Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission, often for fraudulent purposes. This is usually done by cybercriminals, who might open new accounts, apply for credit or even receive medical treatment under your name. Recognizing the signs of identity theft early on is crucial to minimize the damage it can cause.…

A higher credit score could do a lot of important things for your finances. It could make you more likely to get approved for a new credit card or loan, and it could make it easier for you to rent a home, since it’s common for landlords to run credit checks on applicants. Now, you may be aware that…

Understanding the Factors that Affect the Cost of Life Insurance Jan 31, 2024 – By the dedicated team of editors and writers at Newsletter Station. Life insurance is a financial tool that provides peace of mind and financial protection to your loved ones in the event of your passing. While the primary purpose of life…

KEY POINTS The IRS has been granted $80 billion in funding under the Inflation Reduction Act. The agency plans to use some of that money to ramp up enforcement. The IRS plans to focus its auditing efforts on high-income taxpayers, and if you’re honest on your return, your audit risk may not increase at all.…

April 15 is the tax deadline and I am running out of appointment times. If you have not yet scheduled with me, please feel free to bring your documents to me (mail and email are also acceptable) so I can complete the returns as quickly as possible. I will call you when the return is…

KEY POINTS BNPL services allow you to pay for items over time, often without interest charges. But overusing them can come with a lot of financial stresses. There are alternatives to BNPL services, like credit cards and personal loans. Check out the card that won our Best No Annual Fee Credit Card award for 2023!…

KEY POINTS You may want to change banks if you can earn more interest on your money elsewhere. Also consider a switch if you’re paying high fees and aren’t happy with your bank’s customer service. Finally, keep tabs on the security incidents your bank is involved in.   Some people do a lot of research…

Like in the U.S., most of the world’s major economies have a gradual tax system that charges different rates for various income levels. In most cases, those who make the most money pay a higher percentage in taxes compared to lower-income brackets. But some countries use a completely different tax system, or a flat tax…

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2024 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 67…

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to check out IRS.gov for tips, tools and resources to help them get ready to file their 2023 federal income tax return.  This is the third in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming filing season. The Get Ready page on IRS.gov outlines steps taxpayers can…