How to Handle Debt in an Unequal Recovery
The past year has fractured our world in countless ways. Now, as people look to pick up the pieces, those managing debt need to account for their position in our…
Money
Are Stocks Enough, or Can Your Portfolio Do Better?
The stock market can create some incredible wealth -- but is it the only option?
4 Best Investing Tips for People Who Don't Follow the Market
You don't need to follow the market to be a successful investor.
Social Security Beneficiaries Lost $45 Million to Scams Last Year. Here's How to Avoid Them
A little knowledge could prevent you from being a victim.
Why Do Women Shy Away from Stocks?
Investing in the stock market doesn't have to be seen as a risky guessing game reserved for men.
How to Establish an Investing Strategy as a Newbie
Getting started as an investor can be daunting. Here's how to develop a strategy that serves you well.
3 Easy Steps to Becoming a Millionaire by the Time You Retire
Becoming a millionaire may be easier than you think.
The Feds Are Directing More Money To Affordable Housing. It’s Still Not Enough
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced this week that it would disburse $1.09 billion for affordable housing allocations, more than double the allotment from 2020. The reason for the spike in funding is because this year’s affordable housing money is based on last year’s exceptional loan acquisitions—fueled by record levels of refinancing and purchase […]
4 Warren Buffett Lessons From His Latest Shareholder Letter
Four big takeaways for regular people who want to invest like Uncle Warren.
What Is In-School Deferment?
In-school deferment is one type of student loan deferment that allows you to temporarily pause payments on your student loans while you’re attending college. For federal student loans, you’ll qualify for deferment if you’re enrolled at least half-time in an eligible school as an undergraduate, graduate or professional student. How In-school Deferment Works Federal student […]
5 things to consider when picking a college in the COVID-19 era
As students finalize their college selection, consider these questions to gauge which school is the right fit in the era of COVID-19.
Put the Cap on Gas Prices: 6 Ways to Save at the Pump
When the price of oil spiked during the February deep freeze, I started using a gas price app and was amazed to find that the cost of fuel in my…
How the pandemic will affect filing your taxes
If you worked from home, received a relief payment, took on some gig work or filed unemployment benefits, here are things you want to know.
Americans’ Confidence In The Economy Grows—But Some Regions Lagging Behind
Americans have been growing more confident about the economy and their finances as the end of the pandemic seems to be drawing near. But a closer look reveals that this optimism is unevenly spread across the country. Examining where confidence is lacking may provide clues as to how economic recovery will continue to develop. Consumer […]
5 Sneaky Things COVID-19 Might Do to Your Tax Bill
Staying home for months on end has taken a toll on everyone, but it can also take a toll on your tax return. Here are five unexpected ways the pandemic…
Washington state lawmakers discuss $125 million wildfire bill
SEATTLE, Wash. — The winter months aren’t stopping lawmakers and elected officials from bracing for this upcoming wildfire season. House Bill 1168 is currently making its way through the Washington State Legislature. Washington’s 2020 wildfire season was one of the most deadly and destructive…
Saving For Medical Expenses With An HSA
Health savings accounts (HSAs) let you save money to cover the cost of a wide range of qualified medical expenses. HSAs offer a trio of tax advantages, and you can invest money saved in an HSA in markets for better returns on your contributions. Just note that HSAs are only available if you have a […]
Kennewick police officer thwarts $10,000 cash scam
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Officers from the Kennewick Police Department assisted an elderly citizen who was scammed into sending $10,000 to someone misidentifying themselves as a representative of the United States Social Security Administration. According to a post on the Kennewick…
Worry About the Right Thing With Estate Taxes
Death and taxes may be the only certainties in life, but death taxes are only a remote possibility for most people. The vast majority of Americans won’t ever have or…
What Is Social Security?
If you receive a paycheck, you’re probably well acquainted with a little line item that says “Social Security Tax.” Although many people most associate it with our nation’s troubled retirement financing infrastructure, Social Security still provides income and benefits to older Americans and those who can no longer provide for themselves due to disability. How […]
How Much Social Security Will You Get In Retirement?
Since its inception in 1935, Social Security has been a key source of retirement income for older Americans. Despite the program’s enduring popularity, many potential beneficiaries have no idea how much money they can count on from Social Security once they retire. Here’s how to figure out how much you may earn from Social Security […]
Top 7 Tax Benefits Of Parenthood
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 worthwhile, and it comes with many benefits — some of which are tax-related. You can look forward to taking advantage of these child-related deductions and benefits.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Designed to help lower income taxpayers, the EITC is a tax credit that is scaled along with income and the number of dependents claimed. See IRS Publication 596, "Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)" for details on qualifications and the scaling criteria. T...
3 Reasons You Shouldn't Invest Like Billionaires Do
You actually have some advantages over those with tons of wealth to invest.
Should You Buy A QLAC To Reduce RMDs?
One dubious reward for doing a great job with your retirement savings is bigger tax bills in retirement. Even if you don’t need to take money out of your carefully funded retirement accounts, the feds insist that once you turn 72, you start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). Every dollar you take out of your […]
