The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, brought a slew of economic relief efforts to help combat the adverse effects of COVID-19. Along with additional direct payments, an extension of unemployment benefits, growth of the paycheck protection program, among other initiatives, the plan also expanded the child tax credit. The child tax credit saw a few significant changes for … [Read more...] about How To Put Advanced Payments from 2021 Child Tax Credit To Good Use
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How Goals-Based Investing Can Help You Invest Better (No More Chasing Returns)
When it comes to investing, numbers are just one piece of the puzzle. The other? Your "why." When asked why you invest, your answer isn't likely building wealth for wealth's sake. Instead, it probably has something to do with helping you achieve your unique goals—saving for your kid's college, building your dream home, shoring up your nest egg, creating a safety net, among other things. A … [Read more...] about How Goals-Based Investing Can Help You Invest Better (No More Chasing Returns)
Credit Card Rewards During And After The Pandemic
Lots of credit cards have partnerships with airlines or hotel chains, and lots offer bonus points or cash back when you use your card on travel. Your card might be co-branded, like the Southwest Rapid Rewards card from Chase. Or you might have the option each month to redeem a certain number of points on qualifying expenses. During the last year of cancelled vacations and weekends spent … [Read more...] about Credit Card Rewards During And After The Pandemic
Getting The Most Out Of Your 401(k)
When it comes to saving for retirement, signing up for your company’s 401(k) and contributing enough to get the employer match is a great first step. But it definitely shouldn’t be your last step. To have enough money in retirement, most of us will need to save a lot more than that. You can contribute up to $19,500 per year in your 401(k), and the pre-tax contribution is subtracted from your … [Read more...] about Getting The Most Out Of Your 401(k)
How A Revolving Savings Account Can Help You Budget Better
It’s pretty easy to rattle off your monthly expenses: Rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, Internet, student loan payments, car payments, food, gas. On top of paying those bills, I also recommend setting aside money in your emergency fund so that a surprise doesn’t cause you to fall behind on those bills. But if you look through your last year of credit card statements, you’ll see a whole … [Read more...] about How A Revolving Savings Account Can Help You Budget Better
When Nothing Goes According To Plan, Having A Plan Matters Most
Even if you didn’t experience financial instability in 2020, it’s OK if this feels like a lost year. Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to hustle your way through the pandemic. If you lost some or all of your income, had to delay a big financial step, or had to stop saving for retirement, you’re far from alone. One in three American adults has had to pull money from their savings or … [Read more...] about When Nothing Goes According To Plan, Having A Plan Matters Most