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personalfinance: Archive

Meredith Margrave

Got Extra Cash? Here's the Secret to Making It Work for You

If you're fortunate enough to have an unexpected windfall, then you???ll want to do something smart with the money. Should you pay down debt or invest? It depends. Meredith offers six questions to help you make the right decision.

Meredith Margrave

66% of Americans Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck - Here's How You Can Break Free

The paycheck-to-paycheck cycle isn't just a problem in this country; it's a crisis! However, you can break out of this trap with time, effort and commitment. Meredith has several tips on how to achieve financial peace of mind.

Meredith Margrave

The 50/30/20 Budget Gets a Lot of Hate, But Here's Why I Still Love It

If you look at this budget as more of a framework rather than strict rule, then it can really build habits that last a lifetime.

Meredith Margrave

Why Talking to Your Kids About Money Is Easier (and More Important) Than You Think

It may not feel natural to talk to your kids about money, but it could give them a huge advantage in life. You just need to know how to do it. Meredith is in the process of doing this right now and has several tips on teaching your kids that "money doesn't grow on trees."

Ishita Chandra

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

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Ishita Chandra

Avoid This Dangerous 401(k) Move at All Costs

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Ishita Chandra

Your Credit Score Is Just a Tool... and You're in Charge

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Meredith Margrave

The Truth About How Much Money You Need Before Having a Baby

You can never be fully prepared for a new addition to the family, but laying the groundwork for the little bundle of joy can help you weather the countless surprises. Meredith has been through all this and offers some tips on how to get ready.

Ishita Chandra

Are You Eligible To File as Head of Household if You Live Alone?

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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

Can You Claim Charitable Deductions Without Proof?

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Ishita Chandra

Why Getting a Tax Refund is a Financial Red Flag (And How to Fix It)

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Zacks Equity Research

Single vs. Married Filing Status: How Does It Affect Your Tax Withholding?

While single taxpayers may face a higher tax rate on less income, married couples, especially joint filers, may benefit from lower withholding, as the system assumes a larger combined income taxed at lower rates.

Zacks Equity Research

Are You Eligible To File as Head of Household if You Live Alone?

Living alone and claiming head of household is possible if you provide more than half the financial support for a qualifying dependent, often a parent.

Meredith Margrave

'Maybe I Should've Sold Instead of Taking a Screenshot...'

One of the biggest enemies of investors is their own hubris. However, developing and sticking to a plan is the best way to make sure logic triumphs over ego. Meredith offers her thoughts on hubris, humility and the benefits of a good plan.

Meredith Margrave

Confession: I'm Adding Another Subscription - Here's Why

You're probably spending a lot more than you think on subscriptions every month. Meredith can help end this "Subscription Creep" so you keep more money for more important things.

Meredith Margrave

Why Getting a Tax Refund is a Financial Red Flag (And How to Fix It)

That tax refund every year isn't a gift, but an interest-free loan to the government. Meredith doesn't want to be a financial buzzkill, but she does think there's better ways to use that money if you're interested.

Meredith Margrave

The Shocking Hidden Costs of Credit Card Debt

If getting out of the credit card maze was easy, then Americans wouldn't owe over $1.1 Trillion on their plastic. But it is possible to find the exit with a plan and a new mindset. Meredith has a five-step strategy to get you there.

Meredith Margrave

Your Credit Score Is Just a Tool... and You're in Charge

If you're obsessing about your credit score, the first thing that Meredith wants you to do is RELAX! And then you'll be in a better mindset to improve your score and keep progressing afterwards. Get 10 tips from the editor.

Meredith Margrave

6 Proven Strategies to Pay Down Credit Card Debt Quickly and Efficiently

Credit card debt is probably the most common financial problem for people today... and also one of the most daunting to overcome. But don???t fear; there are plenty of strategies that can get you back on the right track. Meredith outlines six of them.

Meredith Margrave

The Summer My Family Ditched Monopoly and Went Full Wall Street

Igniting financial curiosity in your children can provide them with lessons that last their entire lives. It can also be fun! Meredith offers a few tips on how to start a family investing competition.

Meredith Margrave

10 Mid-Year Strategies to Boost Your Retirement Savings Now

Nobody ever talks about mid-year resolutions, but there's never a bad time to get a game plan together for retirement. Meredith highlights several "action steps" that can get you back on the right track.

Zacks Equity Research

Can You Claim Charitable Deductions Without Proof?

For cash donations under $250, you can claim the deduction without a formal receipt, but you'll need to provide some form of bank record.