by Michele Cagan | Apr 27, 2017 | Do Your Own Taxes, Retirement Planning, Saving and Investing, Single Mom CPA
Getting a big tax refund seems like a good thing – it’s not. In fact, you actually lose money by giving the Federal government an interest-free loan every year. According to the IRS, the average tax refund is $3,120, which works out to $260 a month. There’s a lot we...
by Michele Cagan | Apr 17, 2017 | Do Your Own Taxes, Saving and Investing, Single Mom CPA
It’s good to owe taxes when you file your return. I know that sounds crazy, and it’s definitely not a popular opinion…but it’s the best situation for you financially…especially if you’re a single mom stretching your income to support your family. After all,...
by Michele Cagan | Apr 12, 2017 | Retirement Planning, Saving and Investing, Single Mom CPA
Lots of single moms aren’t sure how to open an IRA – so they skip it. But, honestly, all it takes is 5 simple steps, and in less than 30 minutes, you can be on your way to a worry-free retirement. Here’s all it takes: Decide whether you want a traditional or Roth IRA....
by Michele Cagan | Mar 30, 2017 | Do Your Own Taxes, Kids and Money, Single Mom CPA
Putting someone – including yourself – through college can put a major dent in your finances. But a very generous tax credit can put a big chunk of change back in your pocket. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, or AOTC, can chop $2,500 per student off your tax bill....
by Michele Cagan | Mar 7, 2017 | Do Your Own Taxes, Single Mom CPA
When you’re a single mom, it can be tough to find a distraction-free time to do your taxes. And with all of the forms, and papers, and numbers, it’s very easy to make a mistake on your tax return – it happens all the time. People forget to sign their returns, they...
by Michele Cagan | Mar 1, 2017 | Do Your Own Taxes, Single Mom CPA
If you’re paying down a student loan for either you or your child, you can deduct up to $2,500 of the interest on your tax return – and you don’t even have to itemize to get that deduction. Yes, there are limits on the amount you can deduct, but many Americans can...