Personal Finance
How Much Does a Dependent Reduce Taxes on a Paycheck?
Claiming a dependent does not reduce the taxes taken from each paycheck by a fixed amount. Instead, dependents may make you eligible for federal tax credits, and accounting for those credits on Form W-4 can change how much federal income tax your employer withholds. The impact that ultimately has…
TSP Roth Conversion: Tax Rules and Examples
Federal employees with traditional Thrift Savings Plans can now convert money to a Roth TSP. This moves their future qualified growth and withdrawals into tax-free territory, but creates a substantial current-year tax bill. However, Roth TSP balances are not subject to lifetime required minimum…
Counting Down the 5 Best Hybrids of 2026 as Gas Prices Rise
As gas prices rise, so do the number of U.S. drivers who are considering hybrid vehicles as they shop online for cars, according to Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book. The group said in a report released on Aug. 4 that hybrid consideration reached a record high of 22% in the first half of 2026 as
7 Potential Income Sources Seniors Always Forget About
You followed the rules. You worked hard, contributed to your retirement accounts, and finally you’re approaching, or already crossed, the finish line. But thanks to unpredictable inflation and a volatile stock market, your carefully planned retirement budget might be feeling the squeeze. The fear…
How to Get Senior Discounts on Cruises
Millions of people set sail on cruises every year looking for a stress-free way to see the world. After all, your food, lodging and entertainment are generally bundled into one neat package. All you have to do is book and board. For those cruising into retirement age, time at sea can be a dream…
California Lawmakers Pass Plug-In Solar Bill Aimed at Reducing Costs
California legislators approved a bill on Aug. 26 that could help reduce skyrocketing energy costs for residents by allowing them to install plug-in solar panels as an alternative, portable way to meet household energy needs. The bill, Senate Bill 868, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San…
12 Great American Museums With Senior Discounts
Ungvari Attila / Shutterstock.com Perhaps you’ve retired or you’ve just got time on your hands — whatever the case, appreciating cultural staples at a museum can be a relaxing way to spend your day. Whether you’re interested in science or race cars or unique art, the type of museum that interests…
The Average 401(k) Balance Is $351,242. Ignoring This Tax Rule Can Cost You Thousands.
The average 401(k) balance is about $351,242, but taxes can reduce how much of that money is available to spend.1 Required minimum distributions (RMDs) can create taxable income once they begin, potentially increasing your tax bill. Planning when and how you take money from your 401(k) could help…
The Beeping Was Coming From Inside The House: When A Landlord Can Enter Without Notice
I have been a landlord since 2005, the year I rented out the very first property I bought in San Francisco after buying a single-family home. Since then I’ve been through all sorts of disputes. Neighbors texting me that my tenants were running across their roofs during Fleet Week. A heaping pile of…
Confused by Car Insurance? 6 Types of Coverage Explained
Meet the state minimum for car insurance and you are legal to drive. Whether you are well protected is another thing. Required coverage is designed to cover the damage you might inflict on other people. For example, an injury to a person, or damage to their car or property. Repairing your own car…