Ask Money

I went to a financial advisor in hopes someone else could do more with my money. He suggested that I take full advantage of my employer's 401(k) when I am eligible (next year), but since I have been a good saver and expect an increase in income, I should consider using life insurance as a vehicle for tax-free retirement savings. I have mixed feelings about this. Christina, Atlanta, GA

My wife and I are in our early 60s, with a son in college. We have Roths and 401(k)s. I will get a pension from the state of North Carolina when I retire in a few years -- not so for my wife. What I need to know is: Is there a reason not to put so much of our savings in munis? (I would take the money out of some of our mutual funds.) I would not get munis from states with problematic economies; I would most likely get them from N.C. Also, what is the best way to purchase tax-free munis? Thanks! Stephen, Durham, NC

Tess Vigeland and Marketplace's economics editor Chris Farrell answer listeners' personal finance questions.

My question is, if your mortgage rate is higher than what you could expect from investing, wouldn't it make more sense to pay on the mortgage? This is almost the same as the concept of paying off the credit card with the highest rate first. What are your thoughts on this? John, Rapid City, SD

My husband and I recently inherited over $150,000, which is more than enough money to pay off our mortgage OR invest for our retirement. My husband wants to pay off the mortgage, leaving us with very little to invest. I prefer to put the bulk of the money "to work" via a nationally known and reputable financial services group, using a conservative and long-term approach. What do you suggest? Susan, Brookville, IN

I have been very fortunate to stay almost continually employed despite three layoffs in 10 years. I have also contributed regularly to my employers' sponsored, tax-deferred retirement plans. In the process, I have acquired several accounts managed by Fidelity, including one at my current employer. (Some employers set up three or four accounts.) Is there any downside to rolling over accounts linked to a specific employer to one Fidelity account? I'm just looking to simplify managing my accounts. Thanks! Kathy, Warrenville, IL

I co-signed a friend's private graduate student loans in 2005. She was an international student, which is why she needed the co-signer to get approved. In 2007, she had a stroke and moved home to Costa Rica. She hasn't gotten a job and taken responsibility for paying the loans since then. How can I get off of the loan agreement as a co-signer? Ryanne, Washington D.C.

Tess Vigeland and Kathy Kristoff of Kiplinger's magazine answer listeners' personal finance questions.

My current car is getting up there both in years and in miles, and I'd like to replace it before anything major goes horribly wrong. If I sell some of the stock I've accumulated in my Employee Stock Purchase Plan, I should be able to pay for the car in full in cash. The other option is to finance the other half of the purchase. Which route would you recommend? Thank you! Arcadiy, Atlanta, GA

I recently "moved my money" and I'd like to get rid of my old credit cards linked to the old bank accounts. Assuming there are no fees for keeping the old cards, should I save one and not use it, or occasionally use it in case it needs to remain active? Or can I simplify my life, cut loose the dormant accounts and just move on to my new cards? Any advice appreciated. Charlie, San Francisco, CA