More Money, More Opportunities
The 2025 tax season officially begins January 27th, with employers needing to send W-2 forms by January 31st. Most taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to file their 2024 tax returns, or request an extension. The standard Form 1040 is now the only individual tax form required. The IRS is offering expanded tools and assistance, including extended hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers, to simplify
This article provides guidance for managing finances in retirement. It emphasizes the importance of budgeting, potentially exploring savings challenges, and supplementing income through side hustles like surveys and app testing. Key advice includes withdrawing a prudent 3% annually from retirement accounts, considering Social Security benefits, and planning for healthcare and unexpected expenses. The article also outlines a 9-step process for creating a retirement budget, factoring in taxes, home repairs, and leisure activities.
A reader considering paying off $10,000 in debt with a loan from their retirement plan is advised against it, despite the appeal of paying interest to themselves and avoiding taxes. The financial advisor cautions that taking the loan would hinder retirement savings growth, prevent further contributions (potentially missing out on employer matching), and carries risks like immediate repayment requirements upon job loss, leading to taxes and penalties. Instead, they suggest exploring options like debt consolidation loans, balance transfer credit cards, or the debt snowball
The article offers tips for decorating for Christmas on a budget. It suggests earning extra money through online surveys and tasks, then provides 23 low-cost decoration ideas, including DIY ornaments, garland, wall trees, repurposed wrapping paper, holiday card displays, and using natural elements like pine cones and ribbon. The piece also highlights inexpensive options like window stickers, candles, and light projectors to create a festive atmosphere without overspending.
This article offers tips for finding cheap gift wrap to save money, especially during the holidays. It suggests repurposing items you already have at home like brown paper bags, old cards, gift bags, envelopes, magazine pages, and newspapers. For those wanting to buy, it recommends checking online retailers like Amazon and Dollar Tree for affordable options, or buying in bulk from sites like Uline.com. The article emphasizes that the thought behind the gift is more important than fancy wrapping.
