The Help Desk

Does part-time work affect unemployment benefits?

My husband was just laid off from his full-time job with the state of New York. He also has a part-time job on the weekend. Can he file for unemployment benefits and will they be impacted by his part-time job? — N.R.

Your husband can still apply for partial benefits with a part-time job, but those benefits will be reduced depending on how many days he works in a given week MORE

Should I convert my daughter's UTMA to a 529 plan?

After reading about Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts, I regret opening one for my 13-year-old daughter. As I understand it, her mutual fund UTMA will reduce her financial aid by a greater amount than if the money was in my name or in a 529 plan. My daughter has about $3,000 in the account. How can I transfer it into a 529 plan without being penalized on taxes? 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

Should I sell stock now to avoid higher taxes in 2013?

Both of my daughters own Home Depot stock that my father gave them. With the pending tax changes in 2013, should I sell their stock now and place the money into their 529s? One starts college in the fall of 2014, and the other in 2016. —Kathi L.

Long-term capital gains rates are set to rise from 15% to 20% in 2013 (though President Obama and Congress may end up agreeing MORE

Should I tap my retirement savings?

I have a $325,000 home, a $250,000 mortgage and a student loan. I have been taking money out of my IRA since getting laid off, and paying a 10% penalty with each withdrawal. It could be several months before I land a full-time job. Am I better off continuing to tap my IRA, or should I take out an equity loan on my house, rent out my home and move MORE

Are credit-card-linked discounts worth the privacy risk?

Are discounts linked to my credit card spending worth the privacy risk? — Michael, West Bloomfield, Mich.

Both online and off, your purchases often factor into the discounts you're offered. Buy baby food at the grocery store, for example, and you might get a coupon for diapers along with your receipt.

Companies such as FreeMonee and MyLinkables can offer you deals based on your past credit card spending. Details vary, but each has MORE

If Dad files for bankruptcy, can creditors come after Mom?

My father signed a five-year commercial lease in New Jersey for a business that is not running well. There are two years left on the lease, and he owes close to $40,000 on various business credit cards. If my father declares bankruptcy for the business, can the landlord and credit card agencies come after my mother, who holds a steady job and has a regular income? — K.S.

As long as MORE