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personalfinance: Archive

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.

Zacks Equity Research

What You Should Know About U.S. Income Levels and Class Status

Income levels in the U.S. are influenced by factors like location, cost of living, net worth, and demographic changes, not just earnings.

Zacks Equity Research

Do You Have to Pay State Taxes on 401(k) Withdrawals?

Withdrawals from your 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income in most cases, and some states may also levy income taxes on these distributions.

Meredith Margrave

How to Negotiate Your Hospital Bill Like a Pro

Think of that huge hospital bill as more of an opening offer, because you have the right to negotiate it. However, it might take a lot of homework and persistence to get it done. Meredith offers six steps that could save you thousands of dollars.

Meredith Margrave

The Hospital May Be Behind You, But the Bills Are Just Getting Started

A hospital bill can be one of the most intimidating... and costly... parts of your personal finances, but it's not something you can run away from. Meredith Margrave can help make sense of all the paperwork, and maybe even save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Meredith Margrave

This Is the Most Important Thing to Do Before a Medical Emergency

You may not know when an emergency is coming, but you can prepare for one to limit its impact on your bottom line. Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave offers a crash course on key insurance terms and provides five questions that need to be answered before a trip to the E.R.

Zacks Equity Research

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Money After Selling Stocks?

The shift to T+1 settlement is a small but meaningful change that allows investors to access their funds faster after selling stocks.

Zacks Equity Research

What Happens to Your Bank Savings & IRAs During a Great Depression?

Know FDIC coverage limits and plan accordingly to keep your savings and retirement accounts secure, even during financial uncertainty.

Meredith Margrave

Why Financial Experts Use Credit Cards Daily - And You Can Too

Our personal finance editor Meredith Margrave thinks that credit cards get a bad rap. Like any tool, it's always about the way you use the card. Read this article and learn all about the pitfalls and positive possibilities of plastic payments.

Meredith Margrave

11 Signs You Can Handle a Credit Card (and One Big Red Flag You Can't)

It is possible to use a credit card responsibly and not have it take over your finances. However, you do have to be in the right mindset. Meredith has put together a checklist to help you decide if plastic purchases are right for you.

Meredith Margrave

Want to Save $10,000 in a Year? Start With Just $28 a Day

Getting into the habit of saving is actually more important (in the early stages) than the amount that you actually save. Meredith has three steps that seem small but can open up huge options for the future.

Meredith Margrave

How to Dominate Fantasy Football Without Wrecking Your Budget

You can definitely have 'too much fun' with fantasy football. When it starts to eat your budget and savings, then the game is playing you. Meredith has several tips to make sure the game stays fun on your road to a championship.

Meredith Margrave

Inflation Is Cooling, So Everything Should Be Cheap Again Soon... Right?

As you???ve probably already noticed, a drop in inflation does NOT mean we'll see a drop in prices. So why do we care so much about it? Meredith explains why inflation is such an important part of the economy... and your personal finances.

Meredith Margrave

Financial Success, Simplified: The Power of the 50/30/20 Budget

If you can balance your needs, wants and savings every month; then you'll have the type of financial security that alludes the vast majority of people in this country. Meredith details a budget that can keep you solvent no matter what life throws at you.

Meredith Margrave

Even a 1% Change in Mortgage Rates Could Save You Thousands

Now that the Fed has finally started cutting rates, it's important to understand how such things can impact your monthly mortgage payments. The bottom line is that a little change can have a big impact on your finances. If you ever plan on buying a house, then read Meredith's article.

Zacks Equity Research

How Much Will You Pay in Taxes on Your IRA Withdrawal?

Knowing the tax implications of IRA withdrawals is crucial for effective retirement planning, allowing you to optimize savings, minimize taxes and avoid penalties.

Zacks Equity Research

Will You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Social Security Benefits?

Many retirees may face taxes on their Social Security benefits. Planning ahead and understanding tax rules can help minimize the impact on your retirement income.

Zacks Equity Research

How Long Should You Be Married for Social Security Survivor Benefits?

Understanding Social Security survivor benefits can reduce financial stress after losing a spouse, usually requiring at least nine months of marriage for eligibility.

Meredith Margrave

Should You Refinance Now? What the Fed's Rate Cut Means for You

The Fed finally cut rates, but that doesn???t automatically mean you should refinance your mortgage. There's A LOT more to consider. Meredith wants you to answer a few questions before starting the process, since refinancing is NOT a one-size-fits-all solution.

Zacks Equity Research

Are Social Security Benefits Taxable Even in Retirement?

Whether your Social Security benefits are taxed depends on your overall income, not age. If you keep working or have other income, part of your benefits may be taxed.

Zacks Equity Research

Can Stock Market Trends Affect the Housing Market?

The stock market influences the housing market indirectly through interest rates, consumer confidence and bank lending policies, shaping conditions that either boost it or cool it down.

Zacks Equity Research

Can You Receive Both Unemployment and Social Security Benefits?

The Social Security Administration doesn't count unemployment benefits as earnings, but some states may reduce your unemployment benefits if you're also receiving Social Security payments.