Most-hated-fees contest: The championship round

Well, here we are, folks. It’s time for the frustrating-fee finals. The summation of our surcharge smackdown.

Following up on a story in the July issue of MONEY about 15 irritating fees — and how to avoid them — the More Money blog has asked readers to pick what they think are the most frustrating surcharges out of all the fees levied by banks, airlines and other companies that people do business with. Over the past two weeks, through five initial ..read more

Most-hated-fee contest: Semifinal round 1

When it comes to getting nickel-and-dimed, there are minor irritations and there are major league champions. Welcome to the big leagues.

Following up on a story in the July issue of MONEY about 15 irritating fees — and how to avoid them — we here at the More Money blog have embarked on a quest to find the most frustrating fee out of all the fees charged by banks, airlines or other companies you do business with. Last week, visitors to ..read more

Readers to the rescue – Family payback

Is there a good way to collect on a debt from a relative who hasn’t paid up? –R., Chico, Calif.

With kindness and respect in a conversation or letter, try to find a workable solution. Maybe you can offer your relative a longer time to repay or take goods or services in lieu of cash. –Amanda, Beaverton, Ore. You can resort to legal remedies, but if you’ll face this person at family functions for the next 20 years, that may ..read more

Readers to the Rescue – Splitting heirs

My daughter, a pharmacist, earns more than my son, a middle-school teacher. I am proud of them both but plan to leave most of my estate to my son. Am I being fair? –K., Richardson, Texas

Economic situations can change, and your daughter could face greater financial difficulties at some point in the future. Leave an equal amount to both children and allow them to work out any monetary adjustments between themselves. –Ben Finney, Atlanta

Split your estate fifty-fifty and ..read more

Readers to the Rescue

Weigh in with your own advice for readers facing tough financial decisions or grappling with challenging situations involving money, manners, and ethics.

Friends come to me for advice regarding their  investments. I’m no CFP, but I have a good grasp of the basics and give well-researched recommendations. Is providing this advice a mistake?  –Peter from Fairfax Station, Va.

Readers to the Rescue

Weigh in with your own advice for readers facing tough financial decisions or grappling with challenging situations involving money, manners, and ethics.

By the time my son graduates from college, I’ll be nearing retirement. I’m willing to pay for his BA but feel like anything after that is his responsibility. Am I being selfish? –Harley from Birmingham, Ala

Readers to the Rescue

Weigh in with your own advice for readers facing tough financial decisions or grappling with challenging situations involving money, manners, and ethics.

When your children are making more than you are, is it okay to expect them to contribute to joint vacations, meals out, etc? –Sara Taylor

Readers to the Rescue

Weigh in with your own advice for readers facing tough financial decisions or grappling with challenging situations involving money, manners, and ethics.

Is there a good way to collect on a debt from a relative who hasn't paid up despite a written loan agreement? –D.R. Bishop

Readers to the Rescue

Weigh in with your own advice for readers facing tough financial decisions or grappling with challenging situations involving money, manners, and ethics.

Question: Is it ethical to check on your spouse’s credit card balances? –Michael

The market boomed… and 401(k) investors sat on their hands

A new survey out today from Hewitt Associates finds that 401(k) investors haven't been very busy lately. Just 16% of participants made any kind of fund transfer in 2009, vs. about 20% the year earlier. In other words, relatively few people noticed the 27%-return rally in the works and said to themselves, "Hey, I should jump back into stock funds." That's good… and it's bad. And it's an opportunity to make 401(k)s work better.

Why it's good: Chasing hot-performing funds or ..read more

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