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What will you do with your tax refund? We hope you have something fun in mind, but a new survey suggests that you might use it to pay bills instead. The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) recently released... More>>
When it comes to dealing with risk, America's housing market struggles with balance. How can lenders offer affordable home mortgages for more Americans and still maintain proper safeguards? The Great Recession was... More>>
Unless you want to work until the day you die, planning for your retirement is a must. There are a number of ways to get ready to retire, but you’ll generally need to open a retirement account to save the … Continue... More>>
A 401(k) plan is a widely used type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for their retirement. Safe harbor 401(k) plans are a special type of 401(k) plan that small... More>>
You don't have any financial issues to hide from your partner ... do you? According to a new survey from CreditCards.com, almost 1 in 5 of us does. The survey found that 19% of Americans have at least one financial... More>>
As of 2018, around 55 million American workers were active 401(k) participants and assets in 401(k) plans totaled $5.60 trillion. Still, many people are in the dark about how exactly 401(k) plans work and how to maximize... More>>
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are important vehicles for Americans to prepare for the day they stop working. This is especially true for those without access to a workplace retirement plan like a 401(k), though you... More>>
AGI is short for “adjusted gross income.” This number appears on your Form 1040 and helps determine which deductions and credits you can take and therefore how much tax you finally pay. For tax year 2018 (what you file in... More>>
Tech jobs are particularly desirable, because they pay well, show long-term signs of growth and are less vulnerable to automation. But women have faced systemic difficulties in getting these jobs. And even when women do... More>>
Have We Finally Hit the Debt Wall? According to the old saying, the two certainties in life are death and taxes. Maybe we should add debt to the list. The New York Federal Reserve's latest Quarterly Report on Household... More>>
If you’re building your retirement saving, 401(k) plans are a great option. These employer-sponsored plans allow you to contribute up to $19,000 in pre-tax money per year. Some employers will also match some of your... More>>
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commonly known as Dodd-Frank, was passed in 2010 in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The Obama-era law aimed to prevent another financial meltdown. It... More>>
As an investor, it’s important for you to choose the right stocks and funds for your portfolio. If you’re picking your own investments instead of working with an advisor, then you may want to research the companies... More>>
401(k) plans are one of the most popular retirement plans in the U.S., having blown past pensions as the primary employer-sponsored plan. And unlike pensions, 401(k)s require participants to choose where to invest their... More>>
Long-term investing is often the best way to build wealth that stands the test of time. It’s how you plan for retirement and build a legacy to pass on to your children and grandchildren. Long-term investments require... More>>
By Sandra Parsons Debt is a major barrier to financial well-being among Americans. While we tend to think of debt as an issue affecting young and middle-aged people, the truth is that senior citizens carry debt, too. Among... More>>
You're a pretty tech-savvy person. You know how to avoid common scams. You can spot phishing e-mails a mile away – even spear phishing e-mails tailored specifically to fool you. Would you like to put your skills to the... More>>
Short-term investments are generally defined as investments that pay off in less than five years (sometimes even less time, perhaps within a year). Whereas long-term investments are generally made with the goal of building... More>>
Investing in the stock market has been a great way to build long-term wealth for almost as long as the United States has been a country. And as retirements continue to increase with people’s lifespans, it’s becoming more... More>>
Are you having trouble getting a date? Could be your rap, your looks, or your excessive debt. According to a recent survey by Finder.com, 72% of respondents say they would re-think a relationship with a partner in... More>>
Both pensions and 401(k) plans have at one time held the distinction of most popular employer-sponsored retirement plan in the country. However, due to the much higher cost on employers, pensions are becoming less and less... More>>
When you leave a job where you had a 401(k) plan, you might choose to roll over that plan an individual retirement account (IRA). Such rollovers are fairly straightforward; the transfer of assets isn’t a taxable... More>>
A balance sheet is one of three financial documents that every investor should check when researching a company to invest in. The other two are an income statement, which looks at a company’s profits, and a cash flow... More>>
Opportunity cost is a basic microeconomics concept, maybe one you learned in a long-ago and hazily recollected 8 a.m. Econ 101 lecture. If you need a refresher, opportunity cost is the benefit you miss out on when you... More>>
Believe it or not, a hefty amount of your money could be sitting at a government agency without your knowledge. Unclaimed money can come in the form of inactive financial accounts, unclaimed retirement assets and tax... More>>
Investing is risky. When you put your money in the market, you’re taking a chance with real money — money that you might need to pay your mortgage, feed your family and cover the other basic costs of living. If …... More>>
Although cryptocurrency has only been around for a short time, it’s already expanded into a wide, convoluted universe that can be difficult to understand for the uninitiated. But with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies... More>>
Dow Futures are a reasonable thing not to know about if you’re not well-versed in investing. Essentially, a Dow Future is a contract between two parties in which they bet on the direction of the Dow Jones Industrial... More>>
Rising rents present a major challenge for non-homeowning city dwellers nationwide. Since 1983, the cost of housing for urban renters has risen more than 324%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price... More>>
Survey Suggests Economic Overconfidence If the economy is so great and unemployment is so low, why do so many Americans live paycheck to paycheck? And why don't we seem to care? The February PYMNTS.com Financial... More>>
So you want to be a business owner, but the prospect of starting your own business is intimidating. One potential solution: Buying an existing business. An existing business typically has customers, vendors and branding... More>>
Many people under intense public scrutiny, such as politicians, judges and high-powered business people, use blind trusts to avoid the perception of conflicts of interest when it comes to their personal financial dealings.... More>>
Investing intimidates a lot of people. There are a lot of options, and it can be hard to figure out which investments are right for your portfolio. This guide walks you through 10 of the most common types of investment... More>>
A lot of people spend their adult lives working and saving to prepare for retirement. But once you hang up your hat, you shouldn’t necessarily stop thinking about saving and investing. The question of what should... More>>
If you have $30,000 to invest, you have many options. Some things, like making the down payment on a house, might be a bit out of reach, but you can still invest in securities ranging from stocks to treasury bonds. …... More>>
A large majority (75%) of taxpayers overpay on taxes and receive a tax refund, according to IRS data. A smaller proportion (19%) see the opposite: They will have overestimated their withholdings and learn they still owe... More>>
After the 2017 announcement of the Equifax data breach that potentially compromised the personal information of almost 150 million consumers, you'd probably expect Congress to take significant action to prevent future... More>>
The cost of higher education has skyrocketed over the last few decades, and shows no signs of slowing. That’s why it’s more important than ever that parents start saving as early as possible for their... More>>
Passive investing is a go-to strategy for long-term investors, because it capitalizes on the typical upward trend of the overall market over many years. Of course, there are many ways to do well in investing, and financial... More>>
For many employees in America, especially those at tech companies and other startups, stock options are a part of compensation packages. While the right to buy stock in a company at a set price is an attractive form of... More>>
First-time homebuyers face many obstacles, but perhaps the most frustrating one is accumulating down payment money. Traditional loans require a 20% down payment. Using Zillow's $229,800 median home sale price for... More>>
The U.S. experienced a partial government shutdown from Dec. 22, 2018 to Jan. 25, 2019. This 35-day shutdown was the longest in U.S. history and disrupted the service of multiple federal agencies, such as the National Park... More>>
Unlike investing, trading requires a very active approach to the financial markets. Rather than buying and holding assets to build wealth over the course of many years, a trader frequently buys and sells stocks,... More>>
Beta measures how volatile a stock is in relation to the broader stock market over time. A stock with a high beta indicates it’s more volatile than the overall market and can react with dramatic share-price changes... More>>
Investment apps have exploded in popularity in recent years, with both existing brokerages and new companies offering mobile apps to help you invest. There are apps for all kinds of investors, from the beginner just... More>>
So you’ve got $100,000, and you’re ready to invest it. Maybe a relative has passed away and left you money in a will. Maybe you’ve been building up savings in a retirement account and you’re finally... More>>
Valentine's Day may be one of the few times per year that you go out and buy fresh flowers, but that is no excuse for rookie mistakes. The gift of flowers is a reminder that you are thinking of someone and February 14 is... More>>
Originally posted on https://blindinbusiness.co.uk/three-methods-for-maximising-your-content-marketing-strategy/ A strong content marketing strategy can yield a wide number of benefits for a business of any size.... More>>
Originally posted on https://www.techinexpert.com/2018/12/14/the-best-marketing-tactics-to-adopt-in-2019/ Promoting your business online is an ongoing process. Yet, each social media post you publish, article you... More>>
Donating your car to charity is a thoughtful and generous act. It’s also one that can save you some money on taxes. Many non-profit organizations that take automobile donations advertise it heavily, but doing... More>>
If buying a home is hard for the average working American, it can be even more difficult for the average working woman. The average full-time working woman earns just 81% of what the average full-time working man does,... More>>
Nobody enjoys a tax audit, but should you fear receiving one in any given year? Generally, the answer is no. According to the 2017 IRS data book, the agency audited nearly 934,000 tax returns during the 2017 fiscal year... More>>
So Long, Free Credit Monitoring Were you one of the nearly 148 million consumers affected by the 2017 Equifax data breach? You may have taken advantage of Equifax's free one-year offer of their TrustedID Premier service,... More>>
It might seem easier to find a partner and plan a proposal than it is to buy the perfect engagement ring. In addition to being expensive, rings are seen as a symbol of love for your significant other and an …... More>>
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) first came along in the mid-70s. This means that the first Americans to make use of these retirement savings vehicles throughout their careers are now headed into their golden years.... More>>
Investing has the potential to be a lucrative financial endeavor, although there’s a fine line between success and failure. But as with most U.S. tax law, where money’s being made, you can surely find Uncle Sam... More>>
Are your employees waning a little bit? More>>
Are credit scores a mystery to you? Do they seem like random numbers generated by bureaucrats armed with dartboards and Ouija boards? A new survey by CompareCards.com finds that 37% of Americans have no idea how their... More>>
Mutual funds attract investors for many reasons. For starters, mutual funds are diversified and professionally managed investment vehicles. Their structure eliminates the need to pick securities individually and rebalance... More>>
According to some economists, we can expect 47% of all jobs to be automated by 2034. For this reason, it’s key to choose a career that will last in the future. In this post, you’ll learn about some of the high... More>>
If in 2018 you gave someone cash or property valued at more than $15,000 or if you do so in 2019, you’ll have to fill out Form 709 for gift tax purposes. But don’t fret. This doesn’t always mean you’ll … Continue... More>>
The allure of penny stocks isn’t surprising. The idea is to buy low-priced stocks with huge growth potential and then make a robust profit by selling if they go up substantially in value. The problem is that many people... More>>
What if you’re the best in the business but no one knows it? More>>
First-time homebuyers face many challenges, but the biggest task may be coming up with a suitable down payment. Consumers in the early stages of their careers often face a fresh set of bills – and in some cases, mountains of... More>>
The time may come when a medical issue leaves you unable to express your wishes about medical treatment. That’s why it’s important to make preparations ahead of time to make these wishes clear to doctors and... More>>
Following the learnings of the FIRE Movement can help you reach financial independence even earlier than you think
For bachelor’s degree holders, nabbing a high-paying job often hinges on finding out which sectors of the economy most need educated workers. Identifying the right roles where employers are clamoring to hire them... More>>
Can you pay off your credit card bill in full and still be charged interest? Yes – depending on the timing of your payment
Record high home values, stagnating incomes, the largest economic downturn in a century and record levels of student debt are just a few examples of the roadblocks between millennials and homeownership. All these factors... More>>
Data on fatalities in the workplace is meticulously gathered to ensure that federal, state, and local safety standards are upheld across the country. More>>
© JohnKwan - stock.adobe.comIf you have credit card debt, you’re probably worried about getting it paid off. However, if you’re like many Americans, while your intentions are good, you just can’t seem to get a handle on your finances. Most Americans carry a significant amount of credit card debt. The average balance on credit cards held by a consumer is $6,348.00, according to Experian. While Americans are finding themselves in better shape financially than they have been in the last decad...
Employees aren't being properly supported, and employers are leaving valuable dollars on the table
Filling out your taxes can be a real headache. It’s no surprise, then, that online software like TurboTax has been growing in recent years to meet the demands of taxpayers in need of expert advice. But there are more... More>>
Did you have a happy New Year? We certainly hope so. Now it's time to get back to regular routines and take care of January chores, including gathering your tax information
Is it tax time already? You may not want to admit it, but tax time starts well before the filing deadline
It will weed out potential jerks from being hired
What do you do with debts that have unfavorable interest rates or difficult payment terms? If you can, consolidate them into one debt stream with more favorable terms
Americans have greater than $800 billion in outstanding credit card debt, according to data from the New York Federal Reserve. What’s more, roughly 8% of credit card debt is delinquent by 90 days or more. If... More>>
About 75% of American taxpayers overpaid on taxes in tax year 2016, according to IRS data. And though they may have been overjoyed to get a handsome tax refund, this scenario means they are simply being reimbursed for... More>>
According to the latest Household Debt and Credit Report from the New York Federal Reserve, America's total household debt has surpassed $13.5 trillion. Do you sometimes feel like $13 trillion of that debt is yours?
Here is a reminder of changes affecting your tax returns for the 2018 tax year
Your Christmas gift from the Federal Reserve is here. Surprise! It's another 0.25% hike in the Federal Funds rate
Beachfront property in warm locales is not exactly in large supply, so it can be difficult to find an affordable home where you and your family can winter. For the past few years, though, SmartAsset has endeavored to... More>>
A healthy work-life balance is something most professionals in the U.S. highly value. In fact, 53% of employees say that a job conducive to a greater work-life balance and improved personal well-being is “very... More>>
Multiple employment plans allow businesses in completely unrelated industries to pool their resources under the same retirement plan umbrella
Rewards cards can provide great benefits – but they can also tempt you to overspend. When that happens, you're more likely to carry a balance and wipe out your rewards with interest charges
Have you ever been on vacation and wondered how delightful it might be to have the chance to live in that locale, even part-time? The tangible next step to this realization could be looking at a local real estate guide... More>>
You can fulfill the American dream of homeownership by owning an apartment just as you can with a traditional home. Owning instead of renting can also be good for your finances, as you’re building equity in a... More>>
One of the most popular ways to organize a business is as a limited liability company, otherwise known as an LLC. LLCs require less paperwork than C corporations and S corporations, while giving owners some of the same... More>>
California doesn’t enforce its own gift tax. However, the federal government does. That tax rate can climb to as high as 40%. Still, there are plenty of ways you can minimize the hit or avoid it all together. For the... More>>
If you have looked into products like annuities, you’ve probably seen the term “exclusion ratio” floating around. It’s one of the most important factors you need to consider when planning your investments. The exclusion... More>>
Times aren't great in the mortgage refinancing market
It can be difficult to look at your paycheck and see upwards of 15% of it sent to the government. Of course, those taxes pay for worthwhile causes, a fact that doesn’t always lessen the initial sting of seeing your …... More>>
Many cities have a reputation for being filled with a particular type of professional. Picturing New York City, for instance, some people may conjure up an image of Wall Street with its highly paid financiers. San... More>>
Labor Day is an American holiday that celebrates workers and the labor movement. Observed on the first Monday of September, it also (unofficially) marks the end of summer. To most, Labor Day means a three-day weekend of... More>>
Teslas are hot right now, and not just because they’re named after a man who once tried to invent the death ray. Elon Musk’s brainchild has cultural cachet, doesn’t need gas and might just help keep the Florida coastline... More>>
If you’re thinking of investing in real estate, why not buy a rental property? Whether it’s just a small home or apartment or, at the higher end, a multi-family home or apartment building, you can generate robust and... More>>
A franchise can be the best of both worlds. When you become a franchisee, you get to launch and own your small business without having to create one from the ground up. A franchise means buying into a proven business... More>>
You've just become eligible for Social Security benefits. Are you going to apply for them now, wait until your full retirement age, or delay benefits as long as you possibly can?
An annuity can provide you with income that is guaranteed for as long as you live. These retirement savings vehicles do provide some tax benefits by letting earnings grow tax-deferred. However, at least part of your... More>>
Choosing the right way to save for retirement based on your personal needs is easier said than done. There is a plethora of options available, with annuities and 401(k) plans being some of the most prominent. While these... More>>
Whether you’re a financial professional or just an interested stockholder, you’ve probably run into the acronyms “EBIT” and “EBITDA” before. Both of these analytical metrics are a way of measuring a firm’s profits. While... More>>
Buying stocks, bonds, and other investments through a brokerage firm is cheaper and easier than ever. Deals abound, as discount brokers like Charles Schwab and Ally charge as low as $4.95 per trade. In many cases, opening... More>>
So you’d like to set aside some money for your children. Perhaps you want to build an early inheritance or, more likely, you’d like to get a jump on their college fund. In either case, you’ll want to know about …... More>>
Hedge funds are more loosely regulated than traditional mutual funds and tend to invest in different types of securities. This can mean higher returns, but it can also mean higher fees and greater risk of loss. If you’re... More>>
Take a deep breath and start your path to redemption using these five tips
North Carolina no longer enforces its own gift tax. However, you may trigger a gift tax at the federal level depending on the value of the gifts you provide. But you won’t owe a gift tax until you breach your …... More>>
There is no Florida gift tax, but the federal government enforces one. Nonetheless, you may just need to report a gift to an individual in a particular year that’s valued at more than $15,000. In most cases, you won’t pay... More>>
The benefits of working from home are manifold — but especially helpful when it comes to your mental state and finances. After all, a commute can be stressful and pricey if you’re guzzling gas while sitting in... More>>
Each new year, Americans tell themselves they’re going to make changes to improve their lives. According to a recent YouGov poll, the top three lifestyle adjustments Americans want to make are eating healthier,... More>>
New Jersey doesn’t have a gift tax. However, you may still owe a federal gift tax if the value of the gifts you provide exceed a certain amount. Following the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the federal …... More>>
Wyoming does not levy an estate tax. There is a federal estate tax, though, that will apply to Wyoming residents with large enough estates. This page will walk Cowboy State residents though what they’ll need to know about... More>>
Tennessee has no estate tax, regardless of the size of your estate. There is a federal estate tax, though, that will apply to Volunteer State residents who have estates of sufficient size. This page will walk Tennesseans... More>>
South Dakota does not levy an estate tax. There is a federal estate tax, however, that will apply to South Dakotans who have estates of a certain size. This page is a guide for Mount Rushmore State residents who are... More>>
Many people are reconsidering their budget to prevent holiday overspending over the next few months. If you are one of these people, good for you – but why stop there?
America has been enjoying historically low interest rates for years – but those days are coming to an end
In 2019, changes to Medicare may improve the healthcare options and flexibility for beneficiaries
You're determined to make 2019 the year you raise your credit score. Why not get off to a good start with these five New Year's resolutions to send your credit score in the right direction?
iStockphoto.com/artisteerIf you are paying college expenses for yourself or for one of your dependents, you may be able to deduct the tuition and fees on your federal tax return
iStockphoto.com/Kali9If you are one of the many Americans struggling to understand how to fill out your tax forms, the IRS — yes, that IRS — may be able to offer you free help
Failure to plan is planning to fail. That phrase applies to many aspects of life, including taxes. Avoid tax-time failure with adequate planning while watching out for these 12 pitfalls. 1. Disorganization – If you have... More>>
Formed in 2003, IRS Free File is the product of a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service and a group of twelve online tax software suppliers that form the Free File Alliance – including such familiar names as... More>>
iStockphoto.com/bowie15Married couples have the choice of filing their taxes jointly or separately. What is the best option for you and your spouse?
Congratulations! You've got your first major job. Unfortunately, you've also got new tax obligations. Welcome to the workforce. You probably want to deal with your taxes as quickly as possible. Most people do,... More>>
iStockphoto.com/JannHuizengaLike most Americans, you probably want to get through your taxes as quickly as possible.
iStockphoto.com/theprintFor Valentine's Day, we hope you bought a thoughtful gift for your significant other. It's the thought that counts, of course, but let us give you a tip or two
iStockphoto.com/fizkesThese days, you probably want to file your taxes as early as possible to prevent identity thieves from filing a false return in your name — but that requires you to have the necessary forms in hand, including W-2 forms.
This Valentine's Day, besides sappy songs, Americans will hear a lot of "Marry me?" and "Ka-ching!" Amidst a staggering nine million marriage proposals, Americans are estimated to spend $20 billion on Valentine's... More>>
It is easy to lump exemptions, deductions, and credits into the same basket of tax-saving mechanisms, but they are distinctly different. Here are the simplified differences: What They Reduce – Deductions and exemptions both... More>>
Congratulations! You have just been handed your first little bundle of joy in the hospital and have embarked on the long journey of parenthood. It is a trip full of joyful experiences that make the corresponding aggravations... More>>
iStockphoto.com/LPETTETThe W-2 is the base document that defines your tax obligations, so it is important that you review and understand yours.
If you're a traditional employee, every year you receive a W-2 form from your employer that records your earnings for the year and the amount of taxes withheld from those earnings. IRS 1099 forms are complements to the... More>>
Do you plan to "retire in place" and stay in your current area, or are you interested in retiring in a different state? In either case, you may want to consult a recent study by WalletHub if retirement is imminent. The... More>>
As a self-employed person, you probably have been watching the development of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with some trepidation. The tax code is not often kind to the self-employed, nor are most of the changes to the code. ... More>>
The news seems to be filled with stories about hackers and identity theft these days, and rightly so. According to the Identity Fraud Study released by Javelin Strategy & Research, there were 15.4 million victims of... More>>
It is rumored that some of the wealthiest Americans manage to pay less in taxes than some of their employees. They achieve this by one of two methods: doing their own financial and tax planning or paying someone to do it for... More>>
Give up the bad habits that drain your mental strength.
More >>Give up the bad habits that drain your mental strength.
More >>These new developments might change how you use social media.
More >>These new developments might change how you use social media.
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