Home business owners may not always be aware of the tax write-offs they can take. This includes write-offs on any office expenses or updates, so long as your home office meets certain basic requirements. Ideally, you will work with your accountant on figuring out which deductions you can take and how to go about it […]
money
Budgeting with the ’50/20/30′ Rule
We just finished the first quarter of 2022. Did you start a budget? If not, don’t make it too complicated. The most important part of preparing a budget is getting started. You can track your spending with Quicken, Mint, Excel or paper and pen. Here are some helpful guidelines. I call it the 50/20/30 rule. […]
Five Ways to Reach Your Financial Goals in 2022
Make 2022 the year you achieve a level of financial wellness that you have always striven for. Whether your goals involve spending less, saving more or any number of things, it’s never too late to start working toward them. It may seem daunting, but balancing your finances doesn’t have to be the scary feat it […]
Five Steps to Avoiding Money Disagreements for Couples
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. But one of the most-common reasons relationships don’t make it is because two people don’t see eye-to-eye on money. How can you save your relationship and work through these differences? Here are some tips for couples who can’t seem to agree on financial matters. 1. Talk […]
Be Prepared: 5 Steps to Build Your Emergency Fund
Many of life’s interruptions can’t be predicted. Not having funds set aside for unexpected problems can leave you racking up high credit card debt or putting yourself in other difficult financial straits. “When it comes to savings best practices, it is especially clear after the pandemic how valuable an emergency savings fund can become at […]
Mortgage Relief and COVID-19 Scams: What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.” According to Freddie Mac, this scheme involves bad actors offering false promises […]
How to Prepare Young Adults for Financial Independence
As you prepare your young adult for college and beyond, it’s important to talk about the road to financial independence, which includes building healthy credit. This is vital for big life moments like getting a car, apartment, house or job, and your child’s credit report will be the financial resume necessary to help him or […]
5 Steps to Prep for Buying a Home
For many Americans, making the jump to buying that first house is a significant achievement that allows them to put their mark on their own space, while creating room for family and pets. But how do you know you’re ready? Americans see home-ownership as an investment in their future, yet they are concerned about the […]
