Get smart with your money
A midyear financial review is often a good idea. This year, it’s almost essential.
With people going back to offices, travel resuming, and Congress making significant changes to various laws affecting your finances, consider taking some time to check in on your money. You might be able to make some smart moves to reflect the new realities. In my latest for the Associated Press, what to check-in on at the midyear point.
Today’s top story: A Roth IRA could help you avoid taxes like the ultrawealthy. Also in the news: How one DUI can nearly double your car insurance, the Child Tax Credit scam, and flying first class for cheap(er) right now.
A Roth IRA Could Help You Avoid Taxes Like the Ultrawealthy
You, too, could lower your tax burden with the right investment account.
One DUI Can Nearly Double Your Car Insurance — Here’s How to Save
On average, auto insurance rates skyrocket 96% after a DUI, our 2021 rate analysis found.
Scam Alert: Child Tax Credit Is Automatic; No Need to Apply
The IRS won’t call, text or email you so beware of unsolicited communications.
You Can Fly First Class for Cheap(er) Right Now
Luxury travel is a bit more accessible.
Today’s top story: With student loan payments set to return, here’s how to get help. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money Podcast on managing finances abroad and a mid-year money check-in, taking financial advice from Reddit, and how to know if you’ll receive a plus-up stimulus payment.
With Student Loan Payments Set to Return, Here’s How to Get Help
The clock is ticking.
Smart Money Podcast: Midyear Money Check-in and Managing Finances Abroad
Checking in on your money goals.
Should You Take Money Advice From Reddit?
Crowdsourcing financial advice.
What’s a Plus-Up Stimulus Payment? (And How to Know If You’ll Get One)
You could be owed an additional payment.
Today’s top story: How to harness your HSA’s superpowers. Also in the news: A scam alerts on the Child Tax Credit, how to avoid costly home selling mistakes, and in a hot used-car market, used electric cars can be a deal.
How to Harness Your HSA’s Superpowers
A health savings account can help you supercharge your savings with big tax advantages for you and your kids.
Scam Alert: Child Tax Credit Is Automatic; No Need to Apply
The IRS won’t call, text or email you so beware of unsolicited communications.
The Property Line: Avoid These Costly Home Selling Mistakes
Here’s how to avoid home selling mistakes that could slow the process, cause frustration and cost you money.
In This Hot Used Car Market, Used Plug-Ins Can Be a Deal
With used car prices up dramatically and gas prices peaking, older plug-in vehicles might be a good deal for some.
Today’s top story: 3 international travel ideas for your summer trips. Also in the news: How to get free money for your business, savings tips for every level, and how to qualify for an FHA mortgage even with student debt.
3 International Travel Ideas for Your Summer Trip
Not all international destinations are easy to get to during the COVID-19 era. Here are three for your summer trip.
Here’s How to Get Free Money for Your Business
Grants have helped many businesses affected by the pandemic.
Savings Tips for Newbies, Experts and Everyone in Between
Tips everyone can use.
How to Qualify for an FHA Mortgage, Even With Student Debt
Debt-to-income calculations for FHA loans have become more favorable to buyers with debt.
If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, a health savings account can help you pay your medical bills. But HSAs have hidden superpowers that make them a great way for some people to create a tax-free pot of money for retirement or other long-term goals. In the right circumstances, you can even use an HSA to help your young adult children start saving for their futures. In my latest for the Associated Press, find out if a high-deductible health insurance plan is right for you.