As the tax deadline approaches, taxpayers are at risk of falling victim to various tax scams. Last year alone, the IRS received over 294,000 complaints of identity theft, resulting in more than $5.5 billion in tax fraud. With the IRS processing millions of federal returns, scammers are actively seeking opportunities to steal personal and financial
Personal
The Powerball jackpot has reached an incredible $1 billion, making it the fifth-largest prize in the game’s history. With no winner from the recent drawing, the anticipation continues to build. If you are lucky enough to win the grand prize by matching all six numbers, you will have two payout options to consider: a lump
The year 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges to students looking to secure financial aid for their college education. With the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are facing increased financial pressure and are struggling to afford higher education. In response to these challenges, some colleges are taking proactive steps to make education more
Americans have a general aversion towards budgeting, viewing it as a restrictive and overwhelming concept. The mere mention of budgeting can cause distress and fear in a large percentage of individuals, reflecting the misconception that budgeting equates to deprivation. However, financial experts emphasize the importance of reframing the budgeting process as a positive endeavor rather
In recent times, what was once a simple gesture of gratitude has transformed into a significant source of annoyance for many consumers. The rapid rise of tipping culture post-pandemic has led to a scenario where individuals are faced with more opportunities to tip for a wide range of services than ever before, a phenomenon commonly
The advancement of technology in new cars has brought a plethora of high-tech features, from operating systems to navigation and remote unlock capabilities. However, with these advancements comes a significant concern regarding driver privacy. According to Ivan Drury, the director of insights at Edmunds, many of these new features are data-dependent. Whether it’s a computer
As the federal tax deadline approaches, individuals still have a window of opportunity to either reduce their tax bill or increase their refund. Although the end of the year typically marks the close of most tax-planning strategies, there are a few options available before the April 15 deadline that could potentially save you money, according
In a recent survey conducted by job site Monster, a staggering 95% of Americans expressed their intention to seek a new job within the year. The primary driver behind this mass exodus from current workplaces seems to be the desire for a higher income, with 45% of respondents citing this as their main motivation. This
The recent final rule issued by the Social Security Administration has significant implications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This rule aims to prevent food assistance from affecting payments to certain beneficiaries, thereby alleviating financial burdens on individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older who have limited income or resources. The new
When considering the purchase of cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin, Katherine Dowling compares it to cayenne pepper – a little goes a long way. In a portfolio, cryptocurrencies should be treated as an alternative investment, alongside private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital. Allocating a small percentage, around 2% to 3%, of an investment portfolio to
