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Debt & Finance Blog

Man Punching Tax Debt Issues

What to do When You Can’t Pay Your Income Taxes: A 3-Step Plan

By Joey Johnston | March 15, 2017

It’s the least wonderful time of the year for millions of cash-strapped Americans thanks to three letters – I-R-S! Income tax returns are due April 18, but what if you…

College Student Credit Card

Don’t Pay College Tuition with a Credit Card

By Joey Johnston | March 15, 2017

As a strategy, paying for college with a credit card sounds enticing. Your card probably offers generous air miles or points for every dollar you spend, and you have the…

Tax Refund Emergency Fund

Kick-Start Your Emergency Fund with Your Tax Return

By Joey Johnston | February 23, 2017

One morning, the sound of raindrops wakes you up and your first thought is “Not another rainy day! And your second one is, “I’m late for work!” You make a…

How Long Will Negative Mark Affect Credit Report

How Long do Negative Marks Stay on a Credit Report?

By Joey Johnston | February 10, 2017

Generally speaking, negative marks remain on your credit report for seven years, though Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on for 10 years. The important thing to remember is that the impact…

Good vs Bad Credit: Learn the difference

Good Credit vs Bad Credit: How to Tell The Difference

By Joey Johnston | January 19, 2017

Kenny Rogers is a singer, not a debt management adviser, but if you want financial security, take his famous words of poker wisdom: You’ve got to know when to hold…

Best Mortgage Loan

How to Find the Best Mortgage for You

By Joey Johnston | January 11, 2017

Finding the right home loan – and a credible lender willing to offer it – isn’t easy. Since the Great Recession of 2008, mortgage interest rates have hovered near historic…

Maximum Social Security 2017

Social Security Increases Maximum Taxable Earnings for 2017

By Joey Johnston | January 11, 2017

The government just gave a raise to a lot of Americans who really need one. Now they just have to make sure Uncle Sam keeps his hands off the money.…

coins sprouting a plant savings concept

Retirement Account Changes in 2017

By Joey Johnston | December 21, 2016

After a year of political upheaval and economic uncertainty, it might come as a relief that 2017 holds few surprises for retirement savings. For the fourth year in a row,…

Budget in the City

How to Live in a Big City and Not Go Broke

By Joey Johnston | December 7, 2016

Eddie Hall wanted to become an actor. So where did he go? Where else? After high school, he left his comfortable suburban Florida community and headed to New York City.…

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts: Is a FSA Or an HSA Right for You?

By Joey Johnston | December 7, 2016

Saving for medical bills isn’t nearly as fun as putting money aside for a trip to Disney World or a new car, but having a nest egg ready for an…

Sources:

  1. (NA)(2017, Jan.) Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. Retrieved from https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/
  2. (NA)(2016, Sept. 1) What if I can’t pay my taxes? Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov/uac/what-if-i-cant-pay-my-taxes
  3. (Adamson, Thomas)(2012, Dec. 13) Pennies over patriotism? Stars move to tax havens. Retrieved from http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-pennies-over-patriotism-stars-move-to-tax-havens-2012dec13-story.html