Personal Finance

Tax Benefits for Dependents: Rules, Credits and Deductions

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…

What Is an LLC: Requirements, Pros and Cons

A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection and operational flexibility, but the costs, paperwork, and compliance requirements differ from state to state. Knowing what your state requires before you file can save you time and money down the line. A financial advisor can help you compare entity structures, work…

Dollar Tree Price Scanners Fuel Online Debate over Rising Costs

More and more people are finding Dollar Tree’s new price scanners at their locations, as the company continues moving away from its standardized $1 business model. The reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users suggesting that the discount retailer change its name to “The Tree” and others…

LLC vs. LLP: Tax Treatments and Investor Protections

Choosing a business structure is one of the first major decisions entrepreneurs and investors face. It’s choice that can have lasting implications for taxes, liability protection and day-to-day operations. Two common options are the limited liability company (LLC) and the limited liability partnership (LLP). While these business structures offer some…

LP vs. LLP: Tax Treatments and Investor Protections

If you are thinking about starting a business with partners or investing in a partnership opportunity, choosing between a limited partnership (LP) and a limited liability partnership (LLP) may affect how your income is structured for tax purposes and how much personal liability protection you actually have. In an LP,…

10 Ways Amazon Gets You to Spend More Money — and How Stop It

Jeramey Lende / Shutterstock.comFor Amazon regulars, it’s hard to imagine life before you could click a few buttons and have practically anything you want delivered within days — or even hours. It’s so easy to shop at the giant retailer that users need willpower and savvy to avoid overspending. Understanding…

15 States Where Home Insurance Tops Property Taxes. Is Yours on the List?

Homeowners in 15 states spend more each month on insurance than on property taxes, according to a recent LendingTree study. Many are in parts of the country exposed to hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and other costly disasters. Nationwide, the typical homeowner with a mortgage pays an estimated $200 a month…

Is Your Car Battery Terminal Dirty and Corroded? Let’s Fix It.

A common issue with car batteries is dirty or corroded battery terminals. Corrosion can be a result of the gasses in the battery leaking out, and that can cause damage to the battery and the overall function of your car. Cleaning them off is a simple project that you can…