Category: budgeting

Lumps of Coal in This Year’s Christmas Stockings?

As Americans anticipate the arrival of the holidays, it appears that many households may struggle to fill their family’s Christmas stockings this year. A new poll released on Thursday reveals that 82 percent of American respondents of likely voters have been negatively affected by inflation and higher costs. More than half that number describe themselves as…


Powerball Winner Faces Massive Tax Bill

By Kelley R. Taylor From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Question: What sort of tax bill is the recent winner of the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot likely to owe? Answer: The lucky Powerball winner will be looking at hefty tax bills. One of those tax bills will be from the federal government and, depending on where the…


12 Ways to Start the New Year Off on the Right Financial Foot

The new year comes with the chance to reflect on the past year and set new goals. However, don’t just set physical and mental wellness resolutions. You should also add financial wellness resolutions as well. To help you reach your financial goals in the new year, here are twelve ways to start fresh: 1. Revise…


10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Solo Retired Traveler

Consumers are taking the plunge into solo traveling, despite the cost of traveling surging in recent months due to higher inflation and interest rates. Traveling alone during retirement is nothing new, and millions of retirees and more mature adults are enjoying the excitement of experiencing a new country or culture by themselves. Most recent statistics…


101 Christmas Gift Ideas Under $40

It is important to consider price when shopping for a gift. It becomes especially important when your holiday shopping list is long. Along with your personal finances and the number of people you’re shopping for, you can stay within budget in a number of ways. Since the holidays are already a stressful time, here are 101…


The Secret for a Debt-Free Holiday Season in a Single Word

It’s not exactly a new word to me. But I’m pretty sure I’d never actually used the word “pre-determine” in a sentence until my pastor referred to it recently — and in a way that turned on a bright light in my noggin. To pre-determine is to make a decision in advance. That describes perfectly…


Holiday Gifts That Keep on Giving

By Steve Rosen From Tribune Content Agency Toys, of course, are a shopping must. But consider some gifts for the kids that will keep on giving long after the blocks, action figures, and game systems get relegated to the back of a closet or attic. Savings bonds, contributions to college savings accounts, and helping to…


Make the Most of New Rules for Charitable Giving

Most people no longer get a tax deduction when they donate to charity. That shouldn’t keep you from making donations, but you may want to change your approach. Typically, only taxpayers who itemize deductions can write off charitable contributions. The vast majority of taxpayers instead take the standard deduction, which was nearly doubled by the…


How Credit Can Beat Buy Now, Pay Later

At first glance, a “buy now, pay later” plan’s promise of no interest or upfront fees can seem more appealing than a credit card’s terms. Dividing a transaction into, say, a pay-in-four installment plan sounds straightforward and manageable. Unlike credit cards, though, these plans lack certain consumer protections and are sometimes unpredictable. In this way,…


How to Find the Right Electric Vehicle

By Rivan Stinson From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Car buyers have had a tough go looking for their next road warrior. Inventories are low due to supply-chain troubles, which means prices for new and used cars have skyrocketed thanks to increased demand. If you add in the gas price hikes that dominated summer news headlines and…