Key takeaways Plan for success by building a business plan, putting together a budget and saving enough money to launch. Separate your business and personal finances by opening a business bank account and choosing business credit cards with useful benefits. Stay on top of your finances with…
Key takeaways Brand loyalty to certain credit cards or issuers can limit your rewards earning potential. Use multiple cards to maximize rewards rates, which might involve switching cards or using different cards for different types of spending. Understand the redemption options for each of your cards to get the most…
Key takeaways Both a line of credit and a credit card are types of revolving credit where you can borrow up to a certain amount and only pay interest on what you borrow. A line of credit typically has a lower APR and a higher credit limit than a credit…
Key takeaways Lying on a credit card application is fraud and can have serious legal consequences. You shouldn’t need to lie to qualify for a credit card because there are cards available for all types of financial circumstances, including for those with poor or non-existent credit, as well as for…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many…
While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
The Trump administration has been rapidly dismantling protections for student loan borrowers, leaving millions of Americans with diminishing options as…
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Key takeaways The typical mortgage payment doubled between 2020 and 2024, while today’s new homes are smaller than they have been in more than 10 years. Experts caution that home size isn’t always the best measure of value, especially in competitive markets with rising home…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways To pay off debt, you need to know how much you owe, how much you’re spending and where you can cut…
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In my last column, I likened artificial intelligence to the wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.” It received a good reaction so I…
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If you use your personal vehicle for business or other specific needs, you may be eligible to claim the standard mileage deduction on your federal tax return. This deduction allows taxpayers to write off vehicle-related expenses based on the number of miles driven, using IRS-approved rates. The standard mileage deduction…
When building an investment strategy, your asset allocation is one of the most important decisions you will make. The Rule of 110 helps investors decide how much of their portfolio to allocate to stocks versus bonds based on their age. It is a helpful starting point for those looking to…
When comparing California vs. Florida for taxes, the absence of a state income tax in Florida often draws attention. However, this doesn’t mean Florida offers a lighter tax burden across the board. Many low- and middle-income families pay similar or even higher overall tax rates in Florida than in California.…
The comparison between a Roth IRA and an index fund often mixes structure with strategy—one is a retirement account, the other an investment product. A Roth IRA provides tax-free growth and withdrawals, while an index fund offers low-cost, diversified market exposure and can be held within or outside that account.…
Comparing New Jersey vs. New York taxes highlights differences in how income, property and sales taxes affect residents on both sides of the Hudson River. New York typically imposes higher income tax rates, especially on high earners, while New Jersey’s property taxes rank among the highest in the country. Sales…
Wondering how much you should have in your 403(b) to retire comfortably? It’s a common question for educators, healthcare workers and employees of non-profit organizations who rely on these tax-advantaged retirement plans. The answer varies based on your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, other income sources and retirement age. While…
Choosing between an LLC and a corporation can affect how you pay taxes, raise money, handle paperwork and manage your liability. Both offer limited liability, but they differ in flexibility, tax rules and how they operate. Your choice should match both your current business needs and your long-term plans.A financial…
If you were born in May 1959, you are turning 66 in 2025. This puts you right at the doorstep of traditional retirement age. When you can retire depends on your Social Security eligibility, Medicare enrollment and, most importantly, your financial readiness. While age 66 is often associated with retirement,…
Certain investments, such as municipal bonds, can generate interest that is exempt from federal, and sometimes even state and local, income taxes. This makes them especially appealing to high-income earners, retirees and those looking to build a more tax-efficient portfolio. However, not all interest income qualifies. Knowing which sources are…
Many people who contribute to a 401(k) wonder if they can also make SEP IRA contributions. The answer depends on factors like employment status, income sources and how the SEP IRA is structured. Business owners and self-employed individuals often have more flexibility, while traditional employees generally cannot contribute directly to…
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