A couple is improving their spending and saving habits during the stay-at-home orders.

How Stay-at-Home Orders Change Money Habits

Tuesday, 04 August 2020 by

The most fruitful periods of growth often happen when they are the least expected. Teachers and parents call them teachable moments. By reflecting on how you handle the situation, you can learn a lot about yourself. The disruption caused by this year’s pandemic is a massive teachable moment for all of us regarding money. Here

Son talking with senior parents

Financial Questions to Ask Mom and Dad

Wednesday, 01 July 2020 by

Many Americans have been focused on their own finances over the past several months. But don’t neglect helping those closest to you with their finances as well, especially aging parents. Here are some questions to ask your parents to help them sort through their financial picture. Have you decided when you’ll start taking Social Security

Check and money from government

Ensure You Receive a Stimulus Payment

Tuesday, 19 May 2020 by

The IRS has two websites to help with stimulus payments: One for non-tax filers to register to receive their economic impact payment and a new “Get My Payment” tool.   Background  As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is sending $1,200 to single taxpayers with income less than $75,000 ($98,000 with phaseouts). $2,400

Check out all of the observations from the 2019 IRS booklet about the federal government's spending.

Finding the Balance of Income vs. Spending

Tuesday, 18 February 2020 by

Every year the IRS publishes instructions to prepare your Form 1040, individual tax return. The publication for 2019 is a whopping 108 pages! On page 103 of the IRS booklet is a summary of collections (income) and spending (outlays) by the federal government. Given the election year, here is a summary of this recap and