Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Gabriella Cruz-Martínez is a finance journalist with 8 years of experience covering consumer debt, economic policy, and tax.
Gabriella’s work has also appeared in Money Magazine, The Hyde Park Herald (Chicago’s oldest community newspaper), and the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier.
As a reporter and journalist, she enjoys writing stories that engage and empower readers from different socio-economic backgrounds and age groups about their finances.
Her work in local newsrooms in Chicago on K-12 education and funding for public schools was recognized with an award from The Tribune McCormick Foundation.
She holds a B.A. from The University of Puerto Rico in investigative journalism and English Literature and an M.A. in Public Affairs Journalism from Columbia College Chicago.
Latest articles by Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
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Child and Dependent Care Credit: How Much Is It?Tax Credits The non-refundable tax break can help working families afford quality care for their child or qualifying dependent.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
These Summer 2025 Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends Are Starting NowSales Tax Over a dozen states offer back-to-school shoppers a sales tax holiday this summer.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Sales Tax -
How Five States Are Worse Off After Trump’s Cuts to SNAP and MedicaidState Tax Due to Trump's new tax law, some states will experience a greater impact than others.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Biggest Winners and Losers in Trump's New Tax PlanTax Law Trump’s mega tax overhaul, known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ has distinct winners and losers. Which group do you fall into?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Law -
Back‑to‑School Tax‑Free Deals Hit Walmart & Apple This Summer: States, Dates and LimitsSales Tax Select states host sales tax holidays during the summer. Here’s what you can purchase.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Sales Tax -
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ PocketsTax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Breaks -
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
Ohio Tax-Free Holiday 2025 Will Run Two-Weeks Soon: Don't Miss OutState Tax Ohioans won't want to miss out on extended sales tax holiday savings as pressure from tariffs and inflation spikes prices.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Why Your Summer Budget Feels Tighter: Tariffs Push Up InflationTariffs Your summer holiday just got more expensive, and tariffs are partially to blame, economists say.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tariffs -
Hallmark Price Increase Due to Tariffs: What You Need to KnowTariffs Even some companies with U.S.-based manufacturing are impacted by the Trump administration’s trade dispute.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tariffs -
Florida Changes Homestead Exemption Property Tax BreakState Tax Property taxes have skyrocketed nearly 60% within the last five years in Florida, and constituents did something about it.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
What to Know About New Medicaid Cuts: Is Your Local Hospital Closing Soon?Tax Policy Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is now law, and rural hospitals across the U.S. are on the chopping block.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Policy -
2025 Family Tax Credits: Four IRS Changes That Can Save You MoneyTax Credits Explore the new IRS-adjusted amounts for popular family tax credits.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
Here's How the Child Tax Credit 2025 Amount Is Increasing Under TrumpTax Credits President Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ changes the federal child tax credit. Here's how.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
'Unprecedented' Private School Voucher Tax Credit in Trump's MegabillTax Credits The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is now law, and one provision calls for a major tax break for private school donors.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Credits -
Electric Car Owners Can’t Avoid Road Taxes in 2025New Taxes Hawaii launched its new EV road usage fee in July. Here’s why some states are implementing similar new electric vehicle taxes across the nation.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
New Taxes -
IRS Watchdog: Three Problems the IRS Must Address in 2025IRS The tax season is over, but new changes to the IRS can pose risks to your taxpayer experience.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
IRS -
Treasury Deal Kills Trump’s ‘Revenge Tax’ After G7 AgreementTax Law A retaliatory tax that would have exposed U.S. jobs and retirement savings to risk is likely to be scrapped from Trump’s megabill.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Law -
Don't Miss These Four Tax Breaks for Americans Living Abroad in 2025International Tax U.S. expats can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of a handful of tax credits and deductions.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
International Tax -
Trump Tariffs Make 2025 Father’s Day Gifts Pricier: What to KnowTariffs Popular Father’s Day gift ideas like grills, clothing, and fishing gear are facing price hikes this year. Here's what to know before you shop.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tariffs -
Why Your California Utility Bill Could Increase Under Trump's Tax PlanState Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax -
Summer Programs for Kids at Risk Due to Trump Grant Funding CutsTax Dollars Some after-school and summer programs may begin to cut back hours or shut down entirely due to federal cuts to volunteer programs.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tax Dollars -
Steel Tariffs Double: What Trump’s 50% Hike Means for Soda, Housing PricesTariffs The president enacted 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. Here's how it could impact you.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
Tariffs -
Hawaii Approves First-of-its-Kind 'Green Fee' for Tourists: What to KnowState Tax Your trip to the Aloha State could be a bit more expensive next year. Here's why
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
State Tax
