Personal Finance
Claiming dependents correctly could help reduce your tax bill. A family with two qualifying children may potentially receive several thousand dollars in combined tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Someone supporting an elderly parent may also qualify for additional benefits, including head…
I love startups and entrepreneurship. My obsession started when I was reselling Nerds candy in Taipei, purchased from the U.S. commissary store. To recognize and exploit a pricing arbitrage as a nine-year-old felt like winning the lottery every time a new batch arrived. In 1998, a year before graduating from…
It’s no secret today’s economy is casting a shadow over many people’s lives, whether at the grocery store, gas pump or even keeping the lights on at home. But, so far, Americans, especially homeowners, appear to be holidng steady when it comes to their debt. Total mortgage balances have risen…
You might think your finances are in good shape because you avoid major impulse buys like designer handbags or high-end electronics. However, wealth rarely disappears in one giant leap. Instead, it tends to evaporate through a series of tiny, almost imperceptible leaks. These micro-habits feel harmless in the moment —…
The idea that you get what you pay for is a comforting lie. We like to believe that a higher price tag acts as a shield against poor performance or premature breaking. In many categories — from high-end electronics to daily kitchen essentials — the premium you pay for a…
I’ve spent 45 years as a personal finance expert and author— and if I had to point to a single category where smart, financially literate people leave the most money on the table without realizing it, I’d point straight at auto and home insurance. The reason isn’t laziness. It’s an…
If you’re new to Chewy, it is a great time to stock up on pet essentials. The online pet retailer is offering first‑time customers a $20 gift card when they spend $49 on eligible items, plus free shipping on their initial order. The deal applies to popular categories like dog…
Aruta Images / Shutterstock.comThe public library graduated from being simply a repository of books decades ago. Today, the public library is plugged into the virtual world in many ways, including free library apps. Do you want to stream music, movies and audiobooks? Check out a hundred magazines? Learn a new…
The dream of passive income often leads people toward the high-stakes world of short-term home rentals. While the payouts can be significant, the reality involves scrubbing toilets, managing guest egos and worrying about your furniture. There is a less invasive way to monetize what you already own. Your garage is…
Consumers are still feeling the pinch at grocery stores, so it can feel extra good to get a freebie when you shop at your favorite supermarket. Several grocery chains around the country offer such freebies to shoppers. And there’s no catch — you do not have to make a purchase…
