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personalfinance: Archive

Meredith Margrave

Debt Today, Retirement Tomorrow? Why You May Need to Rethink Your Financial Plan

Repaying debt and saving for retirement may seem mutually exclusive, but they're really not. In fact, balancing these two goals is essential for long-term financial health. Meredith has a step-by-step guide to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

Meredith Margrave

Social Security Isn't Dead Yet - Here's How It Still Affects Your Retirement

Rumors of social security's demise have been greatly exaggerated... but so too has this program;s purpose for retirees. It's only meant to be part of your overall foundation for retirement, not the whole thing. Meredith explains how social security actually works and how it fits into your future financial plans.

Zacks Equity Research

How Much Cash Can You Withdraw Without It Being Reported to the IRS?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, through FinCEN, mandates that banks report cash transactions of $10,000 or more.

Zacks Equity Research

How Should You Handle Taxes on 401(k) Early Withdrawals?

Early 401(k) withdrawals can provide quick cash but come with taxes and penalties, making it essential to explore alternatives first.

Zacks Equity Research

How Long Does it Take to Get Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Applying for Social Security benefits is a straightforward process that requires careful timing, accurate information and proactive preparation.

Meredith Margrave

2025 Reset: Kickstart Your Best Financial Year Yet

Forget about a new year's resolution for 2025. Instead, consider putting together a new year's financial plan that will last well past February. Meredith has a five-step process to break down your goals into bite-sized pieces, so that you can look back on a record of success when 2026 rolls around.

Meredith Margrave

Yes, You Can Afford That Dream Vacation - Here's How

BIG dreams often cost BIG money! But instead of putting yourself in debt or just throwing the dream away, Meredith wants you to consider using some planning and patience to make it happen. She's got a four-step process to get you started.

Meredith Margrave

PF Tax information

PF Tax information

Meredith Margrave

PF Retirement planning

PF Retirement planning

Meredith Margrave

PF: Financial Planning

PF: Financial Planning

Meredith Margrave

Why the Smartest Money Minds Are Obsessed With Vision Boards

Many of the world's business titans know that our brains love a good visual cue, which is why they use financial vision boards to see and accomplish their goals. Meredith is going to give it a try and offers a four-step process so you can join her on this exercise.

Meredith Margrave

You Can Save Even More for Retirement in 2025 - Here's How

The only time that the IRS can be considered "exciting" is when it offers new ways to save or keep more of your money. Well, those party animals made some updates for 2025 that could help you put away more for retirement, and Meredith is here to make sure that you take full advantage.

Meredith Margrave

The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Tax Prep in 2025

Doing your taxes is never going to be fun, but getting an early start can at least take the stress out of the process. Meredith has a seven-step checklist that can take away the surprises of tax season while keeping your blood pressure in check.

Meredith Margrave

Can You Really Handle Your Taxes Alone? 5 Signs You Need a Pro

Tax experts aren't just for rich folks or those being audited. These pros can find savings and opportunities that a DIYer would probably miss. Meredith explains when to seek out such services and how to find the right expert for you and your goals.

Meredith Margrave

The Stupid Amount of Money I'm Spending on My Dog's Last Days - And Why It Matters

There's nothing you can do about the emotional impact of losing a pet, but there is something you can do about the financial toll. Meredith outlines five steps to prepare for the often-costly end-of-life care for our best friends.

Meredith Margrave

Why Most Financial Goals Fail - and How to Make Yours Bulletproof

If you've fallen short of financial goals in the past, it's probably because your plan wasn't specific enough. Meredith offers several steps that will SMARTen you up so that your money actually works for you.

Meredith Margrave

Money and Happiness: Does the $75K Rule Still Apply?

Of course money can buy happiness! Whoever said the opposite was probably already rich. However, the way you spend money is as important as how much you have. Meredith outlines four ideas on how to spend for happiness.

Meredith Margrave

Don't Let "Buy Now, Pay Later" Ruin Your Holidays

BNPL may not technically be credit, but it's still debt that can become a financial burden before you know it. Meredith has a list of "Dos" and "Don'ts" that will help you enjoy the benefits of this option without paying for it well into the new year.

Meredith Margrave

The Simple 30-Minute Financial Checkup You Can Do Today

Your financial health needs a checkup every now and then just like your physical health does. Meredith has a quick, five-point checklist that you can do anytime to stay in front of potential problems and boost your financial confidence.

Meredith Margrave

Think DIY Saves Money? Here's What Really Happened When I Tried It

A DIY project is a great way to save a lot of money... or to go completely insane! Meredith has been through this ordeal before and offers a DIY cost-benefit checklist to help you decide whether to pick up your tool belt or to pick up your phone.

Meredith Margrave

"My Dog's Not a Dependent?" And Other Embarrassing Tax Mistakes I've Made

Don't expect much common sense from the IRS! They have their own set of rules that you had better know about when it's time for tax season. Meredith admits to some of her early mistakes in this article so that you can stay on the government???s good side.

Ishita Chandra

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Meredith Margrave

Don't Leave Money on the Table! Your Guide to Smarter Tax Savings

You may very well be paying more taxes than you need to! Most people don't take advantage of all the deductions and credits that are available to them. Meredith explains how to combine these two opportunities to save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on your tax bill.

Ishita Chandra

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Zacks Equity Research

Do I Need to Report Roth IRA Contributions on My Tax Return?

You usually do not need to report your Roth IRA contribution on your 1040 form, but early withdrawals, conversions or the Saver's Credit may require reporting.