Blog

Want to file your taxes for free? You can... but you'll want to make sure you don't end up paying to "free-file." There are a lot of free tax prep programs available…and there are many that start out as free but then hit you with fees when it’s time to file. Here we’ll take a...

UPDATED FOR 2021 You still have plenty of time to lower your 2020 tax bill. For a win-win, make an IRA contribution for 2020. You can go with a currently tax-deductible traditional IRA or the Roth IRA (which is not deductible this year but offers many other advantages). As long as you put the money in by April 15,...

UPDATED FOR 2021 Paying for college is crazy expensive - even when it's mostly online. And if you’re footing the bill for more than one education, your finances are probably stretched pretty thin. Two tax credits can help put more money back in your pocket: The American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit....

How to handle tax notices from the IRS You just got a letter from the IRS. Your first reaction may involve panic… and that can lead to not dealing with the letter at all. Avoiding that IRS notice could end up costing you a lot of money. So take a breath, grab the letter, and...

Your quick guide to successfully dealing with debt collectors Please Note: This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on those links, I may receive compensation.   If you’re being hounded by debt collectors, keep reading. Collectors run the spectrum from annoying to predatory. Those constant calls can create a permanent knot in your gut...

If you’re thinking about buying a house, you’re probably looking at mortgage rates. And that’s helpful… but it’s only one tiny piece of your home/mortgage puzzle. The most important number here is the right amount to borrow. Lenders want you to borrow as much as possible, encouraging you to buy the maximum house their willing...