One of the most challenging parts of being a parent is finding and paying for child care. The cost of child care has reached new heights. Child care costs are often the largest line item in the budget, rivaling the rent or mortgage. But how much is child care in the United States? The actual […]
As we wrap up the holiday season, you may be considering a buy now, pay later (BNPL) program to check off the last items on your list. BNPL providers offer installment loans that allow you to pay off an item in equal payments—typically four, with the first portion paid upfront. And it’s becoming more popular. […]
It’s probably happened to you. You go to check out at a department store or other retailer, and they tempt you with a discount—if you open a store credit card, you’ll receive 30 percent off your purchase, or some other percentage. You may think it’s a deal. Money is tight, and here’s a chance for […]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that around $2.4 billion worth of automatic payments will be sent out later in December to taxpayers who were eligible for a pandemic-era tax break but didn’t claim the COVID cash. The move was announced by the IRS in a Dec. 20 press release after internal data revealed that […]
With January approaching, Americans are gearing up for the 2025 tax filing season. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced significant changes to tax brackets, standard deductions, and credits for 2024 and 2025 to account for inflation, which could impact taxpayers’ finances. In 2025, the IRS will continue adjusting tax brackets, increasing the standard deduction, […]
Consumers may not have to shell out for hefty overdraft penalties after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a new rule that aims to significantly curtail banks’ ability to charge customers these fees. “The CFPB is cracking down on these excessive junk fees,” agency director Rohit Chopra said Thursday in a statement accompanying the rule […]
Following a year of volatile mortgage rates and stubborn inflation, many potential homebuyers are wondering if mortgage rates would sink to an affordable level in 2025. But despite recent dips, mortgage rates remain historically high. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage for the week ended Nov. 27 is 6.81 percent, slightly down 0.41 percent from […]
Homeschooling is when a child’s education is conducted by the parents. Between 2022 and 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 6 percent of school-age children were reported as being homeschooled. Alaska (12.6 percent), Tennessee (9 percent), and West Virgina (8.9 percent) were the top three states for homeschooling. There’s a personalized approach to […]
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection between family and friends. However, hosting holiday gatherings can also be a time of financial stress for some. A LendingTree survey found that 60 percent of Americans interested in hosting holiday parties expect to spend $556 on their celebrations. In contrast, six-figure earners intend […]
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a great opportunity to review and decide on any financial actions to take before the new year starts. Order a Free Credit Report Ordering an annual credit report can be beneficial to your financial health. You can obtain a free report once a year from each of the […]
The IRS has issued a notice reminding retirees aged 73 and older to take required withdrawals from retirement accounts before a Dec. 31 deadline or face the prospect of hefty penalties. The agency said in a Dec. 10 notice that required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken annually from traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement […]
It’s a nightmare that you never want to go through: Someone has collided with your car. But it’s even worse when they hit you—and then flee. Now there’s no one to hold accountable for damage or injury if you or your family are hurt. There are legal questions and insurance coverage issues when you’ve been […]
It’s the season of gift-giving, and jewelry is often top of the list. Whether you’re looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring or a gorgeous gold bracelet for mom, shopping for the right piece can be stressful. With so many fakes on the market, how can you be sure what you’re purchasing is the real […]
High-yield savings accounts let your money work for you. They’re great places to park money that you want to access, like an emergency fund, but grow at the same time. You don’t have to do anything—just let it ride. But with so many banks and credit unions touting high-yield savings accounts, it may be challenging […]
The gift-giving season can be tough on everyone. But coming up with a gift for a child or teenager is daunting. Well, you don’t necessarily have to worry about the latest fashion or craze when giving a gift. There are financial gifts you can give your child or grandchild that are more sustainable than that […]
Americans are saving 4.4 percent of their income, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. That is about 2 percent lower than before the pandemic and much lower than in the 1960s. Meanwhile, more Americans are living paycheck to paycheck than five years ago, with a growing number of wealthy households falling into this […]
Medicare open enrollment for 2025 coverage runs until Dec. 7. This will be a critical time for many Americans as major changes are coming to this federal health insurance program in 2025. Medicare premiums and deductibles will increase, but enrollees could also find major savings opportunities—especially when it comes to prescription drugs. And in the […]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a consumer alert on Tuesday, warning people to not get duped by “wildly inaccurate tax claims” spreading across social media. These claims take “many different forms and make outlandish promises to inflate refunds,” the IRS said in a Dec. 3 statement. “Some producers of misleading content on social media […]
Is it a good time to buy a house? For some buyers, and in some markets, it might be. For others, the wait may take a while longer. According to a recent report from Realtor.com, improving conditions — specifically, a larger number of homes for sale — make the current market the best buying opportunity for those […]
You might be looking for that hard-to-find item or trying to find the best deal. But in your hunt, you could end up on a fraudulent site. There are fake sites that exist to take your money and leave you with inferior or no goods. But how do you spot these fraudulent sites? The best […]
