Page 144 – The Money Coach

My Credit Report Does Not Show My Secured Credit Card Account. What Should I Do?

Credit Reports / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / secured credit cards

Q: I had my first “secured VISA” Credit Card from a Federal Credit Union planning to build my credit. But now when I go to apply for a Non-secure VISA Credit Card the system doesn’t show any records about my credit. The bank says that the credit card that I was using reports the credit

My Credit Report Does Not Show My Secured Credit Card Account. What Should I Do? Read More »

Are You Making These 5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Retirement?

Retirement / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Financial Planning

It’s hard enough to save and plan for retirement. So why make it even more difficult by committing costly mistakes? Here are 5 blunders that can derail your plans to retire in comfort and peace. 1. Following the herd Who cares if everyone on Wall St. is planning on buying Facebook shares or the “hottest”

Are You Making These 5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Retirement? Read More »

5 Tips To Solve Your Biggest Tax Worries

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / IRS

Tax season is here and if you’re dreading filing your income taxes or dealing with the IRS, you’re not alone. The IRS audited 1.6 million taxpayers in 2011 and the thought of an audit – among other worries – can fill even the calmest person with fear and anxiety. But there’s no need to stress

5 Tips To Solve Your Biggest Tax Worries Read More »

If Your 1099-C Form is Incorrect Here’s What to Do

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / 1099-C

If you had some of your debts cancelled or forgiven last year, the company that cancelled your debt will issue you a Form 1099-C for the amount of the cancellation. In most cases, the IRS is expecting you to report this amount as part of your gross income. Cancelled debt is considered to be taxable

If Your 1099-C Form is Incorrect Here’s What to Do Read More »

What is IRS Form 1099-C and How Should You Use It When Filing Your Taxes?

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / 1099-C

If you enter a loan forgiveness program or a creditor cancels your debt after negotiating or modifying your total debts owed, you will receive Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt. This form serves as a report to the IRS and unless you meet certain criteria, the cancelled debt will count as taxable income for that tax

What is IRS Form 1099-C and How Should You Use It When Filing Your Taxes? Read More »

A pile of U.S. hundred-dollar bills, perfect for money saving, scattered and stacked.

5 Money Saving Strategies to Save You Thousands of Dollars

Saving Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / coupons

If you spent most of last year barely reaching your financial goals and struggling with your budget, pay attention to your spending and saving habits. You need to start socking away some of your monthly income into a “no touch” savings account, no matter what your income level may be. But that’s easier said than

5 Money Saving Strategies to Save You Thousands of Dollars Read More »

How to Know If You’re Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC

Tax season can be stressful for obvious reasons, but one way of making it brighter is receiving a big income tax refund from the government. Those checks can mean a large return if you’ve been overpaying on your tax liability, but it’s usually up to the taxpayer to seek out all of the possible ways

How to Know If You’re Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit Read More »

A document labeled "Important Tax Information Enclosed" is shown with a pair of glasses resting on top, hinting at insights only a financial planner could provide.

Free Places for IRS Tax Help and Tips For Do-It-Yourself Tax Filers

Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Tax preparation

If you need tax help filing your federal income taxes, look no further than the IRS itself. And don’t worry: the IRS isn’t out to get you. On the contrary, the IRS has more than 12,000 free tax preparation sites nationwide as part of an ongoing effort by the Internal Revenue Service to team up with

Free Places for IRS Tax Help and Tips For Do-It-Yourself Tax Filers Read More »

A group of happy children, dressed in colorful clothes, smile and pose together against a white background, showcasing the joy that community support—like tax benefits for families—can bring.

Got Kids? Here are 10 Tax Benefits For Parents

1 Comment / Taxes / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Tax Credits, tax deductions

Any parent knows that kids can be awfully expensive. They eat a lot, or sometimes not much at all, picking all over their food and wasting it. They tend to sprout up like weeds, outgrowing clothes, shoes and even hats and gloves before those things get a proper wearing. (By that, I mean there should

Got Kids? Here are 10 Tax Benefits For Parents Read More »

Use These 5 Tips for Financial Intimacy In Your Relationship

Couples and Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / financial intimacy, Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and as much as the holiday is about romance, finances also play a big role in what happens on Feb. 14th. Guys are often under pressure to come up with the “big” gift – like an expensive engagement ring – or to make some other dramatic show of

Use These 5 Tips for Financial Intimacy In Your Relationship Read More »

A green neon sign that reads "PAY DAY LOANS" glows brightly against a dark Arkansas night.

Arkansas Attorney General Sues Operators of 6 Online Payday Lenders

Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Action Payday, Bottom Dollar Payday, Everest Cash Advance, Josh Mitchem, lawsuit, Paradise Cash Advance, payday lenders, Payday Loans, PDL Support LLC, Platinum B Services, Red Leaf Lending, The VIP Loan Shop

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel filed a consumer protection lawsuit against a Missouri man and two companies that control six payday loan websites offering loans to Arkansas consumers at interest rates that exceeded 600 percent. The lenders known to be controlled by the defendants include: Action Payday, Bottom Dollar Payday, Everest Cash Advance, Paradise Cash

Arkansas Attorney General Sues Operators of 6 Online Payday Lenders Read More »

A gift box wrapped in U.S. 100 dollar bills with a large red ribbon tied on top, an extravagant gesture worthy of an IDA celebration.

IDA Programs: Where to Find Matching Funds for Your Financial Goals

Saving Money / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / IDA, IDAnetwork.org, Individual Development Account

Q: Are there any organizations in the Philadelphia, PA area are participating in the IDA Program? A: For those of you that have never heard of this before, an IDA is: An Individual Development Account (or IDA) that lets low-to-moderate income earners save money for a specific goal – such as a down payment on

IDA Programs: Where to Find Matching Funds for Your Financial Goals Read More »

I Can’t Afford To Repay My Student Loans. What Are My Options?

Student Loans / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / forbearance, garnishment

Q: Hi, I have a pretty unique situation regarding student loan debt. I have about $100K in student loan debt. I did not find a job until about 8 months out of college and the loans were in deferment. The entry level position I obtained was not enough to pay my loans and I was

I Can’t Afford To Repay My Student Loans. What Are My Options? Read More »

A red 3D zigzag arrow points downward, symbolizing a budget decline.

What to Do If Your Credit Score is Too Low

Credit Scores / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / low credit score

Car loans, mortgages, credit cards, and even your apartment rental application can only be approved when you have a solid credit history. If your credit score is deemed too low by lenders, landlords, and other companies that check your credit score as part of the application process, you could be missing out on low interest

What to Do If Your Credit Score is Too Low Read More »