Features
-
Is Home Insurance Tax Deductible?
With home insurance rates on the rise, you might be hoping to at least claim the cost as a tax deduction. Here's what you need to know ahead of tax season.
By Rachael Green
-
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026
Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
By Kate Schubel
-
Ask the Editor: How to Get Ready for Tax Filing Season
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on the IRS tax filing season and your 2025 tax return
By Joy Taylor
-
4 Simple 2026 Money Targets to Aim For (And How to Hit Them)
While January is the perfect time to strengthen your financial well-being, you're more likely to succeed if you set realistic goals and work with a partner.
By Tony Drake, CFP®, Investment Advisor Representative
-
Everyone Needs an Estate Plan (Seriously, Even You)
If you've acquired assets over time, even just a home and some savings, you have an estate. That means you need a plan for that estate for your beneficiaries.
By William Thatcher
-
To Be a Smart Insurance Shopper, Don't Shop Just for Price
Choosing the cheapest policy could cost you when you have a loss. You'll get the best results if you focus on the right coverage with the help of a good agent.
By Karl Susman, CPCU, LUTCF, CIC, CSFP, CFS, CPIA, AAI-M, PLCS
-
7 Reasons Why Your Portfolio Needs Short-Term Bond ETFs
Money market funds are a safe option for your cash, but ultra-short and short-term bond ETFs also deserve consideration. Here are seven reasons why.
By Brad Collins
-
Nine Things You’ll Spend More on in Retirement
retirement Groceries and utilities are just two of the items that will put greater demands on your hard-earned savings once you reach your golden years.
By Bob Niedt
-
10 Cheapest Places To Live in Florida
Property Tax Make your Florida vacation spot a place for daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
-
10 Ways To Save Money Shopping With Amazon
Amazon offers a lot of value if you know where to look. We'll show you money saving hacks that help you save on big purchases and everyday items.
By Kathryn Pomroy
-
Child Tax Credit 2025 and 2026: How Much Is It and What's Changed?
Tax Credits Here's what you need to know about the federal child tax credit (CTC) for 2025 and 2026.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
What the Rich Know About Investing That You Don't
People like Warren Buffett become people like Warren Buffett by following basic rules and being disciplined. Here's how to accumulate real wealth.
By Coryanne Hicks
-
Not Ready to File Taxes? 8 Things to Do Now to Prepare
Filing Taxes Now is a good time to review your financial situation and prepare to file your 2025 federal income tax return.
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
How to Calculate Taxes on Social Security Benefits
Social Security The federal government can tax up to 85% of your Social Security benefits, so it's good to know how those taxes are calculated.
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
Use the 529 Grandparent Loophole To Maximize College Savings
Use the 529 grandparent loophole to fund a grandchild’s education without impacting their financial aid eligibility.
By Erin Bendig
-
Healthy to 100: Secrets from Countries Where Retirees Age Best
Longevity is a team sport, according to author Ken Stern. Here's the secret sauce for living long, healthy lives from countries such as Italy and Japan.
By Richard Eisenberg
-
Best 529 Plans of 2026
Check out the best 529 plans of 2026 and find the best plan for your child or grandchild’s college savings.
By Erin Bendig
-
The 'Rule of 25' for Retirement Planning: Start Here
Try the simple calculation of the "Rule of 25." Because sometimes, a back-of-the-napkin idea is all you need to get started.
By Jacob Schroeder
-
5 Stocks to Buy for a Trump Presidency
The second Trump presidency is well underway and these five stocks are set to benefit.
By Karee Venema
-
I Drive and Collect Classic Cars: Here’s How I Got Started
Are classic cars a hobby or an investment strategy — or both? Either way, the vintage car scene is much cooler and more affordable than you think.
By Benjamin Tice Smith
-
States That Don't Tax Pension Income in 2026
Retirement Taxes Over a dozen states don't tax pension income regardless of your age or how much money you have.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
What to Do When You Bank Lowers Your APY
Why banks lower APYs, options you can explore when it happens and whether more rate cuts are on the horizon.
By Sean Jackson
-
Forget Financial Forecasts: Focus on These 3 Goals for Success
We know the economy is unpredictable and markets will do what they do, no matter who predicts what. Here's how to focus on what you can control.
By Mallon FitzPatrick, CFP®, AEP®, CLU®
-
Why In-Person Financial Guidance Remains the Gold Standard
Face-to-face conversations between advisers and clients provide the human touch that encourages accountability and a real connection.
By Jon Hammel
-
How You Can Turn Your Home Equity Into a Retirement Buffer
If you're one of the many homeowners who has the bulk of your net worth tied up in your home equity, you might consider using that equity as a planning tool.
By Dan Anderson
-
529 Plans: Everything You Need to Know About Saving for College
529 Plans 529 plans offer convenience and potential tax benefits when saving for education. That said, there are still a range of rules you’ll need to know (and follow).
By Elaine Silvestrini
-
How a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Works
You can use home equity to pay off high-interest debt or improve your home, but it’s important to understand the risks.
By Emma Patch
-
All That Cash in Your Checking Account Might Be Holding You Back
Keeping too much cash in your checking account might seem safe, but it could be costing you in missed opportunities.
By Choncé Maddox
-
Phased Retirement: Why Easing Into Retirement Might Be Your Best Move
If retiring cold turkey isn’t for you, consider a phased retirement that lets you scale back at work and ease into retirement before eventually stepping away completely.
By Kathryn Pomroy
