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personalfinance: Archive

Zacks Equity Research

Above Which Threshold Will My Social Security Benefits Be Taxed?

Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your income and how you file your taxes.

Zacks Equity Research

Do Babysitters Have to Pay Taxes on Income?

Even occasional babysitting can lead to tax obligations. Learn how to stay compliant and avoid surprises.

Zacks Equity Research

Can Both Parents Be on a Child's Custodial Account?

Wondering if both parents can manage a child's savings account? Here is what you need to know about joint custodial accounts and how they work.

Meredith Margrave

Recession Indicator: Our Nanny Is Trading UberEats for Meal Prepping

Gen Z has quietly started pulling back on their spending. But is it a warning sign of more pain to come? In a candid interview, personal finance expert talks to their 22-year-old nanny, who reveals why saving feels out of reach, exhausting, and never quite enough.

Meredith Margrave

I Thought I Knew LLCs - Then I Started One and Learned a Few Things

Meredith Margrave figured starting an LLC would be simple. It was. But what came after was completely unexpected. From legal myths to tax letdowns, she spills what really surprised her - and what no one tells you until you're in it.

Zacks Equity Research

Can the Self-Employed Deduct HSAs & Health Insurance Costs?

Self-employed with a high-deductible plan? You may deduct HSA contributions and health insurance premiums if you qualify.

Zacks Equity Research

Is an Irrevocable Trust a Smart Move or a Risky One?

An irrevocable trust can shield your assets, but at what cost? Here's what you need to know before locking away your wealth permanently.

Zacks Equity Research

Are IRAs Subject to Garnishment?

Worried about losing your retirement savings to debt or taxes? Find out when your IRA or 401(k) can be garnished and how to protect your funds.

Zacks Equity Research

How Can an IRA Impact My Tax Return Each Year?

Wondering how IRAs influence your tax return? Learn how traditional and Roth IRAs affect your income, deductions and retirement withdrawals.

Meredith Margrave

I Got 99 Problems, But My Debt Ain't One

Meredith Margrave explores this simple piece of money advice from Jay-Z - and why it's one of the smartest financial gut checks you've never heard of.

Zacks Equity Research

Should You Move IRA Funds Into Your 401(k) Plan? Here's What to Know

Rolling your IRA into a 401(k) isn't common, but it can make sense in some situations. Here's why it could help or hurt your retirement strategy.

Zacks Equity Research

Do You Pay Taxes on a Life Insurance Death Benefit?

Life insurance death benefits often pass to beneficiaries tax-free, but interest and estate issues can complicate things. Here's what you should know.

Zacks Equity Research

Here's How You Can Withdraw From a SEP IRA Without Penalties

You can withdraw from a SEP IRA anytime, but early withdrawals face a 10% penalty plus taxes.

Zacks Equity Research

Simple Guide to Investing in Index Funds for Children

Do you want to invest in your child's future, but do not know where to start? Learn how to open the right account and use index funds to grow your child's wealth early.

Zacks Equity Research

What Is the Difference Between a Derivative and a Future?

Confused between futures and derivatives? Learn how they're different, how futures work, and why it matters for trading, hedging, and smart investing.

Meredith Margrave

Think Tariffs Won't Affect You? Think Again - Here's What's Really Happening

Personal finance writer Meredith Margrave breaks down how Trump's latest tariff moves could hit your wallet, even if you think you're not affected. Here's what's really happening and how to protect yourself.

Meredith Margrave

What a Door-to-Door Salesman Taught Me About Re-Evaluating My Spending

What if one five-minute question could save you money and make your budget work better? Personal finance editor Meredith Margrave shows you a quick way to audit your recurring expenses, stress-free.

Zacks Equity Research

How You Can Avoid Paying Taxes on an Inherited Annuity

Inherited annuities can feel like a windfall until taxes come knocking. Here's what you need to know to handle them smartly and keep more of what you inherit.

Zacks Equity Research

What is the Best Way to Save Money for a Child's Future?

From 529 plans to trust funds, discover the best ways to save for your child based on control, goals and access.

Zacks Equity Research

Can Marriage Affect Your Social Security Disability Benefits?

Marriage will not affect your SSDI if it is based on your own work, but it can end benefits tied to a spouse, parent or an ex-spouse.

Zacks Equity Research

How Are Inherited Non-Qualified Annuities Taxed?

If you inherit a non-qualified annuity, understanding how taxes apply can save you money and avoid surprises. Here's what beneficiaries need to know.

Zacks Equity Research

When Should You Value Inherited Stocks: At Death or After Six Months?

Choosing the right date to value inherited stocks can cut estate taxes. Here is how to decide between the date of death and the six-month alternate valuation.

Zacks Equity Research

Should You Use Your 401(k) to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Thinking of using your 401(k) to pay off your mortgage? Here is what you need to know before dipping into retirement savings to clear your home loan.

Meredith Margrave

The Prime Day Secrets Amazon Doesn't Advertise

Prime Day promises big savings - but is it really built for shoppers? Meredith Margrave interviews a marketing expert who reveals how it works, what traps to avoid, and how to make sure the deals serve you... not Amazon.

AMZNPositive Net Change

Meredith Margrave

Prime Day Regrets? How to Cure Your Post-Sale Hangover

Prime Day got the best of you? Personal finance expert Meredith Margrave shares why impulse buys happen, how to recover when they wreck your budget, and the surprising psychology behind that so-called "great deal."

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