Could a Gap Year After High School Make Financial Sense?
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Considering taking a gap year before going to college? They’re increasingly popular in the U.S., and may offer long-term benefits to students.
Year after year, Congress keeps kicking meaningful income tax reform down the road. Consequently, taxpayers continue to be stuck with an archaic, overly complicated mess that pleases no one – except perhaps some tax accountants who charge by the hour.A prime...
With final holiday preparations looming, the last thing anyone wants to think about is next April's tax bill. But if you're over 70 ½ and have any tax-deferred retirement accounts (like an IRA), put down the wrapping paper and listen up:...
Would you be surprised to learn that if your laptop gets stolen during a car break-in, your automobile insurance probably won't reimburse you for the loss? Don't be. Many people have only a vague idea of things like: what their car...
I'm usually in too much of a Thanksgiving food coma to hit the sales on Black Friday, but millions of other Americans somehow find the Last year, 89 million people took advantage of Black Friday sales (57 million of them online),...
For something whose nickname sounds so innocent, the "kiddie tax" certainly can wreak havoc on unprepared taxpayers' yearly returns. Congress first introduced the kiddie tax as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 to discourage wealthy parents from sheltering their...
Although I take a certain amount of comfort from statistics that show major declines in most types of crime throughout the U.S., I also know that burglaries have increased in areas surrounding my neighborhood over the last few years. I was...
As Veteran's Day approaches, this is a good time to remind our active duty service members and veterans about the many education assistance benefits available to them through the G.I. Bill and other government programs. Here's a rundown of a few...
Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, moving is expensive. By the time you've paid to have your household goods packed and moved, cancelled and reconnected utilities and racked up storage fees, you could easily be out thousands of...
If someone told you there's a way for you to potentially save hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars on your income taxes by simply spending a few minutes reviewing your benefits and tax paperwork, would you think it sounds...
If you're among the 170 million Americans who receive health insurance through an employer-provided plan, you'll probably receive your 2014 open enrollment materials shortly. Although it's a pain to wade through all that information, simply opting for your current coverage could...
In 2002, Congress passed legislation to create an income tax credit designed to encourage lower- and middle-income people to save money for retirement. The saver's credit, worth up to $1,000 a year for individuals ($2,000 for couples filing jointly), rewards people...
I look forward to the day when we no longer need to warn senior citizens about scams designed to separate them from their hard-earned money. I'm not holding my breath, however. According to the FBI, senior citizens make attractive targets for...
Millions of young Americans recently began their senior year of high If your kid is among them, he or she is probably busy juggling homework, extracurricular activities and maybe a part-time job – all while trying to savor the last official...
Few events inspire more dread than an IRS tax audit. Even if you're confident you've accounted for every cent of income and only taken legitimate deductions, it's hard not to worry what a close examination of your tax returns might uncover...
Ever notice how many people walk down the street completely engrossed in their smartphones and tablets? I fully expect to see one of them to walk into a light post one Although it's great having access to email, social networking and...
We all know that sinking feeling when you get pulled over for a traffic violation. If you're lucky, you might just get a "fix-it" ticket for a broken tail light. But what if it was a more serious offense, like speeding...
In 1978, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. Presidents since Jimmy Carter have issued proclamations urging citizens to, in the words of President Barack Obama, "honor those who have helped shape the character...
One of the most important decisions you'll make when writing your will is determining who should be named executor of your estate. Even if you're just leaving behind household goods and a small savings account, someone – whether appointed by you...
When budgeting for back-to-school expenses, parents generally include routine fare like clothes, school supplies and maybe a new backpack. But if your kids participate in extracurricular activities, whether it's sports, music lessons or art classes, you could be on the hook...
If you feel frustrated or intimidated whenever you take your car in for repairs, you're not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau, auto repair fraud consistently ranks among the top consumer complaints they receive.Although most...
