Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

Here’s How I Learned (And Built Wealth)

Here’s How I Learned (And Built Wealth)

I Knew Nothing About My Own Money — Here’s How I Learned (And Built Wealth)

Andrew Lisa  Wed, April 24, 2024

Financial literacy is the foundation of financial success.

You don’t need a graduate degree in finance to avoid overdrafting your checking account or going into credit card debt, but avoidable mistakes, unhealthy borrowing and missed opportunities are all but certain if you don’t understand the basics of credit, interest, budgeting, banking, taxes, saving and investing.

The good news is that if your financial knowledge isn’t up to par, it’s not too late to learn your way into prosperity — and a new GOBankingRates study of more than 1,000 people is proof.

Can Financial Literacy Cure Money Mismanagement?

Nearly half of the study’s respondents — about 44% — said they never struggled with money due to a lack of financial literacy. On the other end of the spectrum, 36% say inadequate knowledge has held them back and that their finances are still in disarray because of it.

However, nearly one in five — about 19% — had previously struggled but have since recovered after gaining a better understanding of personal finance.

Here’s How I Learned (And Built Wealth)

I Knew Nothing About My Own Money — Here’s How I Learned (And Built Wealth)

Andrew Lisa  Wed, April 24, 2024

Financial literacy is the foundation of financial success.

You don’t need a graduate degree in finance to avoid overdrafting your checking account or going into credit card debt, but avoidable mistakes, unhealthy borrowing and missed opportunities are all but certain if you don’t understand the basics of credit, interest, budgeting, banking, taxes, saving and investing.

The good news is that if your financial knowledge isn’t up to par, it’s not too late to learn your way into prosperity — and a new GOBankingRates study of more than 1,000 people is proof.

Can Financial Literacy Cure Money Mismanagement?

Nearly half of the study’s respondents — about 44% — said they never struggled with money due to a lack of financial literacy. On the other end of the spectrum, 36% say inadequate knowledge has held them back and that their finances are still in disarray because of it.

However, nearly one in five — about 19% — had previously struggled but have since recovered after gaining a better understanding of personal finance.

Young and youngish people between 18 and 44 were more likely than older people to have righted a faltering ship through improved financial literacy, and men were more likely than women to say the same.

However, one overarching theme prevails across all demographics: If you’re struggling financially, committing yourself to learning more about the ins and outs of money is the surest way to improve your chances of cutting spending, eliminating debt, building savings and creating wealth.

Another incentive to learn as much as possible about money is that personal finance knowledge transfers seamlessly to business pursuits. GOBankingRates spoke to a successful entrepreneur who applied what he learned about personal finance to his company’s bottom line.

An Entrepreneur Turns Personal Finance Knowledge Into Business Acumen

Daniel Meursing is the CEO of Premier Staff on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. When he founded the luxury event staffing agency in 2018, he had plenty of industry knowledge, high-level connections and no shortage of ambition — but upon going into business for himself, he realized that his commitment to financial literacy might have been his most important asset of all.

His company has worked with everyone from automotive giants like Bentley and Ferrari to entertainment powerhouses like Netflix and The Oscars — and Meursing’s efforts have helped him build a comfortable amount of wealth along the way.

But he wouldn’t have been able to manage his business’s finances so successfully had he not taken ownership of his personal finance self-education. Although, that’s not to say his journey from monetarily ill-informed to financially savvy was easy.

“I understand that becoming financially literate can be overwhelming, but I believe it’s a crucial step toward achieving financial success,” said Meursing.

It Can Be Hard To Know Where To Begin, but Just Take That First Step

As with anything, the first steps toward financial literacy are the hardest. With so many complex subjects, potential sources of knowledge and conflicting information, it can be hard to even know where to begin.

“For those who are just starting their financial literacy journey, I recommend seeking out reputable sources of information, such as well-established financial publications, educational resources provided by trusted financial institutions, and books written by experienced professionals in the field,” said Meursing, who leveraged his real-world network while also leaning on academic sources.

To Read More:

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/knew-nothing-own-money-learned-150112934.html

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

10 Poor Money Habits Hurting Relationships the Most


Apr 23

10 Poor Money Habits Hurting Relationships the Most

Cindy Lamothe Mon, April 22, 2024

Love and money don’t always go hand in hand. As one recent GOBankingRates survey revealed, poor money habits have a significant impact on people’s relationships.

The survey, which polled over 1,000 Americans, found that some of the biggest concerns around love and finances have to do with spending mindlessly and not planning for the future.

Harmful Money Habits

When asked what poor money habits were impacting their relationship, here’s what the survey respondents who were in a relationship said:

10 Poor Money Habits Hurting Relationships the Most

Cindy Lamothe   Mon, April 22, 2024

Love and money don’t always go hand in hand. As one recent GOBankingRates survey revealed, poor money habits have a significant impact on people’s relationships.

The survey, which polled over 1,000 Americans, found that some of the biggest concerns around love and finances have to do with spending mindlessly and not planning for the future.

Harmful Money Habits

When asked what poor money habits were impacting their relationship, here’s what the survey respondents who were in a relationship said:

Using credit cards too much to buy things: 18.65%

Impulse shopping: 17.96%

Living beyond your means: 16.77%

Not prioritizing saving: 16.57%

Not creating a budget: 15.18%

Not building an emergency fund: 13.89%

Not investing: 10.12%

Making minimum monthly payments instead of a full payment: 10.02%

Not paying bills on time: 8.93%

Lifestyle inflation: 7.94%

About 26% said that none of these habits had impacted their relationship.

According to the results, Gen X was most concerned about credit card overuse, while millennials and Gen Z worried most over impulse shopping — though living beyond their means was a close second for millennials.

Below, experts detail how these poor money habits hurt relationships — and what you can do about it.

How These Habits Hurt Your Relationship

“Financial problems like overusing credit cards, impulse shopping, living beyond means and not budgeting or saving can put a huge strain on romantic relationships,” said Loretta Kilday, senior attorney at Debt Consolidation Care.

“When couples overspend and rack up debt, it can cause a lot of stress, anxiety and fights as they try to keep up with bills and pay off what they owe,” she explained. “Living above their means can also make partners feel entitled or like they can never have the lifestyle they want, which breeds frustration and blame.”

Not having a budget or savings, she added, leaves couples high and dry when emergencies pop up or when it comes to long-term goals. “They clash over money choices because they are not on the same page. Hiding purchases or debts from each other shatters trust and intimacy, too.”

To keep money from messing with their relationship, Kilday said couples have to put financial teamwork first.

“That means getting real about goals, making a budget together and being upfront about spending and saving. Working as a team to handle money in a healthy, honest way cuts down stress and makes the relationship stronger in the long run.”

Different Spending Habits Lead to Adversity

To Read More Go To Original Article:

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/10-poor-money-habits-hurting-170040939.html

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

9 Reasons You Should Never Ask for $2 Bills From the Bank

I’m a Bank Teller: 9 Reasons You Should Never Ask for $2 Bills From the Bank

Laura Beck Sun, April 21, 2024

Two dollar bills — what grandfather doesn’t love giving them and what kid doesn’t love getting them? But they’re not all whimsy and fun times — in fact, bank teller Rachael P. said they can be more than a little annoying.

The longtime bank teller said nothing can slow down her day more than a customer asking for a $2 bill. “Seriously, you don’t want to be that person,” she said.

Here are the reasons you should never ask for a $2 bill from the bank.

They Most Likely Don’t Have Them

“Most people don’t even know $2 bills exist,” Rachael said. “So we don’t keep a lot of them in around. When someone does ask for them, we usually have to special order them, which is honestly a pain in the butt.”

I’m a Bank Teller: 9 Reasons You Should Never Ask for $2 Bills From the Bank

Laura Beck   Sun, April 21, 2024

Two dollar bills — what grandfather doesn’t love giving them and what kid doesn’t love getting them? But they’re not all whimsy and fun times — in fact, bank teller Rachael P. said they can be more than a little annoying.

The longtime bank teller said nothing can slow down her day more than a customer asking for a $2 bill. “Seriously, you don’t want to be that person,” she said.

Here are the reasons you should never ask for a $2 bill from the bank.

They Most Likely Don’t Have Them

“Most people don’t even know $2 bills exist,” Rachael said. “So we don’t keep a lot of them in around. When someone does ask for them, we usually have to special order them, which is honestly a pain in the butt.”

There Is No Room in the Drawer

“Our cash drawers are set up for the bills we use every day,” Rachael said. “You know, ones, fives, tens, twenties. We don’t have a specific spot for $2 bills, so we have to just stick them wherever they fit. It messes up our system and makes it harder to balance everything at the end of the day.

“Do you know how many days my till has been off by two bucks? More than I’d like to share!”

They Put a Wrench in Our Flow

“It might sound a little goofy, but when we’re counting out cash, we’re in a total zone,” Rachael said. “We’re used to dealing with the standard bills. But when you throw $2 bills into the mix, it’s like hitting a speed bump. It slows us down and disrupts our rhythm.”

They Baffle the Newbies

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-bank-teller-9-reasons-120035814.html  

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

The Do's And Don'ts After Receiving An Inheritance

Brad Smith·Host Tue, Apr 16, 2024,

As older Americans prepare to transfer their wealth or will it to their family, what should inheritors know before receiving this large sum of money?

Wealthstream Advisors Financial Advisor Katharine George explains the do's and don'ts when inheriting wealth, which includes money and even real estate property.

"I try to stay away from rules of thumbs but I would say in general, [avoid] making big decisions. I would say wait about six months or so, especially if you're grieving," George says. "These big changes... in that short period of time when you're grieving if it was someone close to you, we don't want to make any decisions that are rash. So buying another property or going on a big vacation.

These big changes, it could be that you need these assets invested and saved for your long term or it could be you could retire tomorrow. It really depends on the personal situation but not making any of these big decisions immediately after is really important, really let the dust settle."

The Do's And Don'ts After Receiving An Inheritance

Brad Smith·Host  Tue, Apr 16, 2024,

As older Americans prepare to transfer their wealth or will it to their family, what should inheritors know before receiving this large sum of money?

Wealthstream Advisors Financial Advisor Katharine George explains the do's and don'ts when inheriting wealth, which includes money and even real estate property.

"I try to stay away from rules of thumbs but I would say in general, [avoid] making big decisions. I would say wait about six months or so, especially if you're grieving," George says. "These big changes... in that short period of time when you're grieving if it was someone close to you, we don't want to make any decisions that are rash. So buying another property or going on a big vacation.

These big changes, it could be that you need these assets invested and saved for your long term or it could be you could retire tomorrow. It really depends on the personal situation but not making any of these big decisions immediately after is really important, really let the dust settle."

This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

Video Transcript

BRAD SMITH: Well, the baby Boomer generation is aging. We all are, come on now. With its oldest members nearing 80 years old. And for a generation that has done quite well for themselves, that wealth is now starting to be passed down to younger generations. Gen X and millennials are slowly starting to inherit large sums of money investments or even pieces of real estate. All of this can certainly overwhelm and alter your life.

So what should you be doing with inheritance, and what are the tax implications behind the Great Wealth Transfer as well? For more, I'm joined by Katharine George, Wealthstream Advisors financial advisor. First and foremost, we should just say, appreciate your family members while they're here. Spend that time with them. Enjoy so much of that experience.

And then if you do have to get into a position where you've got to figure out what to do with this windfall of assets, now, what do you do? What is the most apt decision that people should start to make and where they can start the thought process, Katharine?

KATHARINE GEORGE: Well, Brad, I mean, there's lots of different types of assets that people invest like you just mentioned. I'd say, the number 1 question that I get from clients who just got money is, do I have to report this on my tax return? They just got $1,000 in cash. Is this taxable? The answer is no. When you receive assets, that is not taxable. It's when you sell something or when you pull from the retirement account, that's really when the taxes could come into play.

But the first decision is really to decide, should I sell this? Is this an appropriate investment for me? These types of investments can be bucketed into non-retirement assets and retirement assets. And with non-retirement assets, there's actually a big tax advantage to selling. In most cases, when someone passes away, what they paid for the asset kind of gets stepped up to the market value today, meaning that if you sell it, there's no taxes.

So there is a period of time where you can sell the investments that you receive and maybe put it into something that would be more beneficial for you. That's kind of the first tip.

BRAD SMITH: What about real estate or other illiquid assets?

To Read More:

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/dos-donts-receiving-inheritance-162116156.html

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

6 Signs You Are Smarter About Money Than You Were 5 Years Ago

6 Signs You Are Smarter About Money Than You Were 5 Years Ago

John Csiszar   Wed, April 17, 2024

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 changed many things about the world, including how people look at and manage their money. According to a new GOBankingRates study, 74% of people said they were smarter about money since the pandemic began, a perhaps unexpected benefit of the global calamity.

If the survey results are truly representative, they mean it’s likely that you are also smarter about money than you were five years ago. Here are some of the signs that you’re doing the right things with your money and are moving towards a more prosperous financial life.

You Have Built a Sizable Emergency Fund

Approximately 22% of Americans have no emergency funds at all and only 44% could pay a $1,000 expense with their savings, according to a 2024 Bankrate report. If you find that you have a sizable emergency fund, especially if you didn’t have one before the pandemic, it means you’re smarter about money now.

6 Signs You Are Smarter About Money Than You Were 5 Years Ago

John Csiszar   Wed, April 17, 2024

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 changed many things about the world, including how people look at and manage their money. According to a new GOBankingRates study, 74% of people said they were smarter about money since the pandemic began, a perhaps unexpected benefit of the global calamity.

If the survey results are truly representative, they mean it’s likely that you are also smarter about money than you were five years ago. Here are some of the signs that you’re doing the right things with your money and are moving towards a more prosperous financial life.

You Have Built a Sizable Emergency Fund

Approximately 22% of Americans have no emergency funds at all and only 44% could pay a $1,000 expense with their savings, according to a 2024 Bankrate report. If you find that you have a sizable emergency fund, especially if you didn’t have one before the pandemic, it means you’re smarter about money now.

Most financial experts suggest having at least three to six months of expenses saved in an emergency fund or as much as one year if your income is erratic or inconsistent.

You Paid Off (or at Least Lowered) Your Debt

From April 2020 to December 2021, throughout the heart of the pandemic, the percentage of households carrying credit card balances actually fell from 50% to 45%. This was due in large part to the unprecedented stimulus programs that put money directly into the pockets of Americans during the pandemic.

Now that those stimulus payments are a thing of the past, debt levels have once again risen, to an all-time record of $1.13 trillion. If you’ve still managed to maintain your credit card debt at a low level — or have paid it off entirely — then it’s a great sign for your finances.

You No Longer Live Paycheck to Paycheck

One of the biggest financial transformations you can make is to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck. According to a 2023 survey by Payroll.org, 78% of Americans struggle to save or invest after paying their monthly bills, thereby living paycheck to paycheck. If you can manage to crawl out of this pattern, you’re definitely ahead of the game financially.

You’ve Increased Your 401(k) Contributions

Your 401(k) plan is one of the best ways to build up a significant nest egg over your working career. In addition to the tax breaks they offer, most 401(k) plans also benefit from employer matching contributions. The maximum 401(k) contribution is also a generous $23,000 for 2024, allowing those who can afford it to sock away a substantial amount on an annual basis.

If you could contribute $23,000 to your 401(k) for 30 years and earn an 8% return, for example — not even including the effects of an employer match or an annual increase in the contribution limit — you’d have a nest egg close to $2.8 million.

You Actively Budget

To Read More:

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/6-signs-smarter-money-were-140015836.html

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

Warren Buffett’s 6 Best Pieces of Money Advice for the Middle Class

Warren Buffett’s 6 Best Pieces of Money Advice for the Middle Class

March 22, 2024  by  John Csiszar  Edited by  Amber Barkley

For one of the richest people in the entire world, Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is surprisingly down to Earth. He famously lives in the same modest house in Omaha that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, and his favorite meal for breakfast is McDonald’s. Between that and his folksy, easy-to-understand wisdom, it’s no wonder that Buffett is so popular with the general public.

Investors no doubt also love his enviable track record, which has more than doubled the average annual return of the S&P 500 since 1965, an incredible run. The bottom line is that when Buffett talks, people listen.

With that in mind, here are some of the best pieces of financial advice for the middle class offered up by the man known as the “Oracle of Omaha.”

Warren Buffett’s 6 Best Pieces of Money Advice for the Middle Class

March 22, 2024  by  John Csiszar  Edited by  Amber Barkley

For one of the richest people in the entire world, Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is surprisingly down to Earth. He famously lives in the same modest house in Omaha that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, and his favorite meal for breakfast is McDonald’s. Between that and his folksy, easy-to-understand wisdom, it’s no wonder that Buffett is so popular with the general public.

Investors no doubt also love his enviable track record, which has more than doubled the average annual return of the S&P 500 since 1965, an incredible run. The bottom line is that when Buffett talks, people listen.

With that in mind, here are some of the best pieces of financial advice for the middle class offered up by the man known as the “Oracle of Omaha.”

Pay Yourself First

Buffett isn’t the first or the only one to recommend “paying yourself first,” but he’s a vocal advocate of it.

Buffett approaches the problem of prioritizing savings through wise budgeting. As the billionaire puts it: “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

The idea behind this philosophy is that if you wait to sock away savings until after you’ve spent all your money in a given month, it’s highly likely that you’ll find there’s nothing left. But if you instead save your money first, you’ll have to budget what’s left so that it stretches to cover all of your expenses.

This serves the dual purpose of forcing you to cut down on needless expenditures, while at the same time forcing you to build up savings, even on a smaller salary.

Some middle class Americans feel that they don’t earn enough to save, but when you flip the equation on its head like Buffett suggests, you might find out that you can save much more than you imagine.

Reduce Your Unnecessary Expenses

On the topic of budgeting, Buffett says that one of the keys to financial prosperity is simply to reduce your unnecessary expenses.

How do you know which ones are unnecessary? If you force yourself to live on a tighter budget, you’ll see right away which expenses you prioritize in life and which ones might be extra costs that you don’t really need. Over time, even a little amount of savings can build into a large amount.

To Read More:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/money/financial-planning/warren-buffett-best-pieces-of-money-advice-for-the-middle-class/?utm_term=related_link_5&utm_campaign=1268537&utm_source=yahoo.com&utm_content=7&utm_medium=rss

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

7 Poor Money Habits You Learned Long Ago That Are Still Hurting You Today

7 Poor Money Habits You Learned Long Ago That Are Still Hurting You Today

Crystal Mayer  Wed, April 17, 2024

Studies show that money habits are learned at an early age. Some research indicates that these habits, good and bad, may be in place by age 7. Almost all experts agree that sound financial practices should be started in childhood and reinforced throughout early adulthood. Unfortunately, many adults learned poor money management skills during their most formative years, leading to long-term financial struggles.

Money mishaps may have been picked up because of what was modeled in a person’s household, while others are the result of a simple lack of understanding. Money, to many generations, is also still considered a taboo subject, meaning dinner-time conversations aren’t really centered around financial literacy.

At GOBankingRates, we surveyed over 1,000 adults to find out what bad financial practices they picked up during childhood and early adulthood that are still causing them problems. Almost across the board, their answers were the same as what many adults struggle with throughout their lifetimes. Here are seven poor money habits many folks learned long ago that are still hurting them today.

7 Poor Money Habits You Learned Long Ago That Are Still Hurting You Today

Crystal Mayer  Wed, April 17, 2024

Studies show that money habits are learned at an early age. Some research indicates that these habits, good and bad, may be in place by age 7. Almost all experts agree that sound financial practices should be started in childhood and reinforced throughout early adulthood. Unfortunately, many adults learned poor money management skills during their most formative years, leading to long-term financial struggles.

Money mishaps may have been picked up because of what was modeled in a person’s household, while others are the result of a simple lack of understanding. Money, to many generations, is also still considered a taboo subject, meaning dinner-time conversations aren’t really centered around financial literacy.

At GOBankingRates, we surveyed over 1,000 adults to find out what bad financial practices they picked up during childhood and early adulthood that are still causing them problems. Almost across the board, their answers were the same as what many adults struggle with throughout their lifetimes. Here are seven poor money habits many folks learned long ago that are still hurting them today.

Using Credit Cards Too Much

According to those surveyed, over 33% said they learned the poor money habit of using credit cards too much to buy things during childhood. Another 37% said they developed the practice during early adulthood.

Ann Martin, director of operations at CreditDonkey, said, “As a young adult, I watched many of my acquaintances overextend themselves by relying too heavily on credit cards. Although credit card purchases can sometimes be downright necessary for unemployed (or underemployed) individuals, you can sometimes find yourself on a slippery slope that leads to overspending.”

She continued, “Start by tracking your credit card spending to overcome this poor money habit. You’ll often be shocked to find that you spend far more on your credit cards than you realize. This realization is an important first step in cutting back on spending and repairing your relationship with credit.”

Not Prioritizing Saving

Another common money mishap among those surveyed was not prioritizing saving. A resounding 39% of respondents said they learned this habit during childhood, while 32% said they developed it during early adulthood.

Shawn Plummer, chartered retirement planning counselor with The Annuity Expert, explained, “As someone who understands and uses the best that the traditional and modern money habit philosophy can teach, I’d say a lot of it has to do with learning how to place limits on yourself, and of course, keeping yourself accountable for those limits.

For example, when you decide to spend less or save more money for whatever reason, your first goal should be to set up systems that prevent you from abusing your own limits due to bad habits.”

He added, “Instead of keeping spare cash at your side — have your bank save up to 10-20% of your income or salary without allowing you to withdraw it so easily at the first sign of some inconvenience.”

To Read More:

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/7-poor-money-habits-learned-130037127.html

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

The Biggest Mistake People Make With Their Tax Refund

The Biggest Mistake People Make With Their Tax Refund — And How to Avoid it

March 1, 2024 by  Vance Cariaga

Tax refunds can be used for any number of practical purposes, like paying down debt or building your savings. But refunds can also be blown on things you don’t really need. The good news is, many Americans make smart choices with their money, and you can, too.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by GOBankingRates, 25% of people plan to put their tax refund in savings this year. About 13% said they would use it to pay bills, while 15% planned to pay off debt.

Planning your taxes is another important step, and many Americans do a good job of that as well. About 73% aimed to file their taxes well before the April 15 deadline. More than 43% planned to file taxes themselves, using a tax software program such as TurboTax.

The Biggest Mistake People Make With Their Tax Refund — And How to Avoid it

March 1, 2024 by  Vance Cariaga

Tax refunds can be used for any number of practical purposes, like paying down debt or building your savings. But refunds can also be blown on things you don’t really need. The good news is, many Americans make smart choices with their money, and you can, too.

According to a 2024 survey conducted by GOBankingRates, 25% of people plan to put their tax refund in savings this year. About 13% said they would use it to pay bills, while 15% planned to pay off debt.

Planning your taxes is another important step, and many Americans do a good job of that as well. About 73% aimed to file their taxes well before the April 15 deadline. More than 43% planned to file taxes themselves, using a tax software program such as TurboTax.

Don’t Make This Mistake

These are all positive trends. But even with roughly two-thirds of people planning to use their tax refund for practical purposes, that leaves about one-third who might make the biggest tax refund mistake — blowing it on frivolous or unnecessary things, such as an expensive vacation or new car you don’t really need.

There are much better ways to use your tax refund so that the money works for you instead of against you. For example, putting your refund into a high-yield savings account means the money will grow at a solid and predictable rate while also being protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

One of the best savings options is Milli Bank. Milli is a mobile-only bank owned by FNBO whose savings account pays 4.75% APY as of Feb. 29, 2024, making it one of the highest in the industry. There are no monthly service fees or minimum-balance requirements with the Milli Savings account, and all deposits are insured by the FDIC.

Milli also offers a spending account and a feature called Jars that lets you personalize your savings.

Putting your tax refund into a savings account can help you build wealth for the future. In contrast, blowing your refund on something you don’t need or won’t use could put you in a deeper financial hole.

Look at the Big Picture and Make a Plan of Action

To Read More:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/refunds/biggest-mistake-tax-refund-avoid-it/

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

The 7 Worst Things You Can Do If You Owe the IRS

The 7 Worst Things You Can Do If You Owe the IRS

December 6, 2023   By  Jennifer Taylor  GoBankingRates

You’re in debt to Uncle Sam. This probably isn’t a great feeling, but you have to face it.

Maybe you have the money to pay your tax bill or perhaps you don’t. If not, you have many options, so don’t take any of the following.

Using a Credit Card To Pay Your Taxes

Charging IRS debt to your credit card might be easy in the short term, but doing so can be a costly choice.

“The IRS interest rate changes quarterly, but it’s hovered around 8% in recent years,” said Brad Paladini, tax attorney and owner of Paladini Law, a tax law firm. “Credit card interest is usually around 22%, meaning that if a taxpayer uses a credit card to pay their taxes, they are paying almost three times as much in interest than if they paid the IRS directly.”

The 7 Worst Things You Can Do If You Owe the IRS

December 6, 2023   By  Jennifer Taylor  GoBankingRates

You’re in debt to Uncle Sam. This probably isn’t a great feeling, but you have to face it.

Maybe you have the money to pay your tax bill or perhaps you don’t. If not, you have many options, so don’t take any of the following.

Using a Credit Card To Pay Your Taxes

Charging IRS debt to your credit card might be easy in the short term, but doing so can be a costly choice.

“The IRS interest rate changes quarterly, but it’s hovered around 8% in recent years,” said Brad Paladini, tax attorney and owner of Paladini Law, a tax law firm. “Credit card interest is usually around 22%, meaning that if a taxpayer uses a credit card to pay their taxes, they are paying almost three times as much in interest than if they paid the IRS directly.”

Failing To Stay in Compliance With the IRS

“The IRS is usually very willing to arrange a resolution for past-due tax debt, whether it be an installment agreement, an offer in compromise or hardship status,” Paladini said. “But the IRS requires that the taxpayer remain ‘current’ with the taxes.”

Going forward, he said this means you’ll need to file all returns on time and pay all future taxes on time.

“If the taxpayer fails to do so, she’ll default whatever arrangement was made with the IRS,” he said.

Ignoring the Problem Until It’s Too Late

“Taxpayers will know there’s an outstanding tax debt, but will ‘bury their head in the sand’ and ignore it,” Paladini said. “Eventually, the IRS will wipe out their bank accounts or garnish their wages to recoup their money.”

If it comes to this, he said it will be much harder to try and resolve than if you had proactively reached out to the IRS to settle it.

Not Understanding Your Options

If you owe money to the IRS, Paladini said, you have six payment options, including an installment agreement, offer in compromise, currently non-collectible status, penalty abatement, innocent spouse relief and bankruptcy.

“Each of these options has separate requirements,” he said. “Trying to navigate that path on your own can be extremely difficult.”

If you need help navigating what’s best for your unique situation, he said you should reach out to a tax professional.

To Read More:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/tax-laws/worst-things-you-can-do-if-you-owe-irs/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1267849&utm_source=yahoo.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

The 6 Smartest Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

The 6 Smartest Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

By  Vance Cariaga  February 13, 2024 GoBankingRates

Getting a tax refund can be exciting. It feels a little like getting a year-end work bonus in the middle of spring. Fun as it can be, it’s important to keep in mind that there are smart things you can do with that refund — and not so smart things.

Rather than blow the refund on something you don’t really need, you should put it to use in a way that can bolster your financial situation.

With the 2024 tax season underway, you might be looking forward to a refund from the IRS or your state tax agency. How you use it depends on your own personal situation, but here are six of the smartest things to do with your tax refund.

The 6 Smartest Things to Do With Your Tax Refund

By  Vance Cariaga  February 13, 2024 GoBankingRates

Getting a tax refund can be exciting. It feels a little like getting a year-end work bonus in the middle of spring. Fun as it can be, it’s important to keep in mind that there are smart things you can do with that refund — and not so smart things.

Rather than blow the refund on something you don’t really need, you should put it to use in a way that can bolster your financial situation.

With the 2024 tax season underway, you might be looking forward to a refund from the IRS or your state tax agency. How you use it depends on your own personal situation, but here are six of the smartest things to do with your tax refund.

1. Pay Down Debt

If you’re carrying debt, one of the best things you can do with a tax refund is put it toward that balance. This is especially true of credit card debt, which carries high interest rates that keep carrying over to the next payment cycle when you don’t pay off the entire balance.

Credit cards can stretch out small purchases into ongoing loans by keeping borrowers on the hook for as long as possible, making minimum payment every month while they rack up interest charges.

If you don’t have any credit card debt to pay down, consider using the tax refund to get ahead on car or student loan payments. The extra cushion could come in handy in the future.

2. Open a High-Yield Savings Account

Tempting as it might be to splurge on luxuries with your tax refund, one of the smartest things you can do is put it in a high-yield savings account where it can grow. Even better? High-yield savings accounts are offering some of the best interest rates in years.

One of the top options is Milli Bank, a mobile bank with a savings account that pays 4.75% Annual Percentage Yield, as of Feb. 29, 2024. There are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements with a Milli account, and all deposits are FDIC insured.

Milli also offers a goal-oriented savings product called Jars. Milli Jars allow you to personalize your savings goals and set aside funds directly toward them, helping you visualize your progress. Opening a Milli account and growing your money faster with 4.75% APY is one of the smartest things you can do with your tax refund.

To Read More:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/smartest-things-to-do-with-your-tax-refund-2102723/

Read More
Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Personal Finance DINARRECAPS8

6 Things You Should Never Do With Your Tax Refund

6 Things You Should Never Do With Your Tax Refund (Do This Instead)

March 4, 2024 by  Vance Cariaga GoBankingRates

There’s nothing like a tax refund to give your finances an immediate shot in the arm. Depending on the size of the refund, it could be used to wipe out your credit card debt or help you build an emergency fund. Unfortunately, many people blow their refunds on something frivolous that does nothing to strengthen their finances.

The best way to look at your tax refund is as an opportunity to grow your wealth, rather than a free pass to spend money. When you complete your tax return and find that you are due a refund, consider it a return on the hard work you put in during the previous year.

One of the smartest moves you can make is to invest the money in a high-yield savings account. This is an especially good move right now, with banks and credit unions offering their highest annual percentage yields in years.

One of the best savings options is Milli Bank. Milli is a mobile-only bank owned by FNBO whose savings account pays a 4.75% APY, as of Feb. 29, 2024. That’s more than 10 times the national average interest on a savings account.

6 Things You Should Never Do With Your Tax Refund (Do This Instead)

March 4, 2024 by  Vance Cariaga GoBankingRates

There’s nothing like a tax refund to give your finances an immediate shot in the arm. Depending on the size of the refund, it could be used to wipe out your credit card debt or help you build an emergency fund. Unfortunately, many people blow their refunds on something frivolous that does nothing to strengthen their finances.

The best way to look at your tax refund is as an opportunity to grow your wealth, rather than a free pass to spend money. When you complete your tax return and find that you are due a refund, consider it a return on the hard work you put in during the previous year.

One of the smartest moves you can make is to invest the money in a high-yield savings account. This is an especially good move right now, with banks and credit unions offering their highest annual percentage yields in years.

One of the best savings options is Milli Bank. Milli is a mobile-only bank owned by FNBO whose savings account pays a 4.75% APY, as of Feb. 29, 2024. That’s more than 10 times the national average interest on a savings account.

There are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements with the Milli Savings account, and all deposits are insured by the FDIC.

Putting your tax refund into a savings account with a high APY means the money works for you, helping you build wealth for the future or cover emergency expenses when the need arrives.

Now that you know one of the smartest ways to use your tax refund, here are some things you should never do with it.

1. Buy a Second Car You Don’t Need

It might be tempting to put your entire refund into a down payment on a second car you’ve always wanted, but it’s a mistake, if you don’t really need one. Cars lose much of their value the moment you drive them off the lot. Putting yourself into a deeper financial hole with a monthly car payment — along with the cost of maintenance  — can potentially set you back for years.

2. Splurge on a Vacation

Unless the rest of your finances are in great shape, it’s likely a mistake to blow your tax refund on a pricey vacation. Look at it this way: If you invest your refund in an asset that can grow your money, the return you get might pay for a future vacation. The best part is, you still have the principle safely tucked away.

3. Spend It At a Casino

There’s a reason casinos make so much money — the odds are firmly in their favor. Hitting the slot machines or blackjack tables might be fun (at least for a while), but they can drain your tax refund in a hurry. There are much better ways to spend your refund.

To Read More :

https://www.gobankingrates.com/taxes/refunds/things-you-should-never-do-with-your-tax-refund/?utm_term=incontent_link_6&utm_campaign=1267849&utm_source=yahoo.com&utm_content=9&utm_medium=rss

Read More