If you’ve applied for a loan, a credit card, or a mortgage recently, your credit score likely played a pivotal role in the lender’s decision. But did you know there’s more than one type of credit score? Two commonly referenced models—FICO and PLUS Score—serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between the FICO vs. PLUS […]
FICO vs. PLUS Score: What’s the Real Difference and Why It Matters Read More »
Here are 5 common debit card scams used by con artists out to steal your debit card information and your money: Keystroke-logger. This is computer spyware that records every keystroke typed on a computer and is used to steal confidential personal information and passwords. Cellphone. A bystander distracts you while a scammer uses the camera built into his cellphone
Debit Card Scams You Never Heard Of Read More »
Understanding Employer Tax Reporting Obligations The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all employers to report income and employment taxes withheld from their employees on an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form 941). This form ensures that wages are accurately recorded, and all necessary payroll taxes are paid. If your employer fails to report your wages
Do This Now If Your Wages Were Not Reported Read More »
If you’re like me, you’ve definitely noticed that you’re paying higher prices at the pump to fill up your car. Since we’re all trying to save a buck, here are 10 ways you can save money on gasoline: Gas prices continue to fluctuate, often rising when we least expect it. If you’re tired of spending
Save Money on Gas: 11 Genius Tips to Cut Fuel Costs Fast Read More »
It’s that time of year, when students and their parents are hearing from colleges about which schools granted them admission – and equally important, which schools are offering the most money to pay for college. If your family is like most, you probably can’t afford to foot the entire college bill on your own. That’s
Tips for Negotiating a Better College Financial Aid Package Read More »
If you’re one of the 25% of tax payers who owe money to the IRS when you file your federal income tax return, there are some important things you should know. First off, even if you can’t afford to pay your entire tax bill, do pay whatever you can to minimize interest charges on any
Ten Things To Know If You Owe Taxes To The IRS Read More »
If someone has stolen your Social Security card or has found your Social Security number on sensitive documents, they can misuse your SSN by opening up credit cards or applying for a loan in your name. If you are the victim of this type of identity theft, you must report the incident to the Federal
What Should I Do if Someone Obtains Credit Using My SSN? Read More »
If you recently had your Social Security card stolen or an identity thief had access to your Social Security number, someone could be using your Social Security number for a variety of purposes. Using someone else’s Social Security number is illegal but thousands of people become the victims of identity theft after losing their Social
Someone is Using My SSN – What Should I Do? Read More »
Q: I am unable to file my taxes because someone used my social security number. What should I do? A: If you recently found out that someone used your Social Security number to file taxes, you will need to report the fraudulent activity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately. The IRS usually sends out
I Can’t File My Taxes Because Someone Used My SSN – What Do I Do? Read More »
Once you pass 50, your life insurance needs may change. Perhaps the kids are grown and financially secure, or your mortgage is finally paid off. If so, you may be able to reduce or eliminate coverage. On the other hand, a disabled dependent or meager savings might require you to hold on to life insurance
Does It Make Sense To Keep Life Insurance After Age 50? Read More »
The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General cannot place a fraud alert on your SSN but they do manage a fraud hotline to investigate instances of fraud. You can contact the U.S. Department of Health Services Office of Inspector General to report various types of fraud, including medical identity theft, Social Security disability
Will the SSA Place a Fraud Alert on My Social Security Number? Read More »
Q: I filed for my taxes on Turbo Tax I got a message saying that my social security number has been used and one of my dependents. Can I ever find out who did it? What if their using numbers in other places? Will I get my refund? A: If someone has used your Social
Someone Stole My Social Security Number To File Taxes. Help! Read More »
Q: My husband and I each took $10,000 early IRA distributions to help pay for a construction loan on a new house. The amount is exempt from the 10% penalty but I do not understand, when it comes to taxes, why it is considered taxable income when I paid income taxes on that money before
Why Was I Taxed On An Early IRA Distribution? Read More »
Q: My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years and have not mixed any of our finances due to his poor credit history. We have filed taxes separately in the past, but this year we looked at filing jointly and would get much more money back. My question is this…can filing jointly
Should I File Taxes Separately From My Spouse To Protect My Credit Score? Read More »
Q: I have $1000 I would like to invest. What type of investment you think I can do that will yield the highest (return). I am saving to buy a house and hope to do so by next year. A: Before you invest $1,000, I’d suggest taking care of five financial basic: 1) Paying off
Should I Invest My Money In Order To Save For A Home? Read More »
