Personal Finance

Filing a state tax extension can provide extra time to prepare and submit your state tax return if you miss the original deadline. While the IRS offers a fairly uniform process for federal tax extensions, the rules for state tax extensions vary widely. Some states automatically grant an extension if…

Key takeaways Federal Reserve interest rate changes are the primary driver of CD rates, with yields typically moving up and down alongside the Fed funds rate. The CD term length affects rates, with longer terms typically paying higher rates than shorter terms. Bank competition for deposits can push CD…

The earned income tax credit (EITC) offers support to low- and moderate-income workers, but certain conditions can make you ineligible. You may be disqualified if your income is too high, if you have significant investment income, or if you are married but filing separately. You also cannot claim the credit…

Not long ago, I received a letter from an insurance company offering to lower my homeowners premium to just $44 per month — less than 10 percent of what I currently pay. It sounded appealing — until I looked closer. The policy’s low coverage limits, paired with a coinsurance requirement,…

When you score that great mail-in offer or discount, you might wonder: Do you have to pay taxes on rebates? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Generally, the IRS doesn’t consider most consumer rebates as taxable income. When a manufacturer’s rebate reduces the purchase price, that’s typically not a taxable event.…

Key takeaways Specific savings goals work better than vague intentions to “save more money” — define exactly what you’re saving for. Setting deadlines and breaking large goals into smaller monthly targets makes them more achievable. Creating separate accounts for each goal helps you track progress and avoid spending savings on…

Key takeaways Verify you’re on legitimate bank websites and apps before entering login information — hackers create convincing fake sites to steal credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for each financial account and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be skeptical of urgent messages asking for personal information…

Elnur / Shutterstock.comMake this the year you make changes to your bad spending habits and have a positive impact on your household budget. It’s easier than you think. Check this list of tips for smart spending and pick a few money-saving strategies to try. Definitely do not adopt them all…

Key takeaways Interest checking accounts pay interest on your balance, unlike traditional checking accounts that typically earn nothing. These accounts often require higher minimum balances or specific requirements like direct deposits to earn the advertised rates. Average monthly fees are higher ($15.45) than regular checking accounts, but you can often…

Gold has long been a popular way to invest, and the shiny yellow metal has delivered periods of attractive returns, especially during times of economic stress. Gold’s ability to act as a store of value is well known, but it’s also gone through periods — even decades — where the…