Humberto Cruz
Personal finance columnist Humberto Cruz and his wife, Georgina, did what many people dream about but believe can't be done: Retire from full-time work in their 50s on middle-class salaries, buy a new home on the beach and still have a nest egg of $2 million left. In his personal finance column, "The Savings Game," syndicated by Tribune Media Services, Cruz explores common-sense ways to manage money and build wealth.
A native of Cuba who came to the United States with only $300 in his pocket, Cruz practices the basic rules he promotes through his down-to-earth, easy-to-understand columns: Spending less than you make, investing wisely for the long term, being savvy with credit and making tax-smart decisions. Cruz closely follows trends and draws on a national network of outstanding sources to provide the most up-to-date, useful information.
Cruz worked as a writer and an editor for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for 30 years. "The Savings Game" began at the Sun-Sentinel in 1990 and now appears in newspapers across the country. Cruz also wrote a syndicated column "The Mutual Funds Wire" between 1997 and 2000 before retiring from full-time work. Together with Georgina, a nationally known travel writer and author, Humberto also wrote "Retire Smart," a syndicated column for savvy retirees and boomers on the road to retirement, from 2001 to 2007.
In 2006, Moneysmartz.com named Cruz one of its best personal finance columnists for financial planning, savings commentary and advice.
Humberto Cruz Samples
Financial Reform Bill Sorely Lacks Fiduciary Standard
We don't have to wait six months despite what Congress did. Just ask your advisor to agree -- in writing -- to adhere to five principles espoused by The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard, a group of nationally known and respected advisers.
Spreadsheet Program Useful Tool to Project Retirement Spending
It's the perennial question retirees ask: How much can I spend each year without running out of money? Financial planners and academicians have wrestled with this question for decades and come up with a kaleidoscope of strategies and formulas.
When is the Best Time to Buy An Immediate Annuity?
A white-knuckle stock market ride since May has rekindled interest among readers at or near retirement age for immediate annuities that turn a lump sum premium into a guaranteed income for life. But many wonder, is this a good time to buy?
Beware: Target-Date Funds Are Not A "Sure Bet"
The folks who regulate mutual funds want our comments on "target-date" funds. Target-date funds, popular offerings in retirement plans, are designed for people retiring in or near a certain year.
Educational Campaign Aimed at the Roots of Elder Financial Abuse
At a free-lunch "financial seminar" for seniors I attended, the speaker kept asking whether we remembered the huge losses in the stock market in 2000-2002 and again in 2008.
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax "Gift" Valid Through 2010
Q: I have a question concerning your recent column about the 0 percent tax rate on long-term capital gains.
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