., due to sharing the same name. Creditors are not bothering to look at Social Security numbers. Is there any way to repair my mother's credit? – Scott

Untangling your mother's credit information may be a headache. Mixed credit files, MORE

Will I be taxed on my mom's life insurance policy?

My mom just passed away, and I'm the beneficiary of her $25,000 life insurance policy. Am I taxed on this? I plan to disperse the money to others in my family. Can I pay tax on it off the top so others don't have to pay tax on the money? –Jerry

In general, the face value of a life insurance policy is not subject to federal income tax, says Susan Growney, MORE

How do I keep silver coins safe?

When you buy silver coins and have them delivered, how is that shipment protected and insured? Can you have the coins delivered directly to a bank to be put directly into safe deposit boxes?—Name withheld

When buying coins in precious metals, the seller will typically ship to any legitimate address, whether residential or commercial, and will fully insure the coins and replace the product should something happen in transit.

Once the silver MORE