77% of Americans Plan To Use Tax Refunds for Essential Expenses: 5 Tips for Using Yours

Dawn Allcot  Tue, April 15, 2025   GOBankingRates

For Americans who usually receive a tax refund, that spring windfall sometimes helps cover a treat, like a family vacation, a pool or new patio furniture. But for a majority of people this year, their tax refund is going toward necessities, according to a study from Talker Research, commissioned by TaxSlayer.

The study found that 77% of Americans will spend their tax refund on necessities this year. What’s on the top of their list? More than half (52%) of those polled said the money will go toward rent or utility bills. Meanwhile, 44% will put the money toward groceries and essential goods. Thirty-seven percent are using the cash to pay down credit card debt, with 56% of that group still paying off holiday bills.

What Does A Financial Advisor Do And When Should You Get One?

Brian Baker, CFA  Mon, April 14, 2025   Bankrate

Most people are aware of financial advisors and may even hire one at some point in their lives, but what exactly do financial advisors do? Financial advisors provide advice and guidance on a variety of financial issues you’ll encounter over the course of your life such as investments, retirement planning, insurance and even taxes.

Here’s what else you should know about financial advisors, including the advantages and disadvantages of using one and when you should consider hiring one.

What It Really Means To Help Someone — And The Consequences That Can Follow

He borrowed $20K from his brother — then crashed the car he bought instead of going to law school

Victoria Vesovski  Moneywise   Sun, April 13, 2025

When a loved one is in need, lending a helping hand can feel like second nature — even with a price tag.

On a recent episode of his new Netflix talk show, Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, the comedian explores what it really means to help someone — and the consequences that can follow.

He’s joined by actor Michael Keaton and Jessica Roy, a personal finance columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Their first caller was Dylan from Montville, New Jersey, who borrowed $20,000 from his brother to attend law school. But instead of cracking open textbooks, Dylan bought a car. Then he crashed it. After selling the wreck for scrap, only $1,200 of the original $20,000 remained

Do I Have to Worry About Gift Tax?

If I Give My Child $30,000 Towards Their Wedding, Do I Have to Worry About Gift Tax?

Mark Henricks  Sat, July 27, 2024   SmartAsset

Imagine your child is getting married and you want to help pay for their wedding. You’ve been saving for years and now have $30,000 set aside for their big day, which you plan to hand over in the form of a check.

However, before you pass along that much cash, it’s important to understand the potential tax implications of making a $30,000 gift. A gift that size could require you to pay the federal gift tax, which can reach up to 40%. The good news is you may avoid paying gift taxes altogether, but there are reporting requirements and other limitations to keep in mind. Consult a financial advisor to minimize your gift tax obligations.

3 ‘Horrible’ Pieces of Tax Advice, According to The Money Guy Show

Catherine Collins  Tue, April 1, 2025  GOBankingRates

The financial advisors behind the podcast ‘The Money Guy Show‘ recently reviewed popular TikTok tax hacks that are actually terrible money advice. In addition to being financial advisors, hosts Brian Preston and Bo Hansen are also accountants, so listeners can benefit from hearing their advice about what is and isn’t allowed when you file your taxes.

While the hosts aren’t against tax planning, many of the TikTok tax strategies they reviewed are less about planning and more about being misleading or even committing fraud. Many people turn to ‘The Money Guy Show’ for financial lessons that aren’t boring. So, if someone is interested in lowering their tax bill, this is a show to follow.

How Much Should You Add to Your Emergency Savings To Keep Up With Inflation?

Kerra Bolton  Mon, March 31, 2025 GOBankingRates

Saving three to six months of emergency savings is a must, especially during times of economic uncertainty. However, rising inflation means that a $10,000 safety net might not be able to buy as much tomorrow as it does today.

GOBankingRates talked to financial experts to find out how much you should add to your emergency savings to keep up with inflation.

Protecting Yourself From Both Scams And Tax Penalties

Joe Cortez Moneywise

California man loses life savings, owes more than $30K in taxes after falling prey to sophisticated scam

On top of losing his life savings to scammers, Chester Frilich of Concord, California is facing a tax bill of over $30,000 which could end in him losing his home.

As reported by ABC7 News, his problems began when he received a call from somebody claiming to be from Xfinity, who claimed his account was used to upload pornographic videos. An hour later, he heard from “Jason Brown” with the Federal Trade Commission, listing all of his credit cards and telling him he was under investigation for wire fraud.

Settling A Loved One's Estate Can Take Up To '900 Hours Of Effort

Sara Belcher · Podcast Writer  Updated Mon, March 24, 2025  Yahoo Finance

After a loved one dies, those left in charge of settling the estate can spend months tying up loose ends.

"No matter how well you did your planning, there is a house, cars, financial accounts," Hugh Tamassia, co-founder of the estate settlement company Alix, said on the Financial Freestyle podcast (see video above or listen below). "There are subscriptions. There's insurance policies. There's utilities. There's the newspaper that lands on the front door that has to be canceled. There's all these things that have to be dealt with by the next generation. And these things can take up to 900 hours of effort for the children of someone who's passed away."