Your Brain on Social Media
Your Brain on Social Media How to make online interaction better for your health More than half the world now uses social media sites such as Facebook, X, and Instagram every day. The average user spends about 2 hours and 23 minutes on these platforms clicking,...
Building an Emergency Fund When Cash is Scarce
Building an Emergency Fund When Cash is Scarce The traditional rule-of-thumb for emergency funds is to have enough cash stashed away to cover 3 to 6 months worth of expenses. For many people, though, this sounds better in theory than in practice. When you're starting...
Common Missing Tax Return Items
Common Missing Tax Return Items Want your tax return filed quickly and without error? Then, double-check this list of items that are often overlooked. These missing items often cause delays in getting your tax return filed: Forms W-2 and 1099. Using last year's tax...
Avoid a Penalty and Tax Surprise when Withdrawing from Retirement Accounts
Avoid a Penalty and Tax Surprise when Withdrawing from Retirement Accounts Retirement accounts that provide tax breaks have very specific rules that must be followed if you want to enjoy the financial rewards of those tax breaks. One of these rules defines WHEN you're...
File Your Business Return on Time or Pay the Price!
File Your Business Return on Time or Pay the Price! March 15th is the tax-filing due date for 2023 calendar year S corporations and partnerships. While this filing deadline does not require making a tax payment, missing the due date could cost you a hefty penalty. The...
Give Your Personal Brand a Boost
Give Your Personal Brand a Boost The idea of building a personal brand might seem intimidating, but the benefits can be career-altering. Not only does your brand promote you to the entire market, but it also solidifies your standing within your network, where most new...
Reasons to File Your Tax Return Early
Reasons to File Your Tax Return Early When it makes sense to file a tax return as soon as you can The 2024 tax season for 2023 tax returns is now officially underway. Here are several reasons to consider filing your tax return early. To get your refund. There's no...
Moves to Improve Your Credit Score
Moves to Improve Your Credit Score While your credit score is a three-digit number that's automatically assigned to you, this is one area of your financial life where you have quite a bit of control. The moves you make or don't make with your credit can help determine...
Yes! You Owe Tax on That
Yes! You Owe Tax on That 6 Surprising Taxable Items If something of value changes hands, you can bet the IRS considers a way to tax it. Here are six taxable items that might surprise you: Surprise #1: Hidden treasure - In 1964, a married couple discovered $4,467 in a...
Best Way to Avoid an IRS Audit: Preparation
Best Way to Avoid an IRS Audit: Preparation Getting audited by the IRS is no fun. Some taxpayers are selected for random audits every year, but the chances of that happening to you are very small. You are much more likely to fall under the IRS's gaze if you make one...