A black graduation cap with a red price tag attached, displaying dollar signs, as if to remind recent grads of their much-anticipated tax refund.

Will My Tax Refund Be Withheld Because of My Husband’s Defaulted Student Loan?

Q: I am way behind on my student loan and my husband would like to file together but I’m afraid that they will take the whole tax refund. What can I do to stop that from happening? A: Since you are behind on your student loans, you are correct that you and your husband both

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A green highlighter marks the term "Credit history" on a printed document about credit history and its significance in financial assessments, specifically focusing on how tools like a secured credit card can help build or improve one's credit profile.

My Credit Score Dropped 75 Points After Late Payments. What Should I Do?

Q: Help. I need your assistance on a matter. My credit score was 710. I missed one (or) two payments on a credit card and this put a black mark on my flawless credit report. My score dropped to 635 and is affecting other accounts. What can I do? I already called the bank. I

My Credit Score Dropped 75 Points After Late Payments. What Should I Do? Read More »

A computer key with three arrows pointing in different directions above the word "Choice." The key is white with black symbols and text, reminiscent of selecting a filing status.

To Pick the Correct Tax Filing Status on Your Tax Return Use these 8 Tips

One of the first things you need to do when filing your income tax return is to determine your filing status. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has identified five different filing statuses for taxpayers. These are: Single; Married Filing Jointly; Married Filing Separately; Head of Household; and Qualifying Widower with Dependent Child. The filing status

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What is The Best Way to Start Paying Off Huge Credit Card Debt and Payday Loans?

Q: What is the best way to start paying off huge credit card and payday loans? A: Here are a few tips for paying those payday loans and credit cards: – Tackle those payday loans first. Sounds like you may have “rolled over” many loans … they usually average about 400% on an annual basis, so it’s

What is The Best Way to Start Paying Off Huge Credit Card Debt and Payday Loans? Read More »

tax refund

The 5 Best Ways to Put Your Tax Refund Check to Good Use

The IRS says the average tax refund check in 2012 tops $3,000. Whether you’re expecting a really big tax refund like that, or a just a couple hundred dollars back from the government this year, be sure you make some wise financial decisions about that incoming cash. It’s easy to just splurge on something you’ve

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A calculator, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return forms (1040), and taxable dollar bills are arranged on a table.

Is that Taxable or Non-Taxable Income? Here’s a Quick List from the IRS

In most cases, the income you earn from various types of sources is taxable and must be reported on your federal income tax return. However, there are some situations and instances where your income won’t be taxed. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has outlined several items that do not need to be reported as income.

Is that Taxable or Non-Taxable Income? Here’s a Quick List from the IRS Read More »

An older person and a younger person sit close together on a couch, holding hands and smiling at the camera, their bond illustrating the peace of mind that comes with life insurance.

Life Insurance Tips When Adult Children Live With You

Q:  “I’m retired, and had life/burial insurance benefits through my job. However, I’ve been told that since my only child is an adult, and I am single/divorced, that I do not need life insurance. Also, regarding the disability insurance, I paid for the coverage for 34 years during my employment, but no longer carry it

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consolidate student loans

How to Get Your Student Loan Out of Default

I know those student loans seem overwhelming right now, especially given your modest salary. But there are some steps you can take to improve your situation.

Start by going through the process of rehabilitating your student loans to clear up your student loan default. Read this article which explains everything

you need to know about fixing defaulted student loans.

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The Child Tax Credit – How to Qualify and Claim This Tax Benefit for Your Family

The Child Tax Credit – How to Qualify and Claim This Tax Benefit for Your Family

Raising children can be a joyful and rewarding experience, but it can also come with significant financial responsibilities. To help alleviate some of the financial burdens, the United States government offers the Child Tax Credit. This credit is designed to provide financial assistance to families with eligible children, reducing their federal income tax liability. In

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7 Ways to Know if Your Social Security Benefits are Taxable

If you received Social Security benefits in 2011, did you know that your benefits could be taxable? Make sure you review Form SSA-1099 from the Social Security Administration to determine the total amount of benefits you received for the year. You will need this information to determine if your benefits are non-taxable, partially taxable, or

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