CPI inflation is still high. How to measure what that means for you
A customer shops at a supermarket in Tokyo on Feb. 27, 2024. Kazuhiro Nogi | Afp | Getty Images New government inflation data released Wednesday came in hotter than expected. That may not be a surprise to consumers who are still feeling the weight of higher prices. Inflation — as measured by the consumer price […]
Regional banks are struggling. Here’s why and how to profit from the trend with options
Regional banks are taking hits this week and investors are increasing their bearish bets on the sector. I’ll break down the perceived problem with the industry and whether there is a buying opportunity or more downside ahead. And how to lower your risk by making the potential trade with options. The SPDR S & P […]
How to save over $1 million for retirement in your 30s
If you’re in your 30s and don’t have much saved for retirement, you’re not alone. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the median 401(k) balance for account holders in their 30s was around $20,400, according to data from Fidelity Investments, the nation’s largest 401(k) provider. That’s a far cry from the $1.46 million the […]
How to Get the Student Loan Interest Tax Deduction
A tax deduction is an amount you subtract from your income when filing taxes. It allows you to reduce your taxable income — and with it, how much you owe in taxes. If you’re a student, your student loan interest payments may be deductible, so it’s a good idea to check if you qualify for […]
How To File Your Taxes At The Last Minute
Tax season is now in full swing and millions of Americans are scrambling to file their taxes before the Apr. 15 deadline (or April 17 if you live in Maine or Massachusetts). A 2022 NBC News analysis of IRS data showed that on average about 29% of individual tax returns were received in the three […]
How to avoid ‘ghost preparers’ and other tax scams as deadline nears
As the April 15 federal tax deadline draws near, most taxpayers have less than two weeks to submit their 2023 individual tax return or file an extension — but for scammers, that’s still ample time to try to steal filers’ personal and financial information. Last year, the IRS received 294,138 complaints of reported identity theft, […]
Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion. Here’s how to pick the best payout
Between Uncle Sam and the winner’s home state, that headline number could be cut in half by the time it reaches their hands. Landon Buzzerd Associate wealth advisor at Grant Street Asset Management Eight states don’t tax lottery winnings. They are: California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. The next Powerball […]
People hate budgeting. Here’s why — and how to reframe it
Lock Stock | Digitalvision | Getty Images Americans hate to budget. However, reframing the concept can yield more positive results, experts said. They “cringe” at the word budgeting, said Winnie Sun, co-founder of Sun Group Wealth Partners, based in Irvine, California. “It’s sort of like telling someone they need to diet and eat healthy,” said […]
How to answer updated crypto tax question
Whether you’re an active cryptocurrency trader or you’ve dabbled in the word of virtual currency, the IRS wants to know. In fact, one of the first questions on Form 1040, which is used by most people to file their tax returns, asks the following: “At any time during 2023, did you: (a) receive (as a […]
How long should you stay at your job? How to switch strategically
A majority of Americans, 95%, said they plan to look for a new job this year, according to a January 2024 survey by job site Monster. Money is a big reason, with 45% of workers saying they need a higher income. Data from the Federal Reserve shows that job switchers increase their salaries more quickly, on average, than […]