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personalfinance: Archive

Meredith Margrave

5 Years Until Retirement? 6 Steps to Take to Make Sure You're Prepared

Saving for retirement is different than actually living on your retirement. The closer you get to hanging up your hat, the more you need to prepare for the transition. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave offers six steps to make sure its seamless.

Meredith Margrave

Don't Let These 7 Common Tax Errors Ruin Your Retirement

Even retirees can't avoid the taxman, and the simplest, most innocent mistakes can still carry costly penalties. But not if you're knowledgeable and prepared! Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave highlights a list of mistakes to avoid so that your "golden years don???t turn into brass."

Meredith Margrave

Is This Long-Touted "Rule" Still the Gold Standard for Retirement?

Those old investing adages are not "one size fits all." They need to be tailored to the individual. That's no more important than with retirement planning. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave sheds a light on the "4% rule" to see if it still makes sense for retirees today.

Meredith Margrave

Hit with a Huge Tax Bill? Here's What Went Wrong (and How to Fix It)

A surprise tax bill can be detrimental to your finances, not to mention infuriating! But an adjustment here or there can save your bottom line and your blood pressure. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave goes over seven reasons for surprise tax bills and how you can avoid them next year.

Meredith Margrave

Forgot to Save for Retirement? 6 Steps Late Starters Can Take Today

It's never too late to save for retirement! However, there are big differences between starting at 50 years old and starting at 20 years old. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave has several tips for taking control of your future right now... at any age.

Meredith Margrave

4 Key Moves for Mid-Year Financial Success

Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave recently released the first three points of her seven-point mid-year checklist. And here are the other four points to keep you on track for long-term financial health.

Meredith Margrave

3 Easy Steps to Reignite Your Financial Goals

The month of June is a great time for a mid-year financial check-in to make sure you're on track with 2024 goals. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave has put together a seven-point checklist to make sure you're asking the right questions and making the right moves. Here's the first three points.

Meredith Margrave

Start Retirement Planning Now - The Clock Is Ticking

Procrastination and retirement planning do not go together. It's never too early or too late to make sure you're prepared for the future. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave is calling you to action RIGHT NOW... and offers some helpful tips to get you started.

Meredith Margrave

What Do Stubborn Inflation Rates Mean for Your Retirement?

Nobody feels the impact of higher inflation more than retirees. However, a few proactive steps now can ensure plenty of money for your golden years. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave highlights six ways to protect your retirement from inflation.

Zacks Equity Research

Is a Bond Fund Suitable for an IRA?

Bond funds can be a strategic addition to your IRA, providing stability and tax-efficient growth. By deferring taxes on bond income and diversifying your investments, bond funds help secure a more robust retirement portfolio.

Zacks Equity Research

Here's How to Find the Property Tax ID Number for a House

Finding your property tax ID number is simple. If you own the property, check tax bills, deeds or title reports. Non-owners can use local government websites, which often have online databases searchable by address or owner name.

Meredith Margrave

Why My Husband and I have a Money Manager in Our 30s

You don't need to be a millionaire or have complicated assets to consult a money manager. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave outlines four reasons why you may want to get some help right now with your retirement and emergency plans.

Meredith Margrave

The No. 1 Mistake People Make After They Finalize Their Financial Plan

Just like your life is a work in progress that goes through constant changes; so too is your financial plan. It's a living document that needs to be fine-tuned from time to time. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave outlines four life events that will require an update to your plan.

Meredith Margrave

Focus on your Financial Health Instead of Reducing Taxes

Paying taxes isn't fun, but missing out on a huge financial return is much, much worse. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave offers several tips for getting over the fear of taxes so you can enjoy the bulk of your hard-earned gains.

Meredith Margrave

The Tax Law That Actually Helps People... But No One Seems to Know About

The government doesn't advertise when there's a way for people to save money. But Meredith Margrave has no problem shedding light on the unknown. Learn about a little-known regulation that works as a "magic reset button" for inherited assets.

Meredith Margrave

Inheritance Plans: Don't Make This Financial Move Until You're on Your Deathbed

If you love your family, then there's one thing you'll want to keep from them. Bragging about your inheritance plans can backfire in many unforeseen and negative ways. Our Personal Finance editor Meredith Margrave explains why you should keep it to yourself until its time to buy the proverbial farm.

Zacks Equity Research

Is There a Minimum Monthly Social Security Payment Regardless of Retirement Earnings?

While Social Security offers a minimum benefit, understanding how to maximize your payments is the key, whether it's through earning more credits, delaying your claim or understanding spousal benefits.

Zacks Equity Research

Do You Have to Claim Income From 401(k) on a Tax Return?

401(k) contributions lower your taxable income, offering tax savings and higher take-home pay. Using pre-tax dollars, they reduce income tax withholdings immediately. Eligible savers can also benefit from IRS Saver's Tax Credit, enhancing both current finances and retirement planning.

Zacks Equity Research

What Should You Know About Checking and Savings Accounts?

Checking accounts manage daily expenses and offer easy access, while savings accounts help grow funds for future goals. Effective management of these accounts is crucial for smart financial planning.

Zacks Equity Research

Which Retirement Plan Is Best for You: IRA or Qualified Plan?

Whether opting for an IRA, a qualified plan, or a combination of both, the key is to start saving early and maintain consistent contributions, setting the stage for a secure and enjoyable retirement.

Zacks Equity Research

Can I Get a Refund Even If I Don't Have Federal Taxes Withheld?

Refundable tax credits allow individuals who haven't paid taxes during the year to still receive refunds. These credits help low-to-middle-income families by reducing their tax liability to zero and potentially providing a refund greater than the taxes paid.

Zacks Equity Research

How Long Do Banks Keep Records of Checking & Savings Accounts?

Banks keep records of your checking and savings accounts for five years, covering transactions, identity information and suspicious activities. This period is crucial for dispute resolution, tax purposes and fraud prevention.

Ishita Chandra

Embarking on the Path to Financial Freedom?: A Guide to (General) Retirement Planning?

Retirement is a significant milestone in life, representing a transition from the workforce to a new chapter of leisure and fulfillment.

Ishita Chandra

Barrett (BBSI) Shows Fast-paced Momentum But Is Still a Bargain Stock TEST?

Barrett (BBSI) Shows Fast-paced Momentum But Is Still a Bargain Stock

Ishita Chandra

Barrett (BBSI) Shows Fast-paced Momentum But Is Still a Bargain Stock TEST

Barrett (BBSI) Shows Fast-paced Momentum But Is Still a Bargain Stock