The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made significant strides in improving the financial outlook for millions of Americans with the recent enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act. Signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5, this legislation targets longstanding inequities affecting individuals whose pension plans were not linked to Social Security benefits.
Personal
As the horizon darkens over financial sustainability, the future of Social Security has come under the microscope as lawmakers in Washington, D.C., engage in intense discussions about government spending constraints. With a looming deadline of March 14 for funding decisions to avert a government shutdown, advocates for consumers and supporters of Social Security are rightfully
For many Americans, the journey to financial security hinges significantly on retirement savings. Despite the crucial role it plays in ensuring a comfortable future, many potential savers overlook valuable tax incentives designed specifically to encourage retirement contributions. Among these, the retirement savings contributions credit—more commonly known as the saver’s credit—stands out as an underutilized resource,
As tax season approaches, individuals face the crucial decision of when to file their returns. While the prospect of a refund might compel some to act quickly, many choose to delay, inadvertently increasing their susceptibility to tax-related identity theft. Approximately 33% of U.S. taxpayers procrastinate until the last moment, as highlighted by a recent survey
The landscape of student loan repayment is once again changing, and recent legal developments have left millions of borrowers grappling with uncertainty. With appeals court rulings affecting previously promised relief measures, borrowers must brace themselves for potentially larger repayments under new conditions. This article delves into the implications of these changes, guiding borrowers through the
As the landscape of federal employment shifts dramatically under the banner of efficiency, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is bracing for significant changes. With President Elon Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slashing budgets and personnel throughout federal departments, the ripple effects are already concerning taxpayers. Amidst this backdrop, many IRS employees—particularly those
The financial landscape of the United States is currently undergoing significant scrutiny, particularly in the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent directive to reduce staffing at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This initiative has raised alarms among various stakeholders, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and her colleagues, who contend that such workforce reductions threaten the
As property values continue to rise in the United States, homeowners are increasingly confronted with the prospect of capital gains taxes when selling their houses. Amid this burgeoning issue, a tax strategy may provide avenues for relief. In the context of selling one’s primary residence, there exists a significant tax exclusion that can shield up
In recent times, American consumers have begun to show signs of financial resilience, even amid the backdrop of persistent inflation and elevated interest rates. A recent Bankrate report has unveiled a significant trend: a growing number of adults are bolstering their emergency savings. Approximately 30% of surveyed individuals reported having more emergency savings than they
As tax season approaches, many individuals find themselves facing unexpected tax bills or refunds that exceed their expectations. These financial surprises may indicate that it’s time to reconsider your paycheck withholding strategy. Experts emphasize the significance of staying proactive about tax withholding to prevent financial distress when tax payment deadlines loom. In essence, your withholding