Social Security credits are accumulated by earning income and paying payroll taxes on that income. But if you fail to accumulate at least 40 Social...
Financial
From expert advice on investments and budgeting to discussions about economic trends and retirement planning, these articles aim to equip readers with the knowledge they need to manage their personal finances, make informed monetary decisions, and otherwise navigate the complexities of the financial world. Whether readying savings for the future or maneuvering day-to-day costs, the insightful advice equips readers to take control of their fiscal picture and achieve economic stability.
All Financial Articles
What a Landlord Can—and Cannot—Do
If you’re a renter, you may wonder what the law allows or forbids your landlord to do. Questions you may have: Can I call the...
What Does Head of Household Mean on Taxes?
“Head of household” is a tax filing status for single taxpayers who have dependents. But as so often is the case with tax matters, it’s...
Long-Term Treasury Yields and the Stock Market
If you want to understand where the stock market is headed and what to do about it, watch the bond market. In particular, keep your...
What Is Backup Withholding?
If your broker sent you a dividend or interest check, but the amount you received is 24% lower than expected, then “backup withholding” likely is...
Deciphering Wall Street Jargon
Smart beta…black swans…private equity. If you follow financial media, you have probably encountered colorful adages that money managers and analysts use to discuss the stock...
Special-Needs Trust: Taking Care of Family Members with Special Needs
If you have a child or family member with a disability, receiving public benefits from the federal and/or state government can be crucial. These programs...
Real Estate Tax Bombs
Many US homeowners saw their net worths surge over the past decade-plus as residential property values rose through the roof. But that financial windfall could...
Why You Should Take Your 2025 RMDs Now
Conventional wisdom says seniors should wait until the end of December to take their required minimum distribution (RMD)—that’s the minimum amount that tax law requires most...
What’s the Optimal Portfolio Rebalancing Strategy for You?
Conventional wisdom says you should regularly rebalance your stock-and-bond portfolio back to your original long-term allocations. It makes sense to automatically reduce winning positions that...
Estimated Tax Penalties: What You Need to Know
Most people don’t worry about paying federal income taxes for the year until they are preparing their returns the following spring. That’s because their employers...
Dividend Stocks Make a Comeback
Are you rattled by the threat of tariffs, inflation, political uncertainty and a slowing economy? Then it may be time to add some classic defensive...
