A person pulls out an empty pocket from their black pants while standing outside, perhaps pondering the federal taxes owed.

Can I Get an Income Tax Refund If I’m Making Payments on Federal Taxes Owed?

Even though most American taxpayers wind up getting a tax refund from the federal government, some taxpayers still owe the Internal Revenue Service money and will not get any type of refund until they clear up their balance and pay off any federal taxes owed. If you’re wondering if you will get a tax refund when […]

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Sin Card

What is a SIN Card? Is it like a Social Security Card?

If you were born in America, you’ve been issued a Social Security card. But what about Americans living in Canada or residents north of the U.S. border? If you are a Canadian citizen, temporary resident, or a newcomer to Canada, the Canadian government will assign you a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This number is required

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credit card account in collections

4 Tips to Select a Credit Card for Your Kid Going to College

College students who end up carrying a credit card throughout their college careers need to be aware of the repercussions of credit card spending before they charge those books, tuition fees, and entertainment expenses. Many students end up graduating with incredibly high credit card bills because they develop a credit card habit early and end

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A red stop sign is shown below a "Rail Crossing Road" sign against a clear blue sky, serving as a stark reminder to halt before witnessing a potential financial train wreck.

3 More Signs You’re a Financial Train Wreck Waiting to Happen

In my previous column, I explained three red flags about your finances that you should be concerned with fixing immediately. Those previous three issues might seem like obvious economic problems. But what about three factors that are not as obvious? They too could set you up to be a financial train wreck. Here are another

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Close-up of several Social Security cards laid out, with portions of names and numbers visible. This image serves as a reminder to replace your Social Security card promptly if it's ever lost or damaged.

Quick Tips to Replace Your Lost Social Security Card

You need your Social Security card (or at least your Social Security number) to apply for a job, get insurance benefits, file income taxes, and to open up a bank account or seek credit. If you’ve lost your Social Security Card or damage it in some way, you can request a replacement card directly through the U.S. Social Security

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A hand is drawing a pink broken heart on a green chalkboard with chalk, symbolizing the pain of divorce.

5 Tips to Protect Your Credit Score During a Divorce

Going through a divorce will take its toll on your emotional and financial well-being. But did you know that it can also affect your credit score? When you’re thinking about getting a divorce, or already going through divorce, worrying about your credit score is probably low on the priority list but it’s not something you

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A stack of five colorful gift cards with values of $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.

Gift Cards: The Funny Hidden Messages Behind Giving and Receiving Gift Cards

In the final days before Christmas, a lot of people will be buying gift cards for relatives, friends and co-workers. In fact, Americans will plunk down $28 billion for gifts cards over the holidays, with the average shopper spending $155 on gift cards, according to the National Retail Federation. Since gift cards are the single-most

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financial goals

5 Tips to Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals in the New Year

How well did you meet the financial goals you made on January 1 this past year? If you’re still struggling to keep that budget in order or you had to deal with some major financial emergencies this past year, now would be a great time re-evaluate your financial standing and set some new goals for

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A steam train emerges from a dark tunnel, light and smoke billowing as it heads into a sunlit area, much like navigating through the aftermath of a financial train wreck toward brighter days.

3 Signs You’re a Financial Train Wreck Waiting to Happen

3 Signs You’re a Financial Train Wreck Waiting to Happen: As a Money Coach, I frequently hear from people who feel like they’re just one misstep away from financial ruin. Some are right—they’re drowning in debt or have little to no savings. Others are simply overwhelmed, unsure how to get back on track. How can

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loan approved

3 Ways a Peer-to-Peer Loan is Better for Your Credit Score Than Credit Card Debt

With millions of Americans owing so much money on their credit card balances, it’s no wonder that a lot of them are looking at peer-to-peer loans as a way to pay down debt more quickly and have a lower interest rate. Getting credit or loans more cheaply is obviously a good thing for those who need

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medical bills

Can Calling About a Medical Bill or Debt Make It Stay Longer on Your Credit Report?

A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com wanted to know how long a medical debt stays on their credit report, and what happens if they make an agreement to start paying it again. This is what the person asked: Q: Is it true if you call to inquire about a medical bill, the time starts all over again

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lost social security card

Lost or Stolen Social Security Card? Here’s Advice You Need

If you’ve lost your Social Security card or maybe even had your Social Security number stolen, this is a very serious issue, because it could make you a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission says that identity theft strikes about 10 million Americans every single year. And the risks of identity theft are

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A shiny red gift bow with pointed loops arranged in a star pattern, set against a plain white background.

Don’t Gift The Gift of Debt This Holiday Season

Would you like it if somebody gave you a “gift” this holiday season that wound up costing you more than $30,000? I don’t know about you, but I’d consider that one very expensive “gift” that I’d certainly want to return. Yet, every year people give their loved ones financed or leased cars as “gifts.” “I

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A man and a woman sitting on a couch, closely examining documents about their child as a dependent at a small table in front of them.

Head of Household? Do You Have to Claim a Child as a Dependent?

The Head of Household filing status can mean a lower tax rate and higher standard deduction than a single taxpayer. Many people who are claiming this filing status wonder if they have to claim a child as a dependent on their return in order to qualify. The definition for this filing status is very specific

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plan b

Planning Your Finances? Use This One Strategy For Economic Success

If you’re ready to get your finances in tip top shape for the New Year, there is one simple strategy that can help you achieve economic security and success. The strategy is to ask yourself “What if?” and then come up with a preventive or proactive solution. “What if”: I lose my job (Would you

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