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# Saving to Invest

Taxes, Refunds, Benefits & Retirement Limits

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://savingtoinvest.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Schedule C (Form 1040) Explained: What Counts as Business Income and How to Get It Right in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/schedule-c-form-1040-reporting-business-income/) - Schedule C is the form that reports income and expenses from a business you run as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC — think freelancing, consulting, an Etsy shop, or any other side hustle where you're not formally incorporated or partnered with someone else. If your business is structured as a partnership, S-corp, C-corp, or
- [Job Search Tax Deductions Are Gone Federally — Here's What's Actually Still Deductible in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/job-search-tax-deductions-what-is-still-deductible/) - If you're searching for a new job in 2026 — maybe after a layoff or severance negotiation — the resume help, mileage to interviews, and employment agency fees you're paying for are not federally tax-deductible, and haven't been since 2018. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) suspended this deduction, and the One Big
- [Where Is My New Jersey Tax Refund? 2026 Status, Processing Times, and Key State Deductions](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-jersey-state-tax-refund-status/) - New Jersey's 2025 tax year returns are due April 15, 2026, the same day as the federal filing deadline. If you're waiting on a refund or want to understand what's changed for this filing season, here's the current picture. Checking Your NJ Refund Status Use the New Jersey Division of Taxation's Check Your Refund Status
- [IRS CP10 Notice Explained: What It Means When the IRS Corrects Your Estimated Tax Credit](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-cp10-notice-explained/) - This article is about the IRS CP-10 notice is, what it pertains to and what you should do when you receive one.
- [AGI vs. MAGI: The Income Number That Actually Decides Your Roth IRA and ACA Subsidy Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/agi-vs-magi-explained/) - Your gross income, your adjusted gross income (AGI), and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) are three different numbers — and mixing them up is one of the most common ways people miscalculate their own eligibility for a Roth IRA, an IRA deduction, or an ACA health insurance subsidy. Gross Income: Where It All Starts
- [Your Marginal Tax Rate Isn't What You Actually Pay — Here's Your Real 2026 Effective Rate](https://savingtoinvest.com/marginal-vs-effective-tax-rate-explained/) - A single filer earning $150,000 in 2026 has a 24% marginal tax rate — but their actual effective tax rate works out to about 16.5% of gross income, after the standard deduction and the progressive bracket structure. That's the most common tax misunderstanding I run into: people conflate the bracket they're "in" with the share
- [How Marriage Changes Your Taxes in 2026 (Plus 6 Other Money Decisions to Make First)](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-marriage-changes-your-taxes-and-finances/) - The standard deduction for married filing jointly is $32,200 in 2026 — close to double the $16,100 a single filer gets, according to the IRS's 2026 inflation adjustments. That's usually the single biggest tax change marriage brings, but it's far from the only one. Your filing status is locked in by your marital status on
- [How to Choose a Tax Preparer in 2026 — What's Actually Required (and What Isn't)](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-choose-a-tax-preparer/) - Every paid tax return preparer in the U.S. must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for the current filing year — the 2026 PTIN renewal fee is $18.75. More than half of taxpayers use a paid preparer rather than filing themselves, so knowing what actually separates a qualified preparer from a risky one
- [The Federal Estate Tax Exemption Is $15 Million in 2026 — And Now Permanent](https://savingtoinvest.com/federal-estate-tax-exemption-and-gift-tax-limits/) - The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person for 2026 — up from $13.99 million in 2025, according to the IRS's 2026 inflation adjustments. A married couple can shield up to $30 million combined using portability. This isn't just another annual inflation bump. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed into law
- [Buying Long-Term Care Insurance To Save For The High Cost of Assisted Living](https://savingtoinvest.com/buying-long-term-care-insurance-to-save-for-the-high-cost-of-assisted-living/) - The national median cost of an assisted living community is now $74,400 a year — up 44% over just five years, nearly double the pace of inflation, according to CareScout's 2025 Cost of Care Survey. A private nursing home room runs even higher, averaging $129,575 a year. Those numbers explain a pattern a recent Washington
- [Where Do Your Federal Tax Dollars Go? A 2026 Breakdown (Plus What's Coming in 2027)](https://savingtoinvest.com/where-does-your-federal-tax-dollar-go/) - For every dollar the federal government spent in fiscal year 2026, about 22 cents went to Social Security and 16 cents went to Medicare. That's before a single cent goes to defense, interest on the debt, or anything else. Total federal spending in FY2026 runs about $7.4 trillion — 23.3% of the entire U.S. economy
- [Monthly Budget Comparison – Big City vs. Small Town](https://savingtoinvest.com/monthly-budget-comparison-big-city-10000-vs-small-town-4000/) - One of the biggest financial decisions many people face isn't about a specific purchase — it's about where to live. The gap between big-city and small-town costs of living can be enormous, and it's worth breaking down where that gap actually comes from before assuming one option is automatically "better." Where the Big Gap Really
- [Help! My Car Was Illegally Towed – How Do I Get My Towing Charge Back](https://savingtoinvest.com/help-my-car-was-illegally-towed-how-do-i-get-my-150-towing-charge-back/) - I recently visited some friends for dinner at their new apartment in a large 300-unit complex. When I got back to where I'd parked, the space was empty. After a minute of panicked disbelief — was I even in the right row? — I accepted my car was gone. A small, easy-to-miss towing sign with
- [Will SNAP Get Cut Off After September 30, 2026? What's Actually Different This Time](https://savingtoinvest.com/snap-shutdown-funding-risk-2026/) - If you get SNAP, the date to actually watch this year is October 1, 2026 — not because benefits are guaranteed to stop, but because that's when the current funding that's protected SNAP all year runs out. Here's what happened last time this played out badly, what's genuinely different heading into this deadline, and what
- [Your Direct Express Card Is Changing Banks through 2026 and 2027: What SSA, SSI, and VA Recipients Need to Know](https://savingtoinvest.com/direct-express-card-fifth-third-transition-2026/) - If you receive Social Security, SSI, or VA benefits on a Direct Express prepaid debit card, you may get a letter or a new card in the mail this year from a bank you've never heard of before: Fifth Third Bank. This is real, not a scam — but it's exactly the kind of unfamiliar
- [Changes to Your 2026 Medicare Coverage — Plus the 2027 Part B Premium and Part D Outlook](https://savingtoinvest.com/changes-to-your-2026-medicare-coverage/) - Here is a snapshot of the major changes to your 2026 Medicare coverage, primarily driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Following the snapshot are details that can help you manage your out-of-pocket health costs and refine your plan benefits. Part I: Key Changes to Prescription Drug (Part D) Costs Your Drug Costs are Capped:
- [What Happens if I File My Taxes Late? 2026 IRS Penalties and Getting Your Refund](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-happens-if-i-file-my-taxes-late-irs-penalty-and-getting-your-refund/) - I get a few comments every tax season from readers asking whether it's too late to file a return after the regular deadline (April 15, 2026 for most people) — and what happens if they forgot to file for an extension. I also get asked what happens if they owe taxes, or if they find
- [Can't Afford to Pay Your Taxes? Here's What Actually Happens (and Your Options)](https://savingtoinvest.com/cant-afford-to-pay-my-taxes/) - Owing more than you can pay is stressful, but the IRS has more structured ways to work with you than most people realize — and the single biggest mistake is letting the fear of the bill stop you from filing at all. Here's what actually happens when you can't pay in full, the new automatic
- [Avoid Costly Mistakes When Inheriting an IRA in 2026: The Annual RMD Rule You Can't Skip Anymore](https://savingtoinvest.com/avoid-costly-mistakes-when-inheriting-an-ira-in-2026-tax-smart-tips/) - If you inherited an IRA anytime after 2019, there's a good chance you've been told the rule is simple: empty the account within 10 years, take distributions whenever you want in between. That's no longer entirely true, and the IRS's penalty-free grace period for getting it wrong ended after 2024. Here's what actually changed, who
- [SNAP Monthly Benefits 2026 With New Work Rules and All 50 State Guides](https://savingtoinvest.com/snap-food-stamp-benefit-amounts/) - The maximum SNAP (Food Stamps) benefit for a family of four in fiscal year 2026 is $994 per month — up from $975 last year. If you're a single adult, the max is $298/month. But 2026 is a more complicated year for SNAP than most. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made the biggest structural
- [IRS Standard Mileage Rate 2026: Why It Jumped to 76 Cents Mid-Year (Plus a 2027 Outlook)](https://savingtoinvest.com/standard-mileage-rate-tax-irs/) - If you drive for work, the IRS standard mileage rate you can deduct just changed twice in one year. It started 2026 at 72.5 cents per mile for business use, then jumped to 76 cents per mile effective July 1 — a mid-year increase the IRS almost never makes. Here's the full breakdown of both
- [2026–2027 Maximum Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Weeks By State - Latest Updates and News](https://savingtoinvest.com/maximum-weekly-unemployment-benefits-by-state/) - Listed in the table below are the latest maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit amounts by state, current as of July 2026. The Unemployment Compensation (UC) program is designed to provide benefits to individuals out of work or in between jobs, through no fault of their own. Note that the table shows the maximum regular weekly
- [15-Year vs. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage in 2026 — Which One Actually Saves You Money?](https://savingtoinvest.com/15-year-vs-30-year-mortgage-which-is-better/) - As of mid-2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is running around 6.5%-6.6%, while the 15-year fixed averages roughly 5.8%-5.95%, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That gap of roughly 0.7 to 0.9 percentage points is a big part of why the 15-year option keeps coming up whenever people compare mortgage terms. The
- [California (CA) vs. Florida (FL): Where Your Tax Refund Goes Further in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/california-vs-florida-where-your-tax-refund-goes-further-in-2026/) - The average federal tax refund reached $3,275 through the 2026 filing season — up 11.3% from $2,942 at the same point in 2025, according to IRS filing statistics. For a lot of households, that's the single biggest lump sum they'll see all year. Where you live changes what that money actually buys. A $3,275 refund
- [2026-2027 IRS Tax Refund Schedule And Direct Deposit Payment Calendar](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-refund-schedule-and-direct-deposit-cycle-chart-for-tax-return-filings/) - 2026-2027 IRS tax refund schedule with direct deposit dates by filing week, PATH Act and EITC hold dates, cycle codes explained, and how to get refund status.
- [Should You Buy a House If the Mortgage Is Double Your Rent? Here's the Actual Math](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-we-buy-this-house-if-the-mortgage-is-double-our-rent/) - "Our mortgage would be almost double what we pay in rent right now — is that insane?" I get a version of this question constantly, and the honest answer is: that comparison is almost never the right one to make. Rent versus a future mortgage payment feels like the natural anchor because it's the number
- [Preparing For Layoffs: Steps to Take Ahead of Time And What To Do First](https://savingtoinvest.com/tips-on-preparing-for-potential-job/) - With a slowing economy, government and private sector reductions in force, and the prospect of a downturn always around the corner, you may get into work one of these days and hear that your position has been made redundant. Are you prepared for this scenario and its likely impact on your financial security? In weak
- [Debt Collection Calls in 2026: Your Rights Under Regulation F, and How to Stop Creditor Harassment](https://savingtoinvest.com/handling-debt-collection-calls-and-creditor-harassment-by-knowing-your-rights/) - One of the worst forms of creditor harassment is relentless debt collection calls. For some people, the calls become so frequent that they consider changing their phone number just to make them stop. The good news: federal law spells out exactly how often a collector is allowed to contact you, what they can say, and
- [Seven Ways to Avoid Banks Taking Your Money in Fees and Charges](https://savingtoinvest.com/avoiding-bank-fees/) - We have all read about and surely experienced the ever increasing fees and charges that banks and other financial institutions charge us. Bank fees add up to billions of dollars in revenue for banks every year, and late fees, over-the-limit charges and overdraft fees make up a large share of that total. 1. Monthly Account
- [401(k) to IRA Rollovers — Direct vs. 60-Day Rules (and Avoiding the 20% Withholding Trap)](https://savingtoinvest.com/rollover-old-or-multiple-401ks-into-an-ira/) - The safest way to move money from an old 401(k) to an IRA is a direct, trustee-to-trustee transfer — the funds never touch your hands, so none of the deadlines or withholding rules below even come into play. Do it the other way, where the check gets sent to you first, and two things immediately
- [Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): 2026 Age Rules, Deadlines, and Penalties](https://savingtoinvest.com/required-minimum-distributions-rmd-rules-and-deadlines/) - If you turn 73 or 75 this year (depending on when you were born), the IRS wants you to start pulling money out of your traditional retirement accounts — whether you need it or not. Skip it, and the penalty is steep: 25% of whatever you should have withdrawn. This is one of the more
- [401(k) and IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty: The 10% Rule and How to Avoid It](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-withdraw-money-early-from-your-401k-or-ira-without-paying-a-penalty/) - Pull money out of a traditional 401(k) or IRA before you turn 59½, and the IRS adds a 10% penalty on top of whatever income tax you already owe. That's the headline rule everyone knows. What fewer people know is just how many exceptions exist. Some have been on the books for decades; a few
- [401(k) Loans vs. Hardship Withdrawals: What Changed Under SECURE 2.0 (2026 Guide)](https://savingtoinvest.com/401k-cash-out-for-loans-vs-hardship/) - If you're staring at your 401(k) balance wondering how to get at it before retirement, you've got three real options: a loan, a hardship withdrawal, or one of several penalty exceptions Congress has added over the years. They work very differently, and mixing them up is an expensive mistake. I get emails about this fairly
- [Where Is My Business Tax Refund in 2026? Current IRS Processing Times and How to Check Status](https://savingtoinvest.com/where-is-my-business-tax-refund/) - Business owners still don't get a "Where's My Refund"-style tracker the way individual filers do. If you're waiting on a business tax refund in 2026, the IRS's own guidance is unchanged from prior years: call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 (or +1 267-941-1000 from outside the U.S.) for status information. That said,
- [My Tipping Philosophy for 2026: What to Tip After the Post-COVID Tipping Surge](https://savingtoinvest.com/tipping-philosophies/) - Are you a generous tipper or do you give the bare minimum? Do you tip extra for great service, or nothing at all for bad service? Do you tip the same for a to-go order as you would for a table you sat at for two hours? I first wrote about my tipping philosophy back
- [Home Insurance Costs in 2026: Why Rate Hikes Are Finally Slowing — and How to Actually Lower Yours](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-you-can-do-about-the-rising-cost-of-home-insurance/) - Homeowners insurance now averages somewhere between $2,400 and $2,900 a year nationally, depending on which tracker you use and how much dwelling coverage you're pricing. That's still going up in 2026, but the increase is projected at roughly 4% — a real slowdown from the 12% jump most homeowners absorbed in 2025. Why Home Insurance
- [IRS Business Tax Account in 2026: C Corporations and Nonprofits Can Now Register — Here's Who's Still Left Out](https://savingtoinvest.com/business-tax-account-transcripts-now-available-online/) - The IRS has quietly widened who can use Business Tax Account since it first opened to partnerships and S corporations in late 2023. As of mid-2026, C corporations, tax-exempt organizations, federal/state/local government entities, and Indian Tribal governments can all register for full online access to their tax records. That's a real expansion. But one thing
- [SSDI Back Pay: How It Works, How Much You Get, and When It Arrives](https://savingtoinvest.com/ssdi-back-pay-how-it-works/) - If Social Security approves your SSDI claim, don't expect the money to land as a single simple number. Back pay calculations have more moving parts than most people expect, and the terminology alone — back pay, retroactive benefits, waiting period, onset date — trips people up before they even get to the math. Here's how
- [Social Security Survivor Benefits: Who Qualifies and How Much You Get](https://savingtoinvest.com/social-security-survivor-benefits/) - When someone who worked and paid into Social Security dies, their spouse, ex-spouse, children, or dependent parents may be able to claim a monthly payment based on that person's earnings record. The rules around who qualifies and how much they get are more layered than most people expect. Here's how survivor benefits actually work in
- [5 Places to Get Free Tax Advice, Guidance, and Help](https://savingtoinvest.com/5-places-to-get-free-tax-advice-guidance-and-help/) - If you don't want to pay a preparer or a software subscription fee, there are several genuinely free ways to get your taxes done or get expert help along the way. Here's where to look, and who actually qualifies for each option. Subscribe here to get the latest tax and refund articles delivered to your
- [California (CA) State Tax Refund Status and Key Tax Considerations](https://savingtoinvest.com/california-ca-tax-considerations/) - If you're a California resident or tax filer, here's what's worth knowing about the state's refund process and a few key state-specific tax considerations for 2026. Subscribe here to get notified of updates on California and federal tax changes. The Middle Class Tax Refund (MCTR) Program Has Ended The one-time Middle Class Tax Refund, passed
- [Are You Upper Middle Class? 2026 Income Thresholds and a State-by-State Breakdown](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-you-upper-middle-class/) - Nationally, upper middle class means a family of three earning roughly $133,000 to $400,000 — but the honest answer depends heavily on your state. In Mississippi (MS) you can hit the tier at around $89,000, while in Massachusetts (MA) the bar starts near $181,000. The full state-by-state table is below. According to the WSJ, more
- [Trump's Tariffs in 2026: Where Things Actually Stand This Week](https://savingtoinvest.com/will-anyone-take-trumps-tariffs-seriously-anymore/) - The 10% global tariff surcharge currently in effect on most US imports expires by law at 12:01 a.m. on July 24, 2026 — this week — and there's no extension bill moving through Congress to stop it. What happens after that is genuinely unsettled, so here's the full timeline of how tariffs got here and
- [Stock Market Volatility in 2026: Why Now Is Still Not the Time to Sell](https://savingtoinvest.com/stock-market-volatility-now-is-not-time/) - The S&P 500 hit an all-time high of 7,621 in June 2026, then slid more than 4% before clawing back some ground — closing around 7,533 in mid-July. Nasdaq fell over 1% in the same stretch, dragged down by chip stocks. Nvidia is off more than 10% since its May peak. None of that is
- [Why Even High-Income Earners Are Not That Far From The Edge of Poverty](https://savingtoinvest.com/why-even-high-income-earners-are-not/) - Despite earning more than $100,000 in household income, many people still feel like they're living month-to-month — that a job loss or sudden medical emergency could easily move them from upper-middle-class down to low income. A 2026 Goldman Sachs survey put a number on this: 41% of households earning $300,000 to $500,000 say they live
- [Gas Prices in July 2026: What's Driving the Increase and How to Cut Your Fuel Costs](https://savingtoinvest.com/easy-ways-to-cope-with-higher-gas/) - The national average for a gallon of regular gas hit $3.94 on July 16, 2026 — up 10 cents in a single week, and up from $3.83 just two weeks earlier on July 2, according to AAA's daily fuel price tracker. This page tracks what's driving prices each month and rounds up the fuel-saving moves
- [Apartment Rental Tips for 2026: What to Check Before You Sign a Lease](https://savingtoinvest.com/apartment-rental-tips-and/) - The national average apartment rent was $1,742 a month in June 2026, up slightly from May, according to Apartments.com's rent report, while the Census Bureau's rental vacancy rate has climbed to around 7.2–7.3% — one of the highest readings in years. That combination (rents drifting up, vacancies also up) means landlords in a lot of
- [How to Invest Without FOMO: Smart Strategies for 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-invest-without-fomo-smart-strategies/) - Does it feel like you missed the recent crypto surge or AI tech stock rally? This feeling is the Fear Of Missing Out, or FOMO. It drives many investors to buy at the peak and sell in a panic. This is a story that keeps repeating through history during any extended hype cycle. We have
- [When to Claim Social Security in 2026: The Real Math for Singles, Couples, and Late Filers](https://savingtoinvest.com/claiming-social-security-benefits-later/) - Claim Social Security at 62 and you lock in about 70% of your full benefit for life. Wait until 70, and you lock in 124% instead. That's the single biggest financial decision most retirees make, and unlike almost everything else in retirement planning, you don't get a do-over. I get more questions about "when should
- [Negotiating Your Severance Package in 2026: State Rules, Shrinking Payouts, and What to Ask For](https://savingtoinvest.com/being-laid-off-negotiate-that-severance-package/) - No federal law requires your employer to pay you a dime of severance when you're laid off. Only two states — New Jersey and Maine — mandate it at all, and only in specific mass-layoff situations. Everywhere else, severance is 100% a negotiation, which is exactly why so many people leave money on the table.
- [Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2026: Why 6.5% Rates Haven't Cooled the Market (Plus the 2027 Outlook)](https://savingtoinvest.com/why-rising-rates-will-boost-rather-than-lower-home-prices-and-purchases/) - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is running about 6.5%–6.7% as of late July 2026. The median existing home price is $440,600, up 1.8% from a year ago. Those two facts sitting next to each other confuse a lot of people — rates are more than double where they were in 2021, so why haven't
- [Average vs. Median Net Worth by Age in 2026: Are You Ahead or Behind?](https://savingtoinvest.com/average-net-worth-by-age/) - The median American household has a net worth of about $192,700 in 2026. If that number feels either way too low or suspiciously high compared to what you'd guess, you're not alone — most people have never seen this broken out by age, and the "average" figure everyone quotes ($1.06 million) is wildly misleading for
- [Remote Work Tax Issues in 2026: State Taxes, Reciprocity, and the Home Office Deduction](https://savingtoinvest.com/remote-work-tax-issues-to-consider-when-filing-your-return/) - Remote work didn't just change where people do their jobs — it created a genuinely more complicated tax picture for millions of workers who now live in a different state (or country) than their employer. Here's what actually matters when you file. Which State Actually Taxes Your Income? When you worked from an office, the
- [Mid-Year Tax Moves to Make in 2026 (Before You Run Out of Time)](https://savingtoinvest.com/mid-year-tax-moves-you-can-make-now/) - By midsummer, more than half the tax year is already locked in — but there's still enough runway to fix a withholding problem, catch a missed estimated payment, or take advantage of a credit before December 31 forces your hand. Here's what's worth reviewing right now. Check and Adjust Your Withholding If you got a
- [10 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-ways-to-boost-your-retirement-savings-starting-now/) - Boosting retirement savings isn't about finding one clever trick — it's mostly about using the accounts and incentives already available to you more fully than you currently are. Here are ten concrete ways to do that in 2026. 1. Get Your Full Employer Match If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contributing less than the
- [When Will I Get My New York (NY) State Tax Refund in 2026-2027?](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-can-i-expect-my-new-york-state-tax-refund/) - New York's state refund process runs on its own timeline, separate from your federal refund — and the two systems don't share status information, so a fast federal refund doesn't tell you anything about when your state refund will arrive. How Long Does a NY State Refund Take? The NY Department of Taxation and Finance
- [How to Maximize Your Tax Refund in 2026: What Actually Moves the Needle](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-save-money-on-taxes-and-maximize-my-tax-refund/) - "Maximize your tax refund" gets searched every filing season, but it's worth being precise about what that actually means. A refund is just the IRS returning money you already overpaid through paycheck withholding or estimated payments — getting a bigger one isn't really a win if it means you gave the government an interest-free loan
- [State Energy Assistance Programs in 2026: LIHEAP Funding, Income Limits, and How to Apply](https://savingtoinvest.com/state-energy-assistance-program-benefits-and-income-thresholds/) - Home energy costs keep climbing, and for households on the lower end of the income scale, that's not an abstract budgeting problem — it's a choice between heating the house and paying for something else. The good news is that federal and state energy assistance programs exist specifically to help. The less good news is
- [Rental Property Tax Rules in 2026: 1099 Reporting, FBAR, and the New Depreciation Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/rental-property-tax-changes-form-1099-and-foriegn-bank-accounts-and-assets-disclosure-requirements/) - Two separate reporting requirements tend to get conflated by landlords and anyone with money outside the U.S.: issuing 1099s to contractors you pay for property work, and disclosing foreign financial accounts to the Treasury. Both have real deadlines and real penalties, and both changed meaningfully under recent legislation. 1099 Reporting for Landlords: The Threshold Just
- [Protecting Your Social Security Number From Identity Theft in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/hacking-social-security-numbers-and-how/) - Concern about Social Security number security tends to spike after news of a major data breach, and for good reason — your SSN is the master key that ties together your credit history, tax records, and government benefits. But the specific threat has changed over the years, and the protections that actually work today are
- [Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) 2026: $120 Per Child — Which States Are Participating](https://savingtoinvest.com/40-grocery-summer-ebt-benefit-for-kids-snap/) - Summer EBT — also called SUN Bucks — is now a permanent federal program that puts grocery money on a card for kids during summer break, when school meals aren't available. It's in its third year in 2026, and the benefit amount and list of participating states have both changed since it launched. How Much
- [Updated 2026 GS Pay Table Plus the Fight Over the 2027 Federal Employee Raise](https://savingtoinvest.com/federal-employee-gs-pay-chart-and-raise/) - The General Schedule (GS) pay scale sets base pay for roughly 1.5 million civilian federal employees. This page tracks confirmed raises and the latest proposals for each year. The 2026 raise is confirmed at 1%. The 2027 picture is wide open — Trump's budget proposes a freeze, Congress has offered a 4.1% counter, and the
- [2026-2027 Medicare Premiums, Deductibles and IRMAA — Part A, B and D Amounts](https://savingtoinvest.com/medicare-premiums-and-coinsurance-rates-for-part-b-medical-insurance-and-part-a-hospital-insurance/) - The headline number for 2026: the standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, one of the larger year-over-year jumps in the program's history, with the Part B annual deductible at $283. For most retirees the premium comes straight out of the monthly Social Security check — which is why the size of each
- [Life Insurance Rates in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay by Age and Provider](https://savingtoinvest.com/life-insurance-rates-and-how-much-coverage-you-need/) - Most people know they should have life insurance and still don't get around to buying it. Part of the reason is that nobody wants to think hard about their own death. The other part is more practical: it's not obvious how much coverage is enough, or what it should actually cost. Both questions have real,
- [2026–2027 ACA Marketplace Health Insurance Subsidies: The Enhanced Tax Credits Are Gone — Here's What You Actually Pay Now](https://savingtoinvest.com/obamacare-health-insurance-subsidies-and-tax-credits/) - If you bought ACA marketplace coverage for 2026 and your premium jumped — sometimes by hundreds of dollars a month — you're not imagining it. The enhanced premium tax credits that made Obamacare coverage cheap for millions of people expired at the end of 2025, and Congress hasn't renewed them. For 2026 and 2027 coverage,
- [2026-2027 Saver's Tax Credit Income Limits and How to Claim It](https://savingtoinvest.com/savers-tax-credit-and-income-limits-to-help-workers-save-for-retirement/) - The Saver's Credit gives lower- and moderate-income workers a direct tax credit — not just a deduction — for contributing to a retirement account. For 2026, the income limits increased across all filing statuses, so more people now qualify than in prior years. The IRS confirmed these thresholds in Notice IR-2025-111, as part of the
- [2026–2027 No Tax on Tips: Who Qualifies, Income Limits, and Real Examples](https://savingtoinvest.com/no-tax-on-tips-2026-your-complete-guide-to-saving-thousands-with-real-examples/) - If you're a tipped worker, the question that matters most right now is: how much less will I owe the IRS? For a server earning $22,000 in tips at the 22% bracket, the answer is about $4,840. A bartender with $25,000 in tips in the 24% bracket saves $6,000. These are real numbers from the
- [When Will I Get My W-2, 1099, and 1098 for 2027 Filing? Every Deadline](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-will-i-get-my-w2-1099-1098-tax-forms/) - Tax season stalls out fast when you're missing a document. Here's exactly when to expect each form covering your 2026 income, what it reports, and what to do if February 2027 comes and goes without it. The Full Deadline List for 2027 Filing (2026 Tax Year) Form What It Reports Deadline to You W-2 Wages,
- [Stuck on Hold With the IRS? Here's How to Get Help In Person Instead](https://savingtoinvest.com/going-to-local-irs-office-and-talking-face-to-face-to-get-updates-on-my-tax-return-processing-and-refund-payment-status/) - When "Where's My Refund?" just says "still processing" for months and the phone lines go nowhere, an in-person visit to a local IRS office can genuinely break the logjam — but only if you go in prepared and with realistic expectations about what an agent can actually tell you. Appointments Are Required — No Walk-Ins
- [Your Tax Refund Is a Free Loan to the IRS — Here's What It Actually Costs You](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-refunds-are-they-worthwhile-or-a-free-loan-to-the-irs/) - Getting a tax refund feels good — it's easy to treat it like a bonus. But a refund is your own money, held by the IRS all year without paying you a cent of interest, then returned to you months later. Here's what that actually costs at today's rates, and how to think about whether
- [Is Your Adult Child's Health Coverage Really Tax-Free? Yes — Here's How It Works](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-free-employer-health-insurance-for-adult-children/) - If you're covering an adult child on your employer health plan, you might assume there's some tax catch — extra income to report, a benefit that phases out, something. There isn't. This has been settled, stable federal law for well over a decade, and it's worth understanding clearly since it's easy to miss or second-guess.
- [Student Debt in 2026: The SAVE Plan Is Gone — Here's What Replaced It](https://savingtoinvest.com/5-tips-for-paying-off-student-debt-faster/) - Student loan repayment has changed significantly since the pandemic-era pause and the SAVE plan experiment. If you've been coasting on old information, here's what's actually true heading into the second half of 2026. The SAVE Plan Is Gone The SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) Plan, introduced as an income-driven repayment option with unusually generous
- [Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Rises to $1,500-$3,000 in 2026 Under OBBBA](https://savingtoinvest.com/child-and-dependent-care-credit-updates-and-latest-limits/) - If you've been claiming the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) at the reduced post-pandemic level for the past few years, there's good news: it just went up again, and this time it's meant to stay. Starting with the 2026 tax year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently raises the credit percentage,
- [1099-K Rules Are Back to Normal: OBBBA Restores the $20,000 Threshold — What Sellers and Side Hustlers Need to Know for 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/1099-k-explained-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-tax-form/) - What the 1099-K is, who needs to file it, and how to do so. We will also discuss the different situations in which you may need to file this form.
- [Facing Higher Taxes? Four Strategies That Actually Move the Needle in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/strategies-for-dealing-with-higher-taxes/) - Tax bills go up for a lot of reasons — a raise, a bonus, selling an investment, or just bracket creep as your income grows. Whatever the cause, there are concrete, legal strategies that reduce what you actually owe, separate from whatever political debate is happening in Washington about future rates. Here are four that
- [How Long Should You Keep Tax Records? The IRS Rules by Document Type](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-long-to-keep-tax-records/) - The honest answer to "how long should I keep this?" depends entirely on what kind of record it is and what happened on your return. The IRS's retention rules are tied directly to how long it (or you) can still legally act on a given tax year — called the period of limitations. Here's the
- [The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Is Now Law — What It Means for Buyers and Investors in 2026 and 2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/housing-affordability-bill-what-the-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-means/) - Congress passed the most significant housing legislation in decades, and after a standoff at the president's desk, it's now the law of the land. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026 — one day after the constitutional window for President Trump to act on it expired. He never signed
- [First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit — Is There One in 2026?](https://savingtoinvest.com/homebuyer-tax-credit/) - Short answer: there is no active federal first-time homebuyer tax credit for 2026. If you're searching for this because you've heard about a "$15,000 homebuyer credit," you're likely thinking of a proposal from the Biden administration's housing agenda that was floated but never passed Congress. It's not law today, though — as covered below —
- [10 Fast and Easy Ways to Get, Save and Make Money Now](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-ways-to-quickly-improve-cash-flow-by/) - Nowadays every extra dollar counts more than ever. Despite a paycheck from working a regular job, once taxes and other fixed expenses are accounted for, it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. Since there are only twenty four hours in day, physically working more (provided you can even get a second or
- [2026–2027 Minimum Wage by State: Federal Rate Stays $7.25 While 19 States Index for Inflation](https://savingtoinvest.com/federal-and-state-minimum-wage-increases/) - The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 an hour in 2026 — unchanged since July 2009, the longest stretch without an increase since the federal minimum wage was created in 1938. Where you actually stand depends entirely on your state. Washington, D.C. now has the highest minimum wage in the country at $18.40/hour, followed by
- [How to Reduce Your Tax Bill in 2026: Lowering Taxable Income and Claiming More Deductions](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-reduce-your-tax-bill-by-lowering/) - A few years back I ended up owing taxes when I filed my return — a tax liability I could have avoided or shrunk if I'd made a few moves earlier in the year. That's still the core lesson here: most of the strategies below only work if you act before December 31, not after.
- [US Taxes on Foreign Income in 2026: Filing Requirements, Exclusions, and Deadlines](https://savingtoinvest.com/us-taxes-on-foreign-income-filing-requirements-exclusions-and-deadlines/) - Living abroad doesn't get you out of filing a US tax return. As a US citizen or resident alien, you're required to report your worldwide income every year, no matter where you earned it or whether you already paid tax on it somewhere else. The good news is the IRS gives you real tools —
- [2026 Stimulus Check Updates: No New Federal Payment — State Programs and What's Being Proposed](https://savingtoinvest.com/direct-cash-payments-to-americans-in-stimulus-package/) - No new federal stimulus check has been authorized for 2026. The last round of federal Economic Impact Payments went out in 2021, and a fourth check would require Congress to pass new legislation — which has not happened. That said, there are real payments going out to Americans in 2026, mostly at the state level.
- [How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan: 10 Tips for 2026–2027 Open Enrollment](https://savingtoinvest.com/health-care-plans-10-tips-on-choosing/) - Choosing a health plan is now a five-figure decision. The average employer family plan costs $26,993 a year in premiums, with workers paying about $6,850 of that from their paychecks, per the latest KFF employer survey. Pick the wrong plan and you can easily leave a few thousand dollars on the table — through premiums
- [What Are Perpetual Futures (Perps)? Why They're Booming— and Why They Could Trigger the Next Financial Crisis](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-are-perpetual-futures-perps-why-theyre-exploding-and-why-they-could-trigger/) - Perpetual futures — "perps" in market shorthand — are the fastest-growing trading instrument in global finance right now. They started in crypto, stayed in crypto for years, and are now crossing over into traditional Wall Street territory. The CFTC approved Bitcoin perps from regulated U.S. platforms in 2026. Coinbase has them. Robinhood is offering them
- [The High Price of Trust: Unmasking a Crypto Recovery Pig Butchering Scam](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-high-price-of-trust-unmasking-a-crypto-recovery-pig-butchering-scam/) - The digital age promised unparalleled connectivity and opportunity, but with it came a darker side – sophisticated scams designed to prey on the unsuspecting. We recently encountered a harrowing account from a friend, let's call him Alex, who found himself ensnared in what appeared to be a lucrative crypto investment, only to discover it was
- [2026 Crypto Tax Updates: IRS Form 1099-DA Is Here — What Every Investor Needs to Know](https://savingtoinvest.com/understanding-the-new-crypto-1099-da-reporting-form/) - The IRS's new Form 1099-DA hit mailboxes in early 2026 — the first time crypto investors have received a standardized tax form from their exchanges similar to what stock traders get from their brokers. If you trade on Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, Gemini, or any other major centralized platform, you should have received one covering your
- [Should You Sell or Hold Your Crypto? A Decision Framework That Doesn't Depend on the Price](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-i-sell-my-crypto-currency-bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-now-or-hold-and-buy-more/) - Bitcoin has traded above $99,000 for stretches of 2026 and also seen six-day runs of over $1 billion in spot ETF outflows in the same year. By the time you read this, both of those facts could be stale. That's exactly the problem with most "should I sell my crypto" articles: they're built around a
- [2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates and 2027 Forecast — Short and Long Term, Tax Loss Harvesting, and NIIT](https://savingtoinvest.com/capital-gains-tax-short-and-long-term-rates-plus-other-factors-to-consider/) - When you sell a capital asset — a stock, bond, cryptocurrency, real estate, or other investment — the profit (or loss) is classified as a capital gain or loss. How much you owe in tax depends on three things: what type of asset it was, how long you held it, and your taxable income. Capital
- [2026 Year-End Tax Planning: 15 Moves to Make Before December 31](https://savingtoinvest.com/15-year-end-tax-deductions-to-remember-unless-you-want-to-give-the-irs-a-tax-free-loan/) - As the year winds down, a few hours reviewing your tax situation can save you real money. Not every move here will apply to you — some are for itemizers, some are for retirees, some are specific to your income level. But there's almost always something worth acting on before December 31. One upfront note:
- [Tax-Loss Harvesting Before December 31, 2026: My 3-Step Process](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-loss-harvesting-by-selling-stocks-and-lowering-your-taxable-income/) - Every December, I go through the same three-step process on my taxable brokerage accounts: figure out where my realized gains and losses stand, decide what to sell to offset them, and recheck the numbers before December 31. It's one of the simplest, most repeatable tax moves available to any investor with a taxable account. Tax-loss
- [Selling Your Home in 2026? The $250,000/$500,000 Tax Exclusion Hasn't Moved Since 1997](https://savingtoinvest.com/taxes-and-gains-i-can-exclude-when-selling-my-home/) - If you sell your main home in 2026, you can still exclude up to $250,000 of gain from your taxable income if you're single, or $500,000 if you're married filing jointly. That number hasn't changed since the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 — nearly thirty years, no inflation adjustment, ever. I get questions about this
- [SNAP Soda and Candy Bans: 22 States Approved, 5 Blocked by Court — Full State-by-State List for 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/snap-food-restrictions-soda-candy-bans-by-state/) - USDA has approved SNAP food-restriction waivers in 22 states as of mid-2026, letting them bar recipients from buying soda, candy, and in some cases entire categories of processed food with their benefits. A federal judge blocked 5 of those states in June, and the fight over the rest is still playing out. If you receive
- [Social Security Payment Dates: July 2026 Schedule by Birth Date (Plus the SSI Double-Payment Quirk)](https://savingtoinvest.com/social-security-payment-schedule-by-birth-date/) - If you get Social Security, your July 2026 payment lands on one of four dates depending on when you started benefits and your birth date. If you get SSI, watch for a second deposit on July 31 — that's not a bonus, it's your August payment arriving early. (Your actual payment amount also reflects this
- [Is Crypto a Good Investment? What to Know Before You Buy in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/to-crypto-or-not-5-factors-to-consider-before-investing-and-joining-the-cryptocurrency-craze/) - Spot Bitcoin ETFs now trade on Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE just like a stock — you no longer need a separate crypto exchange account to get exposure. That's the biggest change since crypto went mainstream, and it's worth understanding before you put any money in. This is the starting-point guide I point people to before
- [When Will We Hit the Debt Ceiling Again? My 2026–2027 Timeline After the $41.1 Trillion Increase](https://savingtoinvest.com/will-the-debt-ceiling-be-raised-and-whose-to-blame-for-this-mess-republicans-or-democrats/) - The debt ceiling currently sits at $41.1 trillion, and as of mid-July 2026 we've already borrowed $39.4 trillion of it. That leaves roughly $1.7 trillion of headroom — and at the pace Washington has been adding debt lately, that room runs out faster than most people expect. I wrote the original version of this article
- [Still Waiting on “Your Tax Return Has Not Been Processed”? Here's What Actually Happens Next](https://savingtoinvest.com/your-tax-return-is-not-processed/) - Seeing "Your tax return has not yet been processed" on the IRS's Where's My Refund (WMR) tool is unsettling, but it's also one of the most common status messages during filing season. It simply means the IRS hasn't finished working through your return yet — not that something is wrong. I get a lot of
- [How to Read Your IRS Transcript: Codes 150, 806, 766, and 846 Explained With Examples](https://savingtoinvest.com/using-your-irs-transcript-to-get-your-tax-return-and-refund-processing-status-and-key-dates/) - Your IRS tax transcript is one of the most useful documents you can pull when you're waiting on a refund — especially once Where's My Refund (WMR) and IRS2Go stop giving you anything beyond a generic status bar. The catch is that transcripts are dense: rows of three-digit codes, dollar amounts, and dates that don't
- [Processing Date vs. Refund Date on Your IRS Transcript: What Code 846 Actually Confirms](https://savingtoinvest.com/processing-dates-to-get-my-refund-payment-dates/) - The date listed as your "processing date" on an IRS tax transcript is not your refund date. That distinction trips up more readers than almost anything else on this site, so I want to be direct about it up front: your refund date is whatever shows up next to transaction code 846, not the processing
- [2026-2027 IRS Cycle Code Calendar Chart – Using Your Tax Transcript to Get Refund Processing Updates and Direct Deposit Dates](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-refund-cycle-code-and-dates-using-tax-transcript-to-get-master-file-information-for-your-direct-deposit-date/) - [UPDATED chart for 2026 & 2027] Every tax season there is a guessing game played by millions of American taxpayers on when they will get their refund payment deposited into their bank account. There is the so-called IRS refund schedule, which has estimated dates for when the agency will make refund deposits to bank accounts
- [2026 Updates: Florida (FL) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/florida-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Florida (FL) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Florida EBT Card between the 1st and 28th of each month, based on your case number. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for
- [Does Your IRS Tax Transcript Show Your Refund and Direct Deposit Date? What N/A Really Means](https://savingtoinvest.com/will-ordering-an-irs-tax-transcript-help-me-find-out-when-ill-get-my-refund/) - Reviewing your free IRS tax transcript is a technique a lot of filers use to get an update on their return processing and refund status, particularly when Where's My Refund (WMR) or the IRS2Go app isn't showing much beyond "still processing." While the IRS's official line is that a tax transcript won't tell you exactly
- [When Does the IRS Update My Refund Status on WMR, IRS2Go, and Tax Transcript in 2026?](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-does-the-irs-update-my-refund-status-on-wmr-irs2go-and-tax-return-details-on-my-transcript/) - With millions of tax filers anxiously waiting for their refund — often the largest single payment they receive all year — it's not uncommon to hear frustration with the IRS systems designed to provide updates on tax processing and refund payments. The official Where's My Refund (WMR) site and IRS2Go mobile app are the two
- [I Let Claude Trade My Robinhood Account for Three Weeks. Here's What Happened.](https://savingtoinvest.com/i-let-claude-trade-my-robinhood-agentic-account-heres-what-happened/) - On May 27, 2026, Robinhood quietly became the first major U.S. brokerage to hand the keys to retail accounts over to AI agents. I say "quietly" loosely — it made a lot of noise in tech circles — but among the personal finance crowd, I don't think people fully absorbed what this actually means yet.
- [2026-2027 Maximum Workers' Compensation Weekly Benefit By State](https://savingtoinvest.com/maximum-workers-compensation-wc-weekly-benefit-by-state/) - Every state, U.S. territory, and D.C. sets its own maximum weekly workers' compensation benefit — the highest amount an injured worker can receive, regardless of how much they earned before the injury. These caps are recalculated every year (and sometimes twice a year), tied to each state's average weekly wage, so the number that applied
- [Understanding Increased Standard Deduction Updates and Impact on Your Paycheck and Tax Refund in 2026 and 2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/larger-paychecks-with-higher-tax-brackets-and-larger-standard-deduction/) - Per the federal tax code, the IRS is required to adjust dozens of tax-related items for inflation on an annual basis. Given the persistently high levels of inflation reflected in recent
- [Why is My Tax Refund So Low Compared to Last Year?](https://savingtoinvest.com/why-is-my-tax-refund-so-low-compared-to-prior-years/) - If your refund feels smaller than you expected, you're not imagining it being out of step with the news — average refunds are actually up this filing season, which can make an unchanged or lower refund of your own feel especially confusing. Nationally, the average federal refund reached $3,397 as of early April 2026, up
- [Overtime Pay Rules in 2026: Who Qualifies, the Exempt Salary Threshold, and How to Calculate It](https://savingtoinvest.com/overtime-pay-and-how-much-overtime-employees-can-work/) - Overtime pay in the United States is governed by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the core rule hasn't changed in decades: covered, non-exempt employees must be paid time-and-a-half for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek. What has changed for 2026 is the salary level that determines whether an employee is exempt
- [2027 and 2026 Military Pay Charts — Latest Raise Proposals, Basic Pay Tables, and History](https://savingtoinvest.com/military-pay-charts-basic-pay-tables-raise/) - The military pay raise for 2026 was confirmed at 3.8% for all pay grades. For 2027, the White House proposed a tiered raise up to 7%, the House backed it, and the Senate countered with a flat 3.6%. Final figures won't be set until the NDAA conference wraps in late 2026. 2027 Military Pay Raise:
- [2026 Updates: Michigan (MI) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/michigan-snap-food-stamp-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Michigan (MI) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Bridge Card (EBT) 3rd–21st. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Alabama (AL) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/alabama-snap-food-stamp-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Alabama (AL) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Alabama EBT Card 4th–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Connecticut (CT) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/connecticut-snap-food-stamp-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Connecticut (CT) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Connect Card (EBT) 1st–8th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [Texas SNAP Food Stamp Program 2026: EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility Update](https://savingtoinvest.com/texas-snap-food-stamp-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Texas family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Lone Star Card between the 1st and 28th of each month, depending on your case number. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP.
- [2026 Updates: Arkansas (AR) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/arkansas-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Arkansas (AR) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Arkansas EBT Card 4th–13th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Delaware (DE) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/delaware-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Delaware (DE) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Delaware Food First Card (EBT) 2nd–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Alaska (AK) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/alaska-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Alaska (AK) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Alaska Quest Card 1st (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Arizona (AZ) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/arizona-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Arizona (AZ) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Arizona Quest Card 1st–13th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Hawaii (HI) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/hawaii-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Hawaii (HI) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Hawaii EBT Card 3rd–5th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Georgia (GA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/georgia-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Georgia (GA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Georgia EBT Card 5th–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Idaho (ID) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/idaho-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Idaho (ID) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Idaho Quest Card (EBT) 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Illinois (IL) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/illinois-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Illinois (IL) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Illinois Link Card (EBT) 1st–20th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Indiana (IN) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/indiana-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Indiana (IN) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Indiana Hoosier Works Card (EBT) 5th–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Iowa (IA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/iowa-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Iowa (IA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Iowa EBT Card 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Kansas (KS) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/kansas-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Kansas (KS) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Kansas EBT Card 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Maryland (MD) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/maryland-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Maryland (MD) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Maryland Independence Card (EBT) 4th–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Kentucky (KY) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/kentucky-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Kentucky (KY) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Kentucky EBT Card 1st–19th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Louisiana (LA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/louisiana-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Louisiana (LA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Louisiana Purchase Card (EBT) 1st–23rd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Maine (ME) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/maine-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Maine (ME) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Maine EBT Card 10th–14th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Massachusetts (MA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/massachusetts-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Massachusetts (MA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Massachusetts EBT Card 1st–14th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Mississippi (MS) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/mississippi-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Mississippi (MS) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Mississippi EBT Card 4th–21st. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Minnesota (MN) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/minnesota-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Minnesota (MN) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Minnesota EBT Card 4th–13th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Montana (MT) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/montana-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Montana (MT) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Montana Access Card (EBT) 2nd–6th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Nebraska (NE) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/nebraska-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Nebraska (NE) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Nebraska EBT Card 1st–5th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Missouri (MO) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/missouri-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Missouri (MO) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Missouri EBT Card 1st–22nd. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Nevada (NV) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/nevada-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Nevada (NV) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Nevada EBT Card 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: New Hampshire (NH) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-hampshire-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a New Hampshire (NH) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your New Hampshire EBT Card 5th (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made
- [2026 Updates: New Mexico (NM) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-mexico-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a New Mexico (NM) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your New Mexico EBT Fiesta Card 1st–20th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some
- [2026 Updates: Oklahoma (OK) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/oklahoma-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Oklahoma (OK) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Access Oklahoma EBT Card 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Oregon (OR) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/oregon-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Oregon (OR) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Oregon Trail Card (EBT) 1st–9th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: New Jersey (NJ) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-jersey-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a New Jersey (NJ) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your NJ Families First Card (EBT) 1st–5th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some
- [2026 Updates: North Dakota (ND) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/north-dakota-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a North Dakota (ND) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your North Dakota EBT Card 1st (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made
- [2026 Updates: Rhode Island (RI) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/rhode-island-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Rhode Island (RI) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Rhode Island EBT Card 1st (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made
- [2026 Updates: South Dakota (SD) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/south-dakota-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a South Dakota (SD) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your South Dakota EBT Card 10th (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made
- [2026 Updates: South Carolina (SC) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/south-carolina-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a South Carolina (SC) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your South Carolina EBT Card 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Tennessee (TN) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/tennessee-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Tennessee (TN) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Tennessee EBT Card 1st–20th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Texas (TX) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/texas-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Texas (TX) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Lone Star Card (EBT) 1st–28th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: Utah (UT) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/utah-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Utah (UT) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Utah EBT Card 5th, 11th, or 15th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some
- [2026 Updates: Virginia (VA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/virginia-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Virginia (VA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Virginia EBT Card 1st–7th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: West Virginia (WV) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/west-virginia-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a West Virginia (WV) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your West Virginia EBT Card 1st–9th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Wisconsin (WI) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/wisconsin-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Wisconsin (WI) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your QUEST Card (EBT) 1st–15th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Wyoming (WY) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/wyoming-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Wyoming (WY) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Wyoming EBT Card 1st–4th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: Vermont (VT) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/vermont-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Vermont (VT) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Vermont EBT Card 1st (all recipients). But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Washington (WA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/washington-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Washington (WA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Washington EBT Card 1st–20th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the biggest
- [2026 Updates: California (CA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/california-ca-calfresh-snap-program/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a California (CA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Golden State Advantage Card (EBT) 1st–10th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Ohio (OH) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/ohio-snap-food-stamp-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Ohio (OH) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Ohio Direction Card (EBT) 2nd–20th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: North Carolina (NC) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/north-carolina-nc-snap-food-and-nutrition-services-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a North Carolina (NC) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your North Carolina EBT Card 3rd–21st. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [2026 Updates: Pennsylvania (PA) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/pennsylvania-pa-snap-program/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a Pennsylvania (PA) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your Pennsylvania ACCESS Card (EBT) 3rd–14th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of the
- [2026 Updates: New York (NY) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-york-ny-snap-program-latest-updates-and-news/) - The maximum SNAP benefit for a New York (NY) family of four is $994 per month in fiscal year 2026 — up from $975 last year. Benefits load onto your New York EBT Card 1st–9th. But 2026 is a more complicated year than most for SNAP. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) made some of
- [Are Unemployment Benefit Payments Taxable at a State and Federal Level? 1099-G Forms and Withholding Explained](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-unemployment-benefit-payments-taxable-at-a-state-and-federal-level-1099-g-forms-how-much-do-i-have-to-pay-based-on-my-withholding/) - Yes — unemployment compensation is taxable income at the federal level, and in most states, at the state level too. It's reported on your tax return just like wages, and the IRS gets a copy of what you were paid. Here's how the withholding, the 1099-G form, and state-by-state tax treatment actually work, so you're
- [State Unemployment Phone Numbers and Getting in Touch With a Live Agent](https://savingtoinvest.com/state-unemployment-numbers-and-getting-in-touch-with-a-live-agent-for-help-with-your-ui-claim/) - One of the most common questions I get is simply: how do I reach a real person at my state unemployment office? Most state UI agencies push callers toward their website or an automated line first, and getting through to a live agent for a claim-specific issue can take some persistence. Below are current phone
- [Georgia Unemployment Insurance (GDOL) Benefits in 2026 — $365/Week, Up to 14 Weeks](https://savingtoinvest.com/georgia-unemployment-benefits/) - Georgia's maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit is $365, and the state provides up to 14 weeks of regular benefits — one of the shorter durations among larger states. It's not the most generous program in the country, but it's also one of the faster and more straightforward systems once you know what to expect. The
- [Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $605/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/pennsylvania-unemployment-benefits/) - Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation program — managed by the PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $605 for 2026, effective January 1, from $561 in 2025. Pennsylvania sets its maximum at approximately 66⅔% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted each January. Importantly, Pennsylvania is one of the few
- [Michigan Unemployment Benefits in 2026–2027: $530/Week for 26 Weeks, Rising to $614 in January](https://savingtoinvest.com/michigan-unemployment-benefits/) - Michigan's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) — saw its first significant benefit increase in years starting January 1, 2026. The maximum weekly benefit rose from $446 to $530 per claim filed in 2026, an $84/week improvement following SB 40 signed by Governor Whitmer. Michigan also increased the per-dependent supplement
- [Alabama Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $275/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/alabama-unemployment-benefits/) - Alabama's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) — has the distinction of one of the lowest maximum weekly benefit caps in the United States at $275 per week. While the 26-week duration is in line with most other states, the dollar amount limits how much income replacement UI can
- [California Unemployment Insurance (EDD) Benefits in 2026 — What You Can Get and How to File](https://savingtoinvest.com/california-unemployment-benefits/) - The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in California is $450, and it has been stuck at that level since 2005. If you lost a job paying $60,000 a year, that's about $1,154 per week — you'd be capped at less than 40% of what you made. It's a number worth knowing before you count on unemployment
- [2026 Updates: Maryland (MD) Unemployment Benefits — Up to $430/Week via BEACON](https://savingtoinvest.com/maryland-unemployment-benefits/) - Maryland unemployment insurance pays between $50 and $430 per week in 2026, with benefits available for up to 26 weeks. That cap hasn't changed in several years, but a law passed in the 2026 General Assembly session (SB 3) will tie Maryland's maximum benefit to 40% of the state average weekly wage starting in 2027
- [2026-2027 Updates: Virginia (VA) Unemployment Benefits — Up to $478/Week Starting July 5](https://savingtoinvest.com/virginia-unemployment-benefits/) - Virginia's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) — is about to get a meaningful boost. For 2026, the current maximum is $430 per week, but that jumps to $478 per week for new claims starting July 5, 2026 thanks to legislation passed earlier this year. The minimum benefit also rises
- [Kansas Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $637/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/kansas-unemployment-benefits/) - Kansas' unemployment insurance program — managed by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $637 in 2026, up from $589 in 2025. Kansas sets its maximum based on the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually. Note that Kansas is one of the few remaining states that has not fully
- [Texas Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $605/Week for 26 Weeks, No State Income Tax, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/texas-unemployment-benefits/) - Texas' unemployment insurance program — managed by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $605 in 2026, up from $563 in 2025. Texas sets its maximum at the greater of $590 or 47% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted each October. Texas has no state income tax, so UI
- [Nevada Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $631/Week for 26 Weeks, No State Income Tax, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/nevada-unemployment-benefits/) - Nevada's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) — raised its maximum weekly benefit to $631 in 2026, up from $469 in 2025. This significant $162 increase follows Nevada's statutory formula, which ties the maximum to the prior year's average monthly wage. One major advantage for Nevada
- [Kentucky Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $720/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/kentucky-unemployment-benefits/) - Kentucky's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (KEWES) — increased its maximum weekly benefit significantly to $720 in 2026, up from $552 in 2025. This $168 increase reflects Kentucky's rapidly rising average weekly wage as the state's economy has grown. Kentucky's flat income tax rate also dropped to
- [Colorado Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $844/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/colorado-unemployment-benefits/) - Colorado's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) — raised its maximum weekly benefit to $844 in 2026, up from $781 in 2025. Colorado sets its maximum at two-thirds of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted each January, keeping benefits closely tied to actual wage levels in the
- [Minnesota Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $914/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/minnesota-unemployment-benefits/) - Minnesota's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $914 in 2026, up from $857 in 2025. Minnesota sets its maximum at 50% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually. The state's strong labor market and high average wages push it
- [New Jersey Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $905/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-jersey-unemployment-benefits/) - New Jersey's unemployment insurance program — managed by the NJ Division of Unemployment Insurance — provides some of the strongest UI benefits in the country. The maximum weekly benefit rose to $905 for 2026, up from $854 the year before, following the statutory annual adjustment. New Jersey ties its maximum to 56⅔% of the statewide
- [New York Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $869/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-york-unemployment-benefits/) - New York's unemployment insurance program — managed by the New York State Department of Labor (NY DOL) — is now among the most generous in the country. The maximum benefit rose from $504 to $869 effective with payments issued the week of October 13, 2025 — the first increase since 2019. The increase was part
- [Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $1,105/Week for 30 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/massachusetts-unemployment-benefits/) - Massachusetts' unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) — provides up to $1,105 per week in 2026, the second-highest maximum in the country. Massachusetts sets its maximum benefit each October using a formula tied to the state average weekly wage: 57.5% of the prior year's average weekly wage, which rose
- [Arkansas Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $451/Week for 16 Weeks, Partial UI, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/arkansas-unemployment-benefits/) - Arkansas's unemployment insurance program — run by the Division of Workforce Services (DWS) — provides a relatively modest weekly maximum of $451 and limits benefits to just 16 weeks. That combination of a lower cap and short duration means workers need to plan ahead and understand what supplemental programs are available. Here's everything you need
- [Tennessee Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $325/Week, No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/tennessee-unemployment-benefits/) - Tennessee's unemployment insurance program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. The 2026 maximum of $325 per week is modest — Tennessee's cap has historically been one of the lower ones in the South. But one notable advantage is Tennessee's complete absence of a state
- [Arizona Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $320/Week for 24 Weeks, Partial UI, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/arizona-unemployment-benefits/) - Arizona's unemployment insurance program, administered by the Department of Economic Security (DES), provides benefits for up to 24 weeks. With a 2026 maximum of $320 per week, Arizona's benefit cap is lower than most western states, though the program covers a solid range of workers and provides meaningful partial benefits for those still working reduced
- [Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $370/Week, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/wisconsin-unemployment-benefits/) - Wisconsin's unemployment insurance program, run by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. With a 2026 maximum of $370 per week, the benefit amounts are on the lower end for a Midwest state, but the program's partial unemployment rules and access to complementary state programs can meaningfully extend your
- [North Carolina Unemployment Benefits in 2026: $350/Week Maximum, 12-Week Limit, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/north-carolina-unemployment-benefits/) - North Carolina's unemployment insurance program, run by the Division of Employment Security (DES), is one of the most restrictive in the United States. The state cap of $350 per week is low compared to peers, and the 12-week maximum duration is tied with Florida for the shortest in the country. If you're relying on UI
- [Ohio Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $842/Week with Dependents, Partial UI, and Tax Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/ohio-unemployment-benefits/) - Ohio's unemployment insurance program — run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) — pays benefits for up to 26 weeks, with a meaningful boost for workers who have dependents. The dependent allowance can push the maximum weekly benefit from $624 up to $842, which is a substantial difference over a six-month
- [Illinois Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $859/Week, Tax Rules, and What Else You Can Claim](https://savingtoinvest.com/illinois-unemployment-benefits/) - If you've lost your job or had your hours cut in Illinois, the state's unemployment insurance system offers some of the stronger benefits in the Midwest. The maximum weekly benefit runs to $628 for individual claimants — and jumps to $859 per week if you have dependent children. Here's what to know about 2026 rates,
- [Florida Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment) in 2026 — $275/Week, 12 Weeks, and How to File](https://savingtoinvest.com/florida-unemployment-benefits/) - Florida pays a maximum of $275 per week in Reemployment Assistance benefits, and you can only collect for 12 weeks in 2026. That's not a typo. Florida's system is one of the most restrictive in the United States — both in dollar amount and duration. To put it in perspective: if you were earning $50,000
- [How to Pay Off or Negotiate Down Credit Card Debt in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/negotiating-down-your-credit-card-debt/) - The average American household carrying a credit card balance owes around $10,870 on it, at an average APR above 21%. That combination — a five-figure balance at a rate that's roughly triple a mortgage — is exactly why credit card debt deserves a real plan, not just "pay more than the minimum." There isn't one
- [Wyoming Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $651/Week, No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/wyoming-unemployment-benefits/) - Wyoming's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) — provides up to $651 per week in 2026. Wyoming's no-income-tax status and very generous 50% earnings disregard make it one of the friendlier UI systems for workers who can pick up part-time income. However, Wyoming's failure to expand Medicaid leaves
- [West Virginia Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $662/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/west-virginia-unemployment-benefits/) - West Virginia's unemployment insurance program — managed by WorkForce West Virginia — provides up to $662 per week in 2026. West Virginia's very generous 50% of WBA earnings disregard stands out as one of the best partial UI policies in the region. West Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2014 and has a relatively comprehensive safety net
- [Washington State Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $1,208/Week (Highest in the US), No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/washington-state-unemployment-benefits/) - Washington State's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) — now provides up to $1,208 per week for new claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, up $56 from the prior $1,152 maximum. That's still the highest maximum of any state in the US. Washington's no-income-tax status means
- [Vermont Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $757/Week, Partial UI Rules, High State Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/vermont-unemployment-benefits/) - Vermont's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) — provides up to $757 per week in 2026. Vermont has high state income taxes that apply to UI, so recipients should plan for significant state withholding. On the positive side, Vermont's expanded Medicaid (Green Mountain Care) and strong SNAP program mean
- [Utah Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $801/Week, Partial UI Rules, Flat State Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/utah-unemployment-benefits/) - Utah's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) — provides up to $801 per week in 2026. Utah has a flat income tax rate, making state tax calculations simple, and an expanded Medicaid program (called Medicaid Expansion in Utah, effective 2020) that ensures most UI recipients can access health
- [South Dakota Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $553/Week, No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/south-dakota-unemployment-benefits/) - South Dakota's unemployment insurance program — managed by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) — provides up to $553 per week in 2026. The no-income-tax advantage means UI recipients keep more of each check compared to workers in high-tax states. However, South Dakota's Medicaid non-expansion leaves a healthcare gap worth noting. See
- [South Carolina Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $350/Week for 20 Weeks, No Medicaid Expansion, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/south-carolina-unemployment-benefits/) - South Carolina's unemployment insurance program — managed by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) — provides up to $350 per week in 2026, up from $326, for a maximum of 20 weeks. This short duration and below-average cap put South Carolina near the bottom nationally for UI generosity. Workers facing job loss
- [Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $931/Week With Dependents, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/rhode-island-unemployment-benefits/) - Rhode Island's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) — is notable for its dependents allowance: workers with dependents can receive up to $931 per week in 2026, significantly more than the base maximum of $745. Rhode Island also has a Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program for
- [Oregon Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $902/Week, Partial UI Rules, High State Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/oregon-unemployment-benefits/) - Oregon's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Oregon Employment Department (OED) — provides up to $902 per week in 2026. Oregon has a strong safety net overall, including one of the most comprehensive Medicaid expansions and a relatively new Paid Leave Oregon program. However, Oregon's high state income taxes mean UI benefits face a
- [Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $649/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/oklahoma-unemployment-benefits/) - Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) — provides up to $649 per week in 2026. One important warning for Oklahoma workers: Oklahoma did NOT expand Medicaid under the ACA until 2021, and while SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) now covers more adults, coverage gaps can still exist depending on income
- [North Dakota Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $815/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/north-dakota-unemployment-benefits/) - North Dakota's unemployment insurance program — managed by Job Service North Dakota (JSND) — provides up to $815 per week in 2026. North Dakota also has one of the most generous partial UI earnings disregards in the country at 60% of WBA — giving workers the most flexibility for part-time income while still collecting benefits.
- [New Mexico Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $624/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-mexico-unemployment-benefits/) - New Mexico's unemployment insurance program — managed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) — provides up to $624 per week in 2026. New Mexico has one of the higher Medicaid enrollment rates in the country due to its expanded program and relatively lower household incomes, making health coverage continuity during unemployment easier
- [New Hampshire Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $427/Week, No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-hampshire-unemployment-benefits/) - New Hampshire’s unemployment insurance program — managed by New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) — provides up to $427 per week in 2026. The state has no income tax on wages or benefits — New Hampshire’s long-standing tax philosophy means your UI check arrives without any state tax bite. New Hampshire’s Medicaid expansion and relatively strong
- [Nebraska Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $582/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/nebraska-unemployment-benefits/) - Nebraska’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) — provides up to $582 per week in 2026. Nebraska expanded Medicaid in 2020 following a voter initiative, which significantly strengthened the safety net for unemployed workers. See how Nebraska’s benefits compare nationally at SavingToInvest’s state unemployment benefits guide. Covered in this
- [Montana Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $698/Week for 28 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/montana-unemployment-benefits/) - Montana's unemployment insurance program — managed by the UI Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry — provides up to $698 per week in 2026 with a 28-week duration that's slightly longer than most states. Montana's economy — heavily influenced by agriculture, tourism, and extractive industries — can see significant seasonal layoffs, making
- [Missouri Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $320/Week for 20 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/missouri-unemployment-benefits/) - Missouri’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Division of Employment Security (DES) — has a maximum of $320 per week in 2026, capped at just 20 weeks. Missouri sits alongside Arkansas, Kansas, and North Carolina as states that have reduced their standard benefit duration below the traditional 26 weeks. For comparison with other states,
- [Mississippi Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $235/Week — the Lowest Cap in the US, Plus What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/mississippi-unemployment-benefits/) - Mississippi’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) — provides just $235 per week in 2026. This is the lowest maximum weekly unemployment benefit in the country. For context, $235 per week is $1,020 per month — less than the average utility bill plus rent in most Mississippi cities.
- [Maine Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $623/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/maine-unemployment-benefits/) - Maine's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) — provides up to $623 per week in 2026. Maine's 50% earnings disregard for partial benefits is one of the most worker-friendly in New England, and the state has expanded Medicaid, providing an important safety net for those who lose job-based health
- [Louisiana Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $275/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/louisiana-unemployment-benefits/) - Louisiana's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) — has a maximum of just $275 per week in 2026. Only Mississippi's $235 cap is lower nationally. For context on how extreme this is: $275/week is roughly $1,070/month — well below the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in virtually any Louisiana city.
- [Iowa Unemployment Benefits in 2026–2027: Up to $790/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/iowa-unemployment-benefits/) - Iowa's unemployment insurance program — managed by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) — now pays up to $790 per week for claimants with dependents, following the state's annual increase effective the benefit week of July 5, 2026. Iowa's benefit is above average for the Midwest, and the state's relatively flat cost of living outside of Des
- [Indiana Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $390/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/indiana-unemployment-benefits/) - Indiana’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) — offers up to $390 per week in 2026. Indiana has a relatively low maximum benefit for the Midwest, though the state’s lower cost of living softens that somewhat. Indiana also has a unique Medicaid program (HIP 2.0) that differs from standard
- [Idaho Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $624/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/idaho-unemployment-benefits/) - Idaho's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Idaho Department of Labor (IDOL) — offers up to $624 per week in 2026. Idaho is a moderate-benefit state, though its partial UI rules make earning part-time income while collecting benefits particularly difficult. See how Idaho compares to other states at SavingToInvest's unemployment benefits state comparison. 2026
- [Hawaii Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $868/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/hawaii-unemployment-benefits/) - Hawaii's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) — provides up to $868 per week in 2026. While the dollar amount is high compared to most states, Hawaii's exceptionally high cost of living — particularly on Oahu — means UI provides limited real income replacement. See how Hawaii
- [Delaware Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $450/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/delaware-unemployment-benefits/) - Delaware's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Delaware Department of Labor — provides up to $450 per week in 2026 for up to 26 weeks. The cap is moderate for a Mid-Atlantic state, and Delaware's partial UI earnings disregard is one of the lowest in the country at just $10 per week. For context
- [Connecticut Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $721/Week Plus Dependents Allowance — Full Guide](https://savingtoinvest.com/connecticut-unemployment-benefits/) - Connecticut's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) — has one of the higher benefit maximums in the Northeast at $721 per week for 2026. The state also provides a dependents allowance, which adds meaningful dollars for families. Compare Connecticut to all other states at SavingToInvest's unemployment benefits by state
- [Alaska Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $370/Week, No State Tax, and What Else Is Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/alaska-unemployment-benefits/) - Alaska’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) — provides up to $370 per week in 2026. Given that Alaska consistently ranks among the most expensive states to live in, the $370 cap provides more limited income replacement than the dollar amount might imply. That said, Alaska’s complete
- [Maximum State Disability and Paid Leave Benefits by State in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/maximum-weekly-state-disability-insurance-benefit-and-coverage/) - Only five states run a true State Disability Insurance (SDI) program: California (CA), Hawaii (HI), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), and Rhode Island (RI). If you get sick or injured and can't work — for reasons unrelated to your job — these are the only states with a mandatory, payroll-funded benefit built specifically for
- [Can You Afford to Start a Family in 2026? The Real Numbers and the New $1,000 Baby Bonus](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-you-afford-to-start-a-family-important-financial-questions-to-consider/) - Raising a child from birth to age 17 now costs a median-income family an estimated $307,000 to $310,000, according to USDA-based estimates updated for 2026 — and that figure doesn't include college. In high-cost states like Massachusetts, California, or New York, it can run $400,000 to $500,000. That's a real number to sit with before
- [10 Frivolous Tax Arguments the IRS Has Already Shot Down — And the $5,000 Penalty for Trying](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-frivolous-tax-avoidance-arguments/) - Each year the IRS updates its official rebuttal of the most common arguments made by people who claim they aren't required to pay federal income tax. It's called The Truth About Frivolous Tax Arguments, and filing a return based on one of these positions carries a $5,000 penalty per return under Section 6702 — a
- [How to Pick the Right Tax Filing Status in 2026 (And Actually Lower Your Bill)](https://savingtoinvest.com/pick-your-correct-tax-filing-status-to-minimize-your-taxes/) - Your filing status is decided by one date: December 31. Whatever your marital and household situation looks like on that day determines which of the five IRS filing statuses you can use for the entire year, even if your situation changed on December 30. That single rule trips up more people than almost anything else
- [SSI Maximum Payment Amounts for 2026, Plus the 2027 Outlook](https://savingtoinvest.com/ssi-maximum-payment-amounts/) - The maximum federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for 2026 is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 a month for a couple, confirmed by the Social Security Administration's 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). That's up from $967 and $1,450 in 2025. Most people don't actually get the maximum. Your income, living situation, and what
- [Teaching Kids to Invest in 2026 — From Piggy Banks to Trump Accounts](https://savingtoinvest.com/investing-lessons-for-young/) - Teaching your children a few simple lessons about saving and investing can start them off in the right direction toward a more secure financial future.
- [Portfolio Diversification in 2026 — How Much Is Actually Enough?](https://savingtoinvest.com/importance-of-diversification/) - Diversification won't stop you from losing money, and it won't guarantee a profit either. What it does is limit how much damage any single stock, sector, or asset class can do to your overall portfolio when things go wrong — and something always eventually goes wrong somewhere. Here's how to actually check whether you're diversified,
- [TIPS in 2026 — Current Real Yields and Whether They Still Make Sense](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-and-why-to-buy-treasury-inflation/) - 10-year TIPS were yielding a real, after-inflation return of roughly 2.3% as of July 2026, according to Federal Reserve data. That's a genuinely positive real return — a different environment than 2020-2022, when TIPS yields were negative or barely positive. Here's how TIPS actually work, what today's yields mean in practice, and when they make
- [Budgeting Pitfalls in 2026 — Why Most Budgets Fail and How to Fix It](https://savingtoinvest.com/budgeting-pitfalls-and-remedies/) - Inflation was running around 4.2% year-over-year as of May 2026, the highest reading since 2023. If your budget's numbers are from last year — or longer — they're already stale, and that gap is usually where the "I don't know where my money went" feeling comes from. Budgeting itself doesn't cut your spending. Tracking income
- [How to Get Out of Debt in 2026 — The Avalanche and Snowball Methods, Compared](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-ways-to-get-out-of-debt-starting-now/) - The average American carries $6,715 in credit card debt, and average credit card APRs are running in the 20-25% range in 2026. At those rates, a $6,700 balance paying only the minimum can take years to clear and cost more in interest than the original purchases. Getting out of debt isn't complicated in concept —
- [Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs): How They Work and Whether They're Worth It](https://savingtoinvest.com/dividend-reinvestment-plans-drips-great/) - A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) takes the cash dividend a stock or fund pays you and automatically uses it to buy more shares — instead of depositing it in your account as cash. It's been around since the 1960s, and most brokerages now offer it as a free, one-time setting rather than something you sign
- [Who Can I Claim as a Dependent in 2026? Qualifying Child vs. Qualifying Relative Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/dependent-exemption-and-income-threshold-amount-drives-who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent/) - There's no dollar amount tied to claiming a dependent anymore. That surprises a lot of filers who remember the old personal exemption, so it's worth saying clearly up front: the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), signed in 2025, made permanent what used to be a temporary suspension — personal exemptions for yourself, your spouse,
- [The Power of Compounding: $1 Million Now or a Penny Doubled for 30 Days?](https://savingtoinvest.com/power-of-compounding-1-million-now-or/) - Here's a question I've used to start more than a few personal finance conversations: would you rather have $1 million right now, or take a single penny — doubled every day for 30 days? Most people pick the million. Almost every time. They're wrong. By day 30, the penny-doubling path produces over $5.3 million. Day
- [Gold Price Outlook for 2026: What's Actually Driving the Rally (and How to Think About Buying)](https://savingtoinvest.com/gold-price-outlook-golden-investment-in/) - Gold traded around $4,121 an ounce on July 10, 2026, up about 22.8% from a year earlier. It's also down slightly over the past month, which is the point: gold moves, and I'm not going to pretend I know where it goes next. What I can do is lay out what's actually driving the current
- [2026 Medical Expense Deduction: The 7.5% AGI Floor and What You Can Actually Write Off](https://savingtoinvest.com/medical-expense-deduction-agi-limit/) - I get asked about this deduction every tax season, usually from someone who just had a rough year medically and wants to know if any of it comes back at tax time. The honest answer: sometimes, but the bar is higher than most people assume. The rule itself is simple. You can deduct medical and
- [2026–2027 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): What Every Tax Filer Needs to Know](https://savingtoinvest.com/reconciling-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-bbb/) - If you've filed taxes in the last few years, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has already shown up on your 2025 return — and will do so for every return through 2028. In this post I will walk you through exactly what changed, what it means for your future refunds, and what to
- [2026–2027 HSA Contribution Limits, HDHP Deductibles, and How to Make the Most of Your Health Savings Account](https://savingtoinvest.com/hsa-limits-and-tax-rules-how-to-best-utilize-health-savings-accounts/) - If I had to pick one tax-advantaged account most people are underusing, it would be the HSA — and it's not particularly close. I've been contributing to one for years, and the more I've learned about how these accounts work, the more I think of them as a stealth retirement account. Most people treat an
- [2026–2027 OBBBA Tax Changes: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Business and Energy Credits](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-changes-what-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-means-for-energy-and-business/) - If you run a business — whether it's a solo consulting practice, a restaurant, or a mid-size manufacturer — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes your tax picture significantly. Some changes are genuinely good news for investment planning. Others close doors that were previously open, especially on the clean energy side. Here's what
- [How to Actually Speak to a Real Person at the IRS — Phone Numbers, Chat, and Tips That Work](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-can-i-actually-speak-to-a-real-person-or-agent-at-the-irs-phone-numbers-that-work/) - Getting through to a live IRS agent has always been a battle, and 2026 hasn't made it easier. Ongoing staffing cuts — accelerated by DOGE-related reductions earlier in the year — have continued to shrink the IRS workforce. At the same time, the IRS is actively pushing taxpayers toward digital and AI-assisted tools before they
- [2026 Social Security COLA Confirmed at 2.8%, Plus the Latest 2027 Estimate](https://savingtoinvest.com/social-security-tax-and-cost-of-living-adjustment-cola/) - 2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Could Be Significantly Higher than 2022 Increase Leading to Record Social Security and SSI Benefits Raise (updated)
- [My Co-worker is an AI Agent – Navigating the Rise of AI Coworkers](https://savingtoinvest.com/agentic-ai-in-the-workplace-navigating-the-rise-of-ai-coworkers/) - Explore the integration of Agentic AI into the modern workplace. Discover how AI coworkers are transforming efficiency, the evolving skills needed for human-AI collaboration, and how to prepare for the future of work.
- [10 Red Flags That Your Job is on the AI Chopping Block](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-red-flags-that-your-job-on-the-ai-chopping-block/) - Just last week, I was chatting with my friend Sarah. She's a brilliant junior paralegal, always buried in legal documents. She mentioned how her firm just invested in new AI software that can review thousands of contracts in minutes, identify key clauses, and even draft initial summaries. Sarah, usually so bubbly, looked a little deflated.
- [Are You A “Job Hugger”? 10 Signs It’s Time To Re-evaluate Your Career](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-you-a-job-hugger-10-signs-its-time-to-re-evaluate-your-career/) - The world of work is always changing. For years, the buzzword was "job hopping" — frequently changing roles to climb the ladder and increase salary. But in an era of economic uncertainty, a new trend has emerged: job hugging. This isn't loyalty to a great company. It's clinging to your current role out of fear,
- [Best Job Prospects for 2026 and Beyond: What the Latest BLS Data Shows Is Actually Growing](https://savingtoinvest.com/best-job-prospects-and-employment/) - The national unemployment rate was 4.2% in June 2026, and the economy added just 57,000 jobs that month — well below expectations, with leisure and hospitality actually losing jobs while healthcare and professional services kept growing. It's a mixed, uneven labor market, and it makes the question of where the durable job growth actually is
- [What a Strong or Weak Dollar Actually Means for Your Money in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/us-dollar-rising-and-outlook/) - The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) — a measure of the dollar against a basket of six major currencies — has been trading around 100 to 101 in mid-2026, after the Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.50%-3.75% at its June 17 meeting. That's a meaningfully stronger dollar than the weakness many analysts predicted at
- [21 Signs You're Losing Interest in Your Job (and What to Do About It)](https://savingtoinvest.com/21-signs-that-you-are-losing-interest/) - We've all hit that wall — a stretch where work feels more like a chore than anything close to engaging. Feeling uninterested for a few days is normal. It becomes worth paying attention to when it drags on for weeks and starts showing up in your actual behavior. Here are 21 signs your disinterest might
- [Couples and Money: How to Set Expectations and Avoid Financial Disagreements](https://savingtoinvest.com/tips-for-avoiding-financial-disagreements/) - "What's hers is hers, and what's mine is hers — that's how we share our money!" That joke lands because most couples never actually spell out how they handle money. Each partner just assumes the other shares their views, and that assumption is usually wrong. Money is one of the most common sources of relationship
- [Buying a Franchise in 2026? 10 Myths and 5 Risk Factors I Learned the Hard Way](https://savingtoinvest.com/top-ten-myths-about-buying-franchise/) - I owned a second-tier franchise for one year before selling it for a $170,000 loss. That's an expensive way to learn what franchisors don't put in the pitch deck, but it means I know exactly what I'm talking about here. Franchises sell an appealing story: brand recognition, a proven system, being your own boss. Beyond
- [Best Small Business Credit Card, Savings and Checking Accounts in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/best-business-high-interest-savings-account-ing-direct-online-business-savings-account-with-a-top-rate/) - After about a year of running my business, I'd built up a decent cushion of savings sitting in a checking account earning close to nothing. The account had features I liked, but it wasn't putting compounding to work for me — so after a promotional offer (a bonus rate plus a sign-up credit), I moved
- [How to Avoid Hefty Credit Card Interest and Fees in 2026 — Your Rights and Real Options](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-avoid-hefty-credit-card-interest-and-fees-via-good-spending-habits-and-knowing-your-rights/) - The average credit card APR is running above 21% in 2026 — over 23% on new accounts — and late fees are back up near their old highs after a court struck down the CFPB's $8 cap in 2025. Both of those facts change how much a slip-up actually costs you this year. Credit cards
- [Good Debt vs. Bad Debt in 2026 — Taking Charge of Your Finances](https://savingtoinvest.com/good-debt-vs-bad-debt-taking-charge-of/) - The average credit card now carries north of 21% APR — higher on new accounts, per the Federal Reserve — while a 30-year mortgage runs closer to 6%. That gap alone tells you most of what you need to know about labeling debt "good" or "bad," but it's not quite that simple, since even a
- [Credit Card Security Myths and Truths in 2026 — How to Actually Protect Yourself](https://savingtoinvest.com/5-credit-card-security-myths-and-truths-how-to-protect-yourself/) - Credit card fraud keeps rising even as the tools to fight it have improved. EMV chips, virtual card numbers, and two-factor authentication have closed off some of the easiest fraud tactics from a decade ago — but they haven't closed off all of them, and a lot of the old myths about card security are
- [How to Save and Make Money With Credit Cards in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-save-and-make-money-with-credit/) - Here's the rule that makes everything below actually work: pay your card in full every month. At an average APR above 21% in 2026, a single month of carried interest wipes out most of what a cash-back or rewards card can earn you. With that out of the way, here's how to actually save money
- [The Four Deadly Credit Card Mistakes You Can Avoid Now (2026 Update)](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-four-deadly-credit-card-mistakes/) - The average credit card now carries north of 21% APR — above 23% on new accounts — so the cost of a credit card mistake is higher in 2026 than it's been in decades. Banks make billions a year in fees and interest, and nearly all of it comes from a handful of avoidable habits.
- [Using Your Credit or Debit Card to Pay Taxes in 2026 — Costs, Convenience, and Other Factors to Consider](https://savingtoinvest.com/using-your-credit-or-debit-card-to-pay-taxes-costs-convenience-and-other-factors-to-consider/) - If you owe the IRS or your state after filing, paying by card costs you a convenience fee of roughly 1.75% to 2.89%, depending on the processor and card type. That's the number that should drive this decision, not the rewards points. Cash flow gets tight for a lot of filers right after tax season,
- [3-Fund Portfolio in 2026: Vanguard vs Fidelity vs Schwab — Which Index Funds to Use](https://savingtoinvest.com/simpler-and-smarter-investing-with-a-3-index-fund-portfolio-choosing-between-vanguard-and-fidelity-equity-funds/) - After a year of stock-picking and sector ETF trading that took more time than it was worth, I switched to a simple 3-fund index portfolio — and I haven't looked back. The strategy is straightforward: hold one US total market fund, one international fund, and one bond fund. Rebalance quarterly. Done. What's changed since I
- [How AI Is Reshaping Your Financial Life in 2026: A Look at AI-Powered Personal Finance](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-ai-is-reshaping-your-financial-life-a-look-at-ai-powered-personal-finance/) - A year ago, AI financial tools felt like a novelty. In 2026, they're table stakes. TurboTax and H&R Block have both embedded AI assistants into their filing workflows, robo-advisors are executing portfolio rebalancing automatically, and budgeting apps can forecast your cash flow weeks ahead before you overspend. I've been tracking this space closely, and the
- [Master Your Money: The Ultimate Personal Income and Spending Roadmap (2026 Update)](https://savingtoinvest.com/master-your-money-the-ultimate-personal-income-and-spending-roadmap/) - Your gross paycheck is the starting line for everything. Before you can invest, before you can build an emergency fund, before you can make any financial progress, you need a clear picture of where money enters your life, where it leaks out, and what's actually left to deploy. Most people skip this step. They focus
- [The A to Z of Good Personal Finance: My Saving and Investing Philosophy](https://savingtoinvest.com/a-to-z-of-good-personal-finance/) - I wrote the first version of this list back in 2008 — which tells you something: the fundamentals of good personal finance don't change much. What changes is the context around them. Interest rates, tax rules, available tools. But the underlying principles? Still the same. A — Avoid paying credit card balances late. You end
- [Tech Layoffs and the AI Shift: What Ongoing Job Cuts Mean for Your Career and Wallet](https://savingtoinvest.com/tech-layoffs-and-the-ai-shift-what-ongoing-job-cuts-mean-for-your-career-and-wallet/) - Imagine waking up to a notification that your company just reported record-breaking profits. You feel a sense of security until, moments later, a second alert hits: 40% of your colleagues are being let go. This isn't a hypothetical — it's the recent reality for thousands of employees at Block, the parent company of Square and
- [When to Change Your Paycheck Withholding (W-4): The Life Events and Income Changes That Trigger It](https://savingtoinvest.com/change-your-paycheck-tax-withholding-after-these-personal-and-financial-life-events/) - Most people fill out a Form W-4 once, when they start a job, and never touch it again. That's a mistake, because a long list of ordinary life events — marriage, a new baby, a side gig, a big itemized deduction — quietly changes how much tax you actually owe without changing what's coming out
- [The Tax and Financial Planning Playbook: Maximizing Deductions, Credits, and Retirement Savings for 2026–2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-and-financial-planning-playbook/) - The IRS has finalized its 2026 inflation adjustments, and paired with provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), they add up to real opportunity: a higher standard deduction, wider tax brackets, bigger retirement contribution limits, and two brand-new deductions for hourly and tipped workers. This page is my running playbook for turning those numbers
- [Should You Skip Filing a Tax Return? Minimum Income to File and What Skipping Costs You in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-you-skip-filing-a-tax-return-heres-why-thats-a-costly-mistake/) - For tax year 2025 — the return most people filed by April 2026 — you were required to file if your gross income was at least $15,750 as a single filer under 65, or $31,500 married filing jointly with both spouses under 65. Below that, the IRS generally doesn't require you to file based on
- [2026 Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption and Phase-Out Amounts — Why the OBBB Pulls More High Earners Back In](https://savingtoinvest.com/alternative-minimum-tax-amt-and-exemption-amounts/) - The 2026 AMT exemption is $90,100 for single filers and $140,200 for married couples filing jointly — but the bigger story is the phase-out. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), the income levels where the exemption starts disappearing dropped sharply to $500,000 (single) and $1,000,000 (joint), and the exemption now phases out twice as
- [Trump Accounts Are Now Live — How to Claim the $1,000 Baby Bonus in 2026 and Open Your Child's Account](https://savingtoinvest.com/trump-accounts-creating-a-generation-of-savers-with-the-1000-american-baby-bonus/) - Trump Accounts officially launched on July 4, 2026 — parents can now open an account at trumpaccounts.gov or by filing IRS Form 4547 (Trump Account Election) with their tax year 2025 return. Babies born from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028 qualify for a one-time $1,000 contribution from the U.S. Treasury to kick-start the
- [10 Free Ways to Use AI for Managing Your Personal Finances (with Sample Prompts)](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-free-ways-to-use-ai-for-personal-finances-with-sample-prompts/) - Managing money used to mean hours hunched over a glowing spreadsheet or a kitchen table covered in crumpled receipts. If you are still doing that, you are working harder than you need to. That's because Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from a futuristic concept to a practical tool that can handle the heavy lifting of
- [IRS 60-Day Review Letters (2645C and CP05) — Why Your 2026 Refund Is Delayed and How to Get Help](https://savingtoinvest.com/i-got-a-need-an-additional-60-day-review-letter-from-the-irs/) - If the IRS sent you a letter saying it needs "an additional 60 days" to review your tax return, you're not alone — and unfortunately, that letter often isn't the last one. Many filers get two or three of these notices back to back, each one extending the wait for their refund with no real
- [2026 Updates: Colorado (CO) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility](https://savingtoinvest.com/colorado-snap-food-stamp-program-ebt-amounts-deposit-dates-and-eligibility/) - 2026 Updates: Colorado (CO) SNAP Food Stamp Program — EBT Amounts, Deposit Dates, and Eligibility How much is SNAP in Colorado in 2026?
- [2026–2027 Updates: Eight Things NOT to Do With Your 401(k) and IRA](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-not-to-do-with-your-401k-and-ira/) - Everyone who has a 401(k) or IRA has read the standard playbook: invest regularly, diversify, keep costs low. Good advice, all of it. But knowing what not to do is just as important — and some of the most expensive mistakes are the ones that feel reasonable in the moment. Here are eight of the
- [2026 Roth IRA Contribution and Income Limits — Plus Catch-Up and Conversion Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/roth-ira-contribution-and-income-limits-plus-conversion-or-rollover-rules/) - The Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026 is $7,500 — up from $7,000 in 2025. If you're 50 or older, you can add a $1,100 catch-up contribution (now indexed for inflation under SECURE 2.0), bringing your total to $8,600. The income phase-out ranges have also shifted up slightly for 2026. Subscribe or follow us to
- [529 Plan Rules for 2026: Contribution Limits, State Tax Deductions, and the New Roth IRA Rollover](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-choose-a-529-plan-and-pay-now-for-future-college-costs-contribution-limits-fees-and-tax-rules/) - Anyone can put up to $19,000 a year into a 529 plan for a single child without touching the federal gift tax exclusion — $38,000 for a married couple. Want to front-load it? You can "superfund" up to $95,000 in one year ($190,000 joint) by treating it as five years of gifts at once. A
- [2026–2027 Schedule 1-A: The New IRS Form for Tips, Overtime, Auto Loan & Senior Deductions](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-is-the-new-schedule-1-a-form-for-tax-filing/) - Four new tax breaks. One new form. If you received tips, overtime pay, financed a new American-made car, or are 65 or older, Schedule 1-A is your ticket to a lower tax bill for 2025 through 2028. The IRS created Schedule 1-A specifically to handle the new deductions introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill
- [CP05 and 4464C Letters in 2026 — Why the IRS Is Holding Your Refund and How Long the Review Really Takes](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-is-a-cp05-tax-notice-and-should-i-worry-when-i-get-this-letter-from-the-irs-around-my-tax-return-and-refund-payment/) - You check the mail expecting your refund status to improve, and instead find an IRS envelope with "CP05" printed across the top. Deep breath: a CP05 is one of the more benign letters the IRS sends. It means your refund is being held while the agency verifies your return — and in most cases, you
- [When Can I File and Check My State Tax Refund? 2026 State-by-State Status Tracker Links](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-can-i-file-and-check-my-state-tax-refund/) - Most of the refund attention every season goes to the federal IRS refund, but over 40 states also collect income tax — and every one runs its own processing schedule, its own refund tracker, and its own delays. State refunds routinely take 2 to 12 weeks, often landing after your federal refund even when you
- [How Car Rental Companies Sneak Extra Fees Onto Your Bill — and How to Fight Back](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-car-rental-companies-live-avis-rip-you-off-with-extra-fees-for-linking-to-your-frequent-flier-reward-program/) - This post started with my own Avis rental years ago, where the final bill came in noticeably higher than the quote — charges I only discovered after returning the car. The dollar amount wasn't huge; the way it was disclosed felt deliberately buried. Judging by the comments this post has collected since, my experience was
- [Grocery Benefits for Seniors in 2026-2027 with Medicare Advantage Food Cards, SNAP, and What Changed](https://savingtoinvest.com/grocery-benefits-under-medicare-advantage-and-snap-for-seniors/) - If you've seen ads for "free Medicare grocery cards" — or had one and lost it this year — here's the straight story for 2026: those benefits got much harder to get. The federal pilot program (VBID) that let many Medicare Advantage plans hand out grocery allowances based on income ended December 31, 2025, cutting
- [The Personal Exemption Is Gone for Good — What Replaced It on Your 2026 Tax Return](https://savingtoinvest.com/losing-my-4050-personal-exemptions-in-2018/) - Quick answer for anyone searching: the personal exemption is permanently gone. The $4,050-per-person deduction last existed on 2017 returns, was suspended by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) from 2018 through 2025, and Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made the elimination permanent in 2025. It's not coming back. I originally wrote this
- [401(k) Basics — How Your Plan Works, 2026 Limits, and Getting Every Dollar of the Match](https://savingtoinvest.com/401k-basics/) - The 401(k) is the workhorse of American retirement saving — and for 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 of your own pay, more if you're 50 or older. Yet the number that matters most for most people isn't the maximum. It's whatever percentage unlocks your full employer match, because that match is the only
- [Can Student Loans Take Your Tax Refund? The 2026 Offset Rules After the Collections Pause](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-my-delinquent-student-loan-debt-be-offset-against-my-irs-tax-refund/) - Short answer for 2026: yes, defaulted federal student loans can be collected from your tax refund through the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) — but right now, most involuntary collections are paused again, and the window before they restart is exactly when you should act. This has whipsawed a lot in the past year, so here's
- [How to Choose a Financial Advisor in 2026 — Fees, Fiduciaries, and the AI Factor](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-choose-the-right-financial-advisor/) - Most people still spend more time planning a vacation than choosing the person who'll steer their life savings. And the stakes compound: a 1% difference in all-in costs on a $500,000 portfolio is $5,000 a year, every year, growing with the account. The good news is that vetting an advisor comes down to a handful
- [Refund Approved But Lower Than Expected? Code 846, Offsets, and Where the Missing Money Went](https://savingtoinvest.com/your-tax-refund-has-been-approved-for-direct-deposit-and-transcript-shows-846-with-payment-date-but-why-was-my-refund-adjusted/) - Your refund finally hits "Refund Sent" on WMR or IRS2Go, code 846 shows up on your transcript with a payment date — and then the deposit lands smaller than the refund you filed for. No warning, no explanation on the payment itself. This surprises thousands of filers every season. Here's what almost always happened, and
- [Pension Payout Choice in 2026 — Monthly Annuity or Lump Sum Rollover to an IRA?](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-i-take-my-pension-payout-as-an-annuity-or-lump-sum-rollover-into-an-ira/) - If you're lucky enough to have a traditional pension — and fewer than one in five private-sector workers are these days — you'll eventually face one of the bigger money decisions of your life: take it as a monthly annuity for as long as you live, or take a lump sum and roll it into
- [Banks vs Credit Unions in 2026 — Where Your Money Actually Works Harder](https://savingtoinvest.com/battle-of-the-banks-local-versus-national-and-then-the-credit-unions/) - Here's the number that should frame this whole decision in 2026: the national average savings account pays around 0.6% APY, while top online high-yield savings accounts pay 4% or more. Where you park your money now matters more than it has in most of the past two decades. The old "big bank vs local bank
- [Where's My Amended Tax Return? Checking Your 1040-X Status and Refund Timeline for 2026-2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/wheres-my-amended-tax-return-and-when-will-i-get-my-refund/) - While the IRS aims to process regular season tax returns and refunds within 21 days for the vast majority of filers, amended returns take quite a bit longer. The IRS's own current guidance is to allow 8 to 16 weeks for a Form 1040-X to process. In practice, it's often longer: the National Taxpayer Advocate's
- [Should I Refinance My Mortgage in 2026? Rates, Requirements, and the Breakeven Math](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage-and-do-i-qualify/) - The average 30-year mortgage refinance rate is sitting around 6.8% as of early July 2026, per Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That's not the "lowest since the 1950s" environment this page used to describe — those sub-4% rates are long gone, and most homeowners today are locked into a rate well below what's currently
- [Tax Refund Advance Loans in 2026-2027: How Much You Can Get and Why Your Refund May Be Lower Than Expected](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-advance-refund-payments-worth-it-and-how-much-you-can-get/) - Tax Refund Cash Advance Loans in 2025: How Much Can I Get and Why Your Refund May Be Lower Than Expected
- [How Your FICO Credit Score Actually Works in 2026 (and How to Raise It)](https://savingtoinvest.com/breaking-down-and-improving-your-fico/) - The average FICO Score in the US just dipped to 714, the second straight year it's fallen. At the same time, a record 48.1% of Americans now carry a score of 750 or higher. Credit is splitting into haves and have-nots, and where you land affects almost every rate you're quoted, from a mortgage to
- [FHA vs. Conventional Loans in 2026: Down Payments, Mortgage Insurance, and Which Costs Less](https://savingtoinvest.com/fha-vs-conventional-home-loan-comparing/) - The 2026 FHA loan limit just rose to $541,287 in most of the country, and conventional conforming loans now top out at $832,750. Beyond those limits, the core FHA-versus-conventional decision hasn't changed: it comes down to your down payment, your credit score, and how mortgage insurance is structured on each. Here's an updated, side-by-side look
- [Can My Congressman Help With a Delayed Tax Refund or Missing Government Payment? How Casework Works in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-i-call-my-congressman-or-representative-for-help-with-my-tax-refund-or-other-missing-and-delayed-payments/) - Yes — and with IRS phone lines answering only about 21% of calls last filing season, this old-school escalation path is getting a workout. Every congressional office runs casework: staff whose entire job is prying constituent problems loose from federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security Administration, VA, and state unemployment agencies (via your state
- [IRS Notices CP11, CP12, CP13 and CP14 — Refund Adjustments, Balance-Due Letters, and Your 60-Day Rights in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-notices-for-adjustments-due-to-tax-liability-or-refund-calculation-errors-cp11-cp12-cp13-and-cp14/) - If the IRS finds a calculation error on your return, it doesn't audit you — it fixes the math itself and mails you a notice in the CP11–CP14 series telling you what changed. Depending on which one you get, your refund went up, went down, disappeared, or turned into a bill. These "math error" notices
- [When Will I Get My Tax Refund? 2026 Processing Times and What's Ahead for 2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-will-i-get-my-tax-refund/) - The short answer for 2026: if you e-file with direct deposit and nothing flags your return, the IRS issues most refunds in under 21 days — and over 80% of refunds this season went out inside that window. Paper filers and paper-check refunds wait considerably longer, typically 6 to 8 weeks. One more piece of
- [“We Received Your Return and Sent You a Letter Requesting More Information” — What This WMR Message Means in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/we-received-your-return-and-sent-you-a-letter-requesting-more-information-what-this-means-for-your-refund-processing/) - Plenty of filers checking Where's My Refund (WMR) or IRS2Go this season have hit the same status: the IRS received your return, but a letter requesting more information is on its way to you. Your refund is on pause — but this message is a to-do item, not a disaster. Here's what triggers it, what
- [Return Accepted But No Refund? IRS Identity Verification (5071C) Is the Likely Reason in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/i-filed-my-tax-return-it-was-accepted-yet-i-still-havent-seen-any-sign-of-my-refund-irs-identity-review-and-validation-the-likely-reason/) - You filed on time, got the "return accepted" confirmation, and settled in for the standard three-week wait. It's now been well past 21 days, Where's My Refund (WMR) hasn't budged, and you're wondering where your money is. In 2026, the single most common reason for this exact pattern is an identity verification hold. The IRS
- [Never Received the IRS Letter Holding Up Your Refund? What to Do in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-happens-if-never-received-irs-letter/) - Every filing season I hear from readers who call the IRS after weeks of waiting, only to learn their refund has been frozen because they never responded to a letter — a letter they never actually received. The IRS considers the clock started the day the notice was mailed, whether or not it reached your
- [Amending Your Tax Return in 2026 — Form 1040-X Rules, Deadlines, and the Real Refund Timeline](https://savingtoinvest.com/amended-tax-return-refund-schedule-rules-form-1040x-and-deadlines/) - Found a missed credit, a wrong filing status, or a 1099 that arrived after you filed? Form 1040-X lets you fix it — and if the fix is in your favor, claim the extra refund. But amending isn't always the right move, and the processing wait is measured in months, so it's worth knowing the
- [Rebuilding a Poor Credit Score With a Credit Union Loan — and What Else Works in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/rebuild-a-poor-credit-score-using-a-credit-union/) - A credit-builder loan doesn't hand you cash upfront. You make fixed monthly payments — usually $25 to $150 — into a locked savings account, the lender reports every payment to the credit bureaus, and you get the money back (minus interest) once the term ends. It's a strange-sounding product, but it's one of the more
- [529 vs. Retirement: Why I Still Prioritize My 401(k) Over My Kid's College Fund](https://savingtoinvest.com/saving-for-the-future-college-tuition-vs-retirement/) - The typical American thinks they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably — up $200,000 from just last year's estimate. Meanwhile, the average Gen X 401(k) balance sits at $222,100, and roughly 28% of Americans have nothing saved for retirement at all. Against that backdrop, I still tell parents the same thing I told them years
- [How to Pay for College in 2026: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Alternatives to a 529](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-pay-for-college-funds-savings-and-alternatives/) - A 529 plan is the best-known college savings tool, but it's rarely the whole answer. Between financial aid, scholarships, work-study, and a few savings vehicles most people overlook, there's usually more room to close the gap than families assume. I've written separately about choosing a 529 plan in detail, so this post focuses on everything
- [Best Time of Year to Buy a Car: End-of-Year Deals and Other Windows Dealers Don't Advertise](https://savingtoinvest.com/end-of-year-car-deals-how-to-save-when-auto-shopping-dealers-beware/) - Year-end is the best-known window for car deals, but it's not the only one. Dealerships have several points in their sales cycle where they're motivated to discount — knowing all of them, not just December, gives you more shots at a good price. Year-End: Still the Strongest Window The dealerships turn in their "numbers" at
- [10 Car Buying Tips to Getting a Great Deal](https://savingtoinvest.com/ten-car-buying-tips-to-getting-best/) - After driving the same family car for the last 7 years, my wife and I decided it was time to get a new car that provided better fuel efficiency and some of the nice to have modern features. Not having bought a car for quite some time meant that I had to extensively research the
- [Buying a Used Car in 2026: What It Actually Costs and How to Get a Good Deal](https://savingtoinvest.com/buying-a-used-car-unnecessary-hassle-or-financially-savvy/) - The average used car sold for around $25,600 in mid-2026, according to used-vehicle price trackers. Some methodologies that weight more toward newer used inventory, like JD Power's, put it closer to $30,166. Either way, that's roughly half of what a new car costs today. Kelley Blue Book had the average new car transaction price at
- [Car Repairs – 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Servicing](https://savingtoinvest.com/car-repairs-5-tips-to-avoid-getting/) - A recent encounter during a routine car service reinforced my cynicism when it comes to mechanics and the auto repair industry in general. I had forgotten about the challenges of dealing with mechanics and the auto center sales staff, thanks to driving a company car which was covered under a corporate service agreement where all
- [College and University Tuition Rates in 2026-2027: What They Actually Cost After Financial Aid](https://savingtoinvest.com/college-and-university-tuition-rates-increase/) - Published tuition at public four-year, in-state schools hit $11,950 for the 2025-26 school year, up 2.9% from the year before. Private nonprofit four-year tuition climbed to $45,000, up 4.0% before adjusting for inflation. For 2026-27, College Board projections put the next increase at around 2.3% for public four-year schools — a smaller jump than in
- [COVID-Era IRS Refund Deadline Is Here — How to File Form 843 Before It's Too Late](https://savingtoinvest.com/covid-era-irs-penalty-refund-claim-form-843/) - July 10, 2026 is the date to circle if you filed or paid taxes anytime between 2020 and 2023. That's the deadline the National Taxpayer Advocate is flagging for tens of millions of taxpayers who may be owed refunds — or abatements — of penalties and interest the IRS assessed during the COVID-19 disaster period.
- [2026-2027 Kids and Education Tax Credits Parents Can Claim - AOTC, Lifetime Learning, and the New Scholarship Tax Credit](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-breaks-parents-lose-when-children-grow-up-so-take-advantage-of-them-now/) - Raising a child in today's world is not cheap. Estimates for raising a child from birth through college in a middle-class household commonly range from $200,000 to $400,000, and those costs keep climbing as education, health care, and everyday living expenses rise. The federal government offsets some of that cost through a handful of tax
- [2026-2027 401(k), 403(b), and TSP Contribution Limits — Employee, Employer, and Catch-Up Amounts](https://savingtoinvest.com/taking-advantage-of-new-401k/) - Discover the latest updates to 401(k), 403(b), 457, and TSP contribution and catch-up limits.
- [2026-2027 Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA — Contribution Limits and Phase-Out Income Ranges](https://savingtoinvest.com/traditional-ira-versus-roth-ira-contribution-and-phase-out-income-limits/) - For 2026, the IRA contribution limit is $7,500 — the first increase from the $7,000 limit that held for 2024 and 2025. Whether you're putting money into a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, that's your combined ceiling across all IRA accounts. The IRS announced this increase in IR-2025-111, along with updated income phase-out ranges.
- [Getting Your Free IRS Tax Transcript for Income Verification, Return and Refund Processing Status](https://savingtoinvest.com/getting-a-free-copy-of-your-irs-tax-return-information-form-4506t-irs-tax-transcript/) - When closing on my home a while back, I had to request a copy of my tax return. I assumed this would be a hassle since the requesting party wanted an official transcript, not just a copy from my tax software. It turned out to be a simple, free process through my IRS online account,
- [What to Expect This Tax Season — Answers to the 7 Questions I Get Asked Most](https://savingtoinvest.com/answers-to-the-top-7-most-searched-for-tax-questions/) - Every year I get the same handful of questions from readers gearing up for the next filing season: when can I file, how do I file for free, how much will I get back, and why does the IRS take so long to pay it. This year's answers lean forward — toward the 2026-2027 season,
- [When Can I File My Taxes in 2027? Key IRS Tax Dates, Deadlines, and Refund Payment Timelines](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-can-i-file-my-taxes-and-other-key-tax-filing-extension-and-refund-dates/) - The 2026 tax season is officially in the books — the IRS began accepting 2025 returns on January 26, 2026, and the April 15 filing deadline has passed. If you filed on time (or on extension), you're done until next year. We now look ahead to the 2027 tax season for 2026 income returns, with
- [IRS Audit Triggers and Red Flags in 2026 — Why Returns Get Pulled and How to Avoid It](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-audit-triggers-and-red-flags-for/) - Most taxpayers, myself included, share the same dread of getting audited. In reality, the odds aren't that high for most filers, and recent IRS staffing cuts have pushed them even lower — though not evenly across income levels. The IRS audits well under 0.5% of the more than 150 million returns filed each year. That
- [Got an IRS Notice? Here's the Actual Timeline for Responding and Getting Paid](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-long-do-i-have-to-wait-after-an-irs-notice-to-get-my-tax-refund/) - A lot of filers feel a sense of dread the moment they get an IRS notice or letter asking for more information, action, or warning of a possible audit. The real question underneath that dread is almost always about timing: how long will this delay my refund, and how long do I actually have to
- [Should I Be Worried About an IRS Notice or Letter? How to Tell If It's Real in 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-i-be-worried-if-i-get-an-irs-notice-or-letter-will-it-affect-my-tax-return-processing-or-refund-payment/) - A notice or letter from the IRS can sound intimidating, but there are many reasons you might get one. Not every notice is bad news, and that's a common misconception — one that makes opening the envelope more stressful than it needs to be. IRS notices and letters tell you that something changed on your
- [Using AI to Analyze Your IRS Tax Transcript for 2026 Refund Payment Dates](https://savingtoinvest.com/using-ai-to-analyze-your-tax-transcript-for-refund-payment-dates/) - At this time of year, plenty of people are waiting on their tax refunds and regularly checking their IRS tax transcripts for clues on their refund amount and payment date. In the past, that meant scouring forums and blog posts to decipher what various tax codes, payment dates, and cycle codes meant on your free
- [IRS Tax Transcript Code 826 Credit Transferred Out - IRS Debt Offset and Smaller Refund](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-transcript-code-826-credit-transferred-out-irs-debt-offset-and-what-it-means-for-your-return-and-refund-processing/) - Transaction codes are used on IRS tax transcripts to show filers what has happened with their return processing, reasons for potential delays, when a refund will be paid, or why it's delayed. Given ongoing challenges getting through to a live IRS agent, many taxpayers turn to their free IRS transcript to see exactly what's happening
- [Don't Panic - Understand IRS Reference Code 1242 and Get Your Refund on Track](https://savingtoinvest.com/does-irs-reference-code-1242-mean-i-am-getting-audited-will-my-refund-be-delayed/) - After submitting your tax return, you may see a message referencing code 1242 and Tax Topic 151 when you check your IRS refund status. Naturally, this can cause stress and worry about what happens next. Here's what it means, next steps, and the expected timeline. Get the latest money, tax and stimulus news directly in
- [IRS Tax Transcript Code 841 - Refund Cancelled Due to Direct Deposit Rejection, Paper Check on The Way](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-transcript-code-841-refund-cancelled-due-to-direct-deposit-rejection-paper-check-on-the-way/) - The transcript excerpt below shows how the IRS handles refunds that are issued but cancelled, or unable to be paid, due to incorrect bank account details. I'll walk through the key codes and dates involved. Seeing transaction code 841 (refund cancelled) on your tax transcript can be alarming, especially if you've been waiting for your
- [IRS Tax Transcript Code 810 Refund Freeze and What It Means When Followed By Code 811](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-transcript-code-810-refund-freeze-and-what-it-means/) - Transaction codes are used on IRS tax transcripts to show filers what has happened with their return processing, reasons for potential delays, when a refund will be paid, or why it's delayed. Given ongoing challenges in getting through to a live IRS agent, many taxpayers are turning to their free IRS transcript to see exactly
- [What Code 846 Refund Issued on Your IRS Tax Transcript Means For Your Direct Deposit Date](https://savingtoinvest.com/code-846-refund-issued-on-your-irs-tax-transcript-what-it-means-for-your-direct-deposit-or-paper-check-refund-payment/) - Transaction codes are used on IRS tax transcripts and WMR/IRS2Go to show current and historical information on your return processing, reasons for delays, when a refund will be paid, or why it was lower than expected. There are dozens of codes, but Code 846, Refund Issued, is the one you generally WANT to see on
- [IRS Transcript Codes 420 and 424 with Notice CP75 - Examination Request, Audit, or Tax Refund Delay](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-codes-420-and-424-on-my-irs-transcript-with-notice-cp75-is-my-return-under-audit-and-will-it-delay-my-refund-payment/) - Tax codes, topics, and notices are used across the IRS to explain what's happening with a filer's return, why processing is delayed or under further review, when a refund will be paid, or why it was lower than expected. There are dozens of tax codes and notices — many are purely informational, while others require
- [IRS Tax Topic 152 vs. 151 - What These Codes Mean for Your Refund Status and Payment Delays](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-does-irs-tax-topic-code-152-mean-for-my-refund-payment/) - The IRS processes tax returns based on a standard set of guidelines and instructions, codified into tax codes used across its internal systems to process returns, manage discrepancies, and eventually pay refunds. These codes are simplified into tax topics for filers, providing insight into what's happening with a return, why there are processing delays, when
- [What Does IRS Code 806 Mean On My Tax Transcript](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-does-irs-code-806-mean-on-my-tax-transcript/) - Tax season can be a confusing time, filled with cryptic codes and unfamiliar numbers when it comes to checking your refund status. If you've been scrutinizing your IRS tax transcript (free via your IRS online account) and stumbled upon "Code 806," you're not alone. This seemingly innocuous code holds real meaning for your taxes, and
- [IRS Codes 570 and 971 - Tax Refund Delayed or Reduced in 2026-2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-is-tax-code-tc-570-on-my-irs-transcript-and-will-it-delay-my-refund-account-freeze-or-additional-account-actions-pending/) - Transaction codes and tax topics are used across IRS refund status applications — WMR or IRS2Go — and account transcripts, to show filers what's happening with their tax return, why it's delayed, when a refund will be paid, or why it was lower than expected. You'll generally see Transaction Code 570 (TC 570) on your
- [Understanding Tax Topic 203 and Code 898 - Refund Reduced For Past Due Debt Obligations](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-refund-adjustments-and-treasury-bfs-offsets-tax-topic-codes-203-598-or-898/) - Many tax filers feel a rush of relief when they see the refund approved and sent status on WMR/IRS2Go, or code 846 (refund issued) on their tax transcript. That relief can turn into frustration when an additional status message about a past-due obligation shows their estimated refund on the transcript — or the actual deposit
- [Meaning of IRS Codes on WMR Or Tax Transcript For Your Refund Processing and Payment Status](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-topic-error-codes-on-where-is-my-refund-wmr-and-irs2go/) - IRS Tax Transcript Codes - 150, 151, 152, 203, 420, 421, 570, 806, 810, 846, 898, 971, 1121, 1161, 9021
- [Checking Your IRS Tax Refund Status on WMR or IRS2Go For Direct Deposit Payment Date](https://savingtoinvest.com/wmr-and-irs2go-status-differences-return-received-accepted-or-under-review-and-refund-approved-versus-refund-sent/) - With tax season underway, lots of taxpayers want an update on their refund processing status on the IRS' Where's My Refund (WMR) website or the IRS2Go mobile app. These tools give you three key pieces of information: confirmation the IRS received your return, approval of your refund, and the date it was issued. Despite IRS
- [2026–2027 Updates: "Your Tax Return Is Still Being Processed" — What It Means and What to Do](https://savingtoinvest.com/latest-update-on-your-irs-tax-refund-processing-and-payment-status-how-returns-with-errors-are-handled/) - Millions of people file their taxes and then wait — sometimes far longer than the IRS’s advertised 21-day guideline. The 2026 filing season made that worse. DOGE-driven staffing cuts removed roughly 7,000 IRS employees in February 2026, right in the middle of peak processing weeks. The National Taxpayer Advocate’s mid-year report to Congress confirmed that
- [Why You May owe taxes This Year or Get A Much Smaller IRS Tax Refund](https://savingtoinvest.com/2012-tax-refunds-smaller-than-2011-payments/) - Over the last few years, thanks to plenty of pandemic related support via stimulus payments and funding for expanded tax credits, the average refund payment ballooned to over $3,100. This is despite 20 million fewer Americans getting refunds. However with no further federal funding approved, several popular stimulus, family and dependent tax credits that were created or
- [how long does it take to get your Delayed tax refund direct deposit?](https://savingtoinvest.com/2022-refund-payments-and-processing-for-2021-tax-returns-likely-to-face-long-delays/) - Many tax filers are now seeing messages on their IRS2Go and WMR app that confirm their tax returns are going to take longer than normal to process. Tax Topic 152, which just alludes to ongoing and potential processing delays, has not provided much help. So some are turning to their tax transcript and IRS cycle
- [Why Is It Taking So Long to Get My Tax Refund? 2026 IRS Delay Reasons and Data](https://savingtoinvest.com/why-is-it-taking-so-long-to-get-my-tax-refund/) - The IRS says 9 out of 10 refunds go out within 21 days of an accepted e-filed return. But per the National Taxpayer Advocate's mid-year report to Congress (released June 24, 2026), more than 14 million returns were suspended for further review this filing season, and over 1 million taxpayers waited an average of 5.5
- [Are You Owed a Tax Refund Interest Payment? 2026 IRS Rate and Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/millions-set-to-receive-irs-tax-refund-interest-payments/) - You've probably heard the old line that getting a tax refund just means you gave the IRS an interest-free loan for the year. There's a wrinkle to that, though: if your refund is delayed, the IRS actually owes you interest. By law, the IRS must pay interest on a refund it hasn't issued within 45
- [Can a Taxpayer Advocate Help Get My Delayed Refund Released? 2026 Update](https://savingtoinvest.com/contact-a-tax-advocate-to-help-get-your-refund-released-from-the-irs/) - The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS that helps filers with tax problems they can't resolve through normal channels, or who've exhausted standard IRS contact options without a real answer. Every state has at least one local TAS office, independent of the regular IRS office. They're especially useful for filers
- [No Tax Refund or Status After 21 days? Tips On Contacting the IRS For Payment and Processing Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/no-tax-refund-after-21-days-tips-on-contacting-the-irs/) - As the IRS notes, 9 out of 10 filers get their refund within 21 days of an accepted e-filed return. But that also means roughly 1 in 10 filers — over 15 million people in a typical season — wait longer than that. If you're past 21 days (or 6 weeks for a paper return)
- [Am I Being a Cheapskate or Just Frugal?](https://savingtoinvest.com/am-i-cheapskate-or-just-frugal/) - In an argument with my wife over our holiday spending on gifts, travel and entertainment, I got accused of being a cheapskate because I refused to put aside money/budget worries during the holiday season. “What’s the point of saving if we cannot spend the money on the ones we love?” she said, but the worst
- [2026–2027 Updates: Key Retirement Ages for 401(k), IRA, and Social Security — Milestones That Determine Your Benefits](https://savingtoinvest.com/retirement-ages-and-eligilbility-rules-for-receiving-401k-ira-and-social-security-beneifts/) - Knowing the exact age at which something happens to your retirement accounts is more valuable than most general planning advice. Miss an RMD at 73 and you're looking at a 25% penalty. Claim Social Security two years too early and that reduction follows you for life. Here's a clear map of every age milestone that
- [2026–2027 Updates: Can You Collect Unemployment While Working Part-Time? Partial UI Rules by State](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-i-get-unemployment-working-part-time-partial-weekly-unemployment-benefit-rules-by-state/) - Working part-time while on unemployment isn't just allowed — it's something most states actively want you to do. The alternative, where every shift you pick up wipes out your entire benefit, discourages work and makes a job search harder. States recognized that problem decades ago. In 2026, the rules work the same way they always
- [2026–2027 Updates: Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Kiddie Tax — Thresholds, Eligibility, and OBBBA Changes](https://savingtoinvest.com/child-and-kiddie-tax-credit-and-income-thresholds/) - The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is $2,200 per qualifying child for the 2026 tax year, following the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed in 2025. That $200 increase from the prior $2,000 level is now locked in permanently and indexed for inflation going forward. For most families, not much has changed dollar-for-dollar from 2025 to
- [Choices for Your 401(k) When You Leave or Change Jobs: Cash Out, Roll Over, or Let Auto-Portability Handle It](https://savingtoinvest.com/choices-for-your-401k-retirement-plan-when-you-leave-or-change-your-job-including-an-ira-rollover/) - Changing jobs used to mean your old 401(k) sat wherever you left it until you got around to dealing with it — or, if the balance was small enough, your former employer quietly cashed it out and mailed you a check minus withholding. That default is changing. Under SECURE 2.0, small-balance accounts can now follow
- [SECURE 2.0 Act Updates for 2026 and 2027: Roth Catch-Up Rules, the New Saver's Match, and Mandatory Auto-Enrollment](https://savingtoinvest.com/navigating-the-new-rules-how-the-secure-2-0-act-impacts-your-retirement-catch-up-contributions/) - SECURE 2.0 has been rolling out in phases since it passed in 2022, and 2026 is the year several of its biggest provisions stopped being "coming soon" and started being real. The Roth catch-up mandate for high earners is now in effect. Mandatory auto-enrollment applies to newly created plans. And in 2027, the government starts
- [2026–2027 Updates: Best Online Tax Filing Software and Free Filing Options](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-best-tax-software-and-free-filing-options-as-tax-filing-goes-primarily-online/) - The IRS Free File AGI limit for 2026 is $89,000 — the highest it's ever been. If your adjusted gross income lands at or below that number, free guided filing is available through 8 partner software companies. Above it, you're paying. Here's what's worth using this year and what's changed. What's New for 2026 Two
- [2026–2027 No Tax on Overtime: Who Qualifies, How to Calculate Your Deduction (With Examples)](https://savingtoinvest.com/no-tax-on-overtime-who-qualifies-how-to-calculate-your-deduction-with-e/) - If you regularly work overtime, there's a number you need to know right now: $12,500. That's the maximum amount of overtime premium pay you can deduct from your federal income tax for 2025 through 2028, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). For a nurse working regular double shifts at the 22% bracket,
- [2026–2027 Child Tax Credit: OBBBA Raises It to $2,200 Per Child — Full Eligibility Guide](https://savingtoinvest.com/3600-expanded-child-tax-credit-on-top-of-1400-dependent-stimulus-check-for-5k-in-2021-biden-stimulus-package/) - If you have kids under 17, here's the OBBBA update that matters to you: the Child Tax Credit just went up to $2,200 per child, permanently. That's $200 more per child than the 2017 TCJA rate, and the credit will now adjust for inflation annually — meaning it should keep up with rising costs going
- [2026–2027 Auto Loan Interest Tax Deduction: New Cars, Made in America, Up to $10,000](https://savingtoinvest.com/understanding-the-auto-interest-tax-deduction-for-new-cars-between-2025-to-2028/) - When you're staring at a new car loan at 6–8% interest, the monthly payment can sting. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) gives you a way to take some of that sting back: a federal income tax deduction on the interest you pay, up to $10,000 per year, for new American-made vehicles financed on
- [2026–2027 Senior Deduction: The New $6,000 Tax Break for Ages 65+ (Do You Qualify?)](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-6000-senior-deduction-see-if-you-qualify/) - For retirees on a fixed income, every tax break matters. The $6,000 Senior Bonus Deduction added by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is one of the most straightforward new benefits in the law: if you're 65 or older, you get an extra $6,000 subtracted from your taxable income, period. No special accounts, no
- [2026–2027 Catch-Up Contribution Limits: 401k, IRA, SIMPLE — Super Catch-Up and Roth Mandate Explained](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-can-i-make-catch-up-contributions-to-401k-ira-403b-and-simple-ira-retirement-plans/) - Two major SECURE 2.0 changes took effect in 2026 that most people haven't fully absorbed yet. If you're between 60 and 63, your 401k catch-up limit jumped to $11,250 — significantly more than the $8,000 available to other workers over 50. And if you earned more than $150,000 last year, your catch-up contributions must now
- [2026 Federal IRS Tax Brackets, Tax Rates, and Standard Deduction — With 2027 Projections](https://savingtoinvest.com/federal-irs-tax-brackets-tax-rates-and-other-tax-updates/) - The 2026 federal income tax brackets are confirmed, and with inflation running around 3.5–4% in early 2026, I'm already watching what 2027 is likely to bring. The IRS typically announces next year's figures in October or November, so this page will get another update then. Short version for 2026: same seven rates (10%–37%), but all
- [2026 Updates: Is There a 4th Stimulus Check? IRS Payment Status and What's Actually Available](https://savingtoinvest.com/stimulus-checks-economic-impact-payments-to-be-paid-out-from-mid-april-per-irs/) - There is no 4th stimulus check. The three federal Economic Impact Payments issued during 2020 and 2021 are complete — the IRS has finished distributing all payments under those programs, including a final auto-payment push in late 2024 for people who missed the 2021 credit. If you're reading this because you saw something on social
- [2026 Update: H&R Block Online Tax Filing Review — Solid Software at a Lower Price Than TurboTax](https://savingtoinvest.com/hr-block-online-tax-filing-review/) - For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026), H&R Block is the strongest mid-market alternative to TurboTax — meaningfully cheaper across every tier, with a comparable guided interview experience and one thing TurboTax cannot offer: the option to walk into a physical office if you want a human to take over. Here is what has changed
- [2026 Update: TurboTax Review — Great Tax Software With Live Support for a Premium Price](https://savingtoinvest.com/turbotax-review-great-tax-filing-software-with-live-support-for-a-premium-price/) - TurboTax is still the most widely used tax software in the country. For tax year 2025 (filed in 2026), it has made some real changes worth knowing before you pay — or decide to go elsewhere. The product lineup has been simplified, there are new deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), and a
- [2026-2027 Small Business Retirement Plans — Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and ESOP](https://savingtoinvest.com/small-business-retirement-plans-401k-sep-ira-simple-ira-and-esop-plans/) - If you're self-employed or running a small business, the retirement account options available to you are frankly better than what most corporate employees get — and most people don't fully take advantage of them. I hear from a lot of small business owners who are using a regular Roth or Traditional IRA when they could
- [2026-2027 SEP IRA and Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits, Rules, and Comparison](https://savingtoinvest.com/sep-ira-rules-and-contribution-limits/) - If you're self-employed and not taking full advantage of a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k), you're likely leaving a significant amount of tax-deferred savings on the table every year. I've talked to a lot of freelancers and small business owners over the years who are diligently contributing to a regular IRA — $7,500 a year,
- [2026-2027 FSA Contribution Limits — Health Care and Dependent Care (Major Increase to DCFSA)](https://savingtoinvest.com/flexible-and-dependent-care-spending-accounts-fsa-contribution-limits/) - 2011 Flexible Spending Accounts Changes and Limits For Employees from Lower Limits and no OTC drugs
- [2026-2027 SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits and Rules for Small Business Retirement Plans](https://savingtoinvest.com/simple-ira-contribution-and-income-limits-small-business-retirement-plans/) - The SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) is one of the most practical retirement plan options for small businesses. For 2026, the contribution limit rises to $17,000, and the catch-up provisions got a meaningful boost under SECURE 2.0. These 2026 figures are confirmed in IRS Notice IR-2025-111. 2026 SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits Contribution
- [2026-2027 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Income Limits and Qualification Rules](https://savingtoinvest.com/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc-qualification-and-income-threshold-limits/) - The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the largest refundable federal tax credit for working families and individuals. For tax year 2026 — the income you'll report on the return you file in early 2027 — the maximum credit rises to $8,231 for families with three or more qualifying children. These figures come from IRS
- [2026 Updates: IRS CP53E Notice — Your Refund Is Frozen, Here's What to Do in 30 Days](https://savingtoinvest.com/2026-updates-irs-cp53e-notice-your-refund-is-frozen-heres-what-to-do-in-30-days/) - By early spring 2026, more than 1.4 million taxpayers had received an IRS CP53E notice — a letter that means your approved tax refund is frozen and you need to act. The cause is a new federal policy phasing out paper refund checks, and the window to fix it without losing time is just 30
- [2026 Average IRS and State Tax Refund — $3,676 Nationally, All 50 States, and Processing Times](https://savingtoinvest.com/average-irs-and-state-tax-refund-and-processing-times/) - The average federal tax refund as of March 6, 2026 was $3,676 — up 10.6% from $3,324 at the same point in 2025. By early April the average settled to $3,462, still up 11.1% year-over-year. The IRS has paid out $241.7 billion in refunds through early April, compared to $211.1 billion in 2025 — a
- [2026-2027 401(k) Contribution Limits — Employee, Employer, and Catch-Up Amounts](https://savingtoinvest.com/maximum-employee-and-employer-401k-contribution-limits-and-catch-up-amounts/) - The IRS set the 2026 employee 401(k) contribution limit at $24,500 — up $1,000 from $23,500 in 2025. If you're 50 or older, you can add another $8,000 in catch-up contributions for a total of $32,500. And if you're between 60 and 63, a SECURE 2.0 super catch-up provision lets you contribute up to $35,750
- [AI Infrastructure Investing: How to Think About the Trade Behind the AI Boom](https://savingtoinvest.com/ai-infrastructure-investing-how-to-think-about-the-trade-behind-the-ai-boom/) - By mid-2026, the AI story on Wall Street has shifted. It's no longer just about which company has the smartest chatbot — it's about who's pouring concrete, stringing transformers, and laying fiber to keep the whole thing running. Big Tech is now projected to spend somewhere between $500 billion and $650 billion this year alone
- [Using AI to Invest in Stock Market Momentum: How I Made a Quick $4000 in 3 Trading Days](https://savingtoinvest.com/using-ai-to-invest-in-stock-market-momentum-how-i-made-a-quick-4000-in-3-trading-days/) - Right now, the stock market is booming despite all the geopolitical risk, inflation, and other headwinds. In particular, a lot of AI-related stocks are booming thanks to the massive amounts of money being spent by the largest companies in the world. The current investing climate is definitely not one for fundamental or technical investors. It’s
- [How Much Money Do You Really Need to Be Financially Independent?](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-much-money-do-you-really-need-to-be-financially-independent/) - Most people dream of living a comfortable life without worrying about money. Though many people see this as lofty dreaming about yachts and summer homes, more and more people are turning these ideas into an achievable reality and gaining financial independence at a staggering rate. Financial independence means that you’re able to live comfortably within
- [Are Adult Kids Still on Your Cell Phone Plan? What the Numbers Say](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-adult-kids-still-on-your-cell-phone-plan-what-the-numbers-say/) - Here’s a question that comes up at a lot of family dinners: “So… when are you getting your own phone plan?” If you’ve been on the giving or receiving end of that conversation, you’re not alone. A surprisingly large share of American adults — well into their 20s and beyond — are still on their
- [How to Save Money and Time on Your Next Vacation Using AI plus Social Media](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-save-money-on-vacation-using-ai-and-social-media/) - You know the drill: you open a browser tab to check flights, then another for hotels, then one more for rental cars, and suddenly you have 18 tabs open and no idea which deal is actually the best one. Two hours later, you book something — probably not at the best price — and spend
- [Updated 2026-2027 State Unemployment Max-Min Benefits with Qualifying Wage Table](https://savingtoinvest.com/updated-2026-to-2027-state-unemployment-benefits-and-wage-table/) - Here are the latest maximum and minimum unemployment payments for each state, including the minimum wage base earnings to qualify for these benefits. With a worsening economy and ongoing job losses, it its important to keep these unemployment benefits in mind. Always apply for benefits via your state's official website (see a full listing). Summary
- [Quarterly Estimated Taxes This Year: What Freelancers Actually Need to Know](https://savingtoinvest.com/quarterly-estimated-taxes-this-year-what-freelancers-actually-need-to-know/) - Last year, a friend of mine who'd been freelancing for three years got hit with a $1,400 penalty from the IRS — not because she didn't pay her taxes, but because she paid them all at once in April. She'd been doing this since she started. Nobody told her it was a problem until she
- [Could Your 2026 Tax Refund Double As a Stimulus Check? Experts Weigh In](https://savingtoinvest.com/could-your-2026-tax-refund-double-as-a-stimulus-check-experts-weigh-in/) - The economic landscape of 2026 has many Americans wondering: could tax refunds be used as a form of financial stimulus? With inflation still a concern and financial challenges lingering from prior years, experts are brainstorming ways to put more money in taxpayers' pockets. One idea gaining traction is the possibility of stimulus checks being issued
- [Average State Tax Refunds in 2026: What to Expect and How to Maximize Yours](https://savingtoinvest.com/average-state-tax-refunds-in-2026-what-to-expect-and-how-to-maximize-yours/) - Last year, Sarah was shocked when her state tax refund was barely enough for a tank of gas. She was counting on her refund to pay for a few overdue bills. Many of us share that same anxiety or disappointment as we file our taxes and see what are expected refund will be. We often
- [How AI Is Driving Productivity and Transforming Your Finances](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-ai-is-driving-productivity-and-transforming-your-finances/) - Imagine a world where artificial intelligence (AI) isn't just streamlining business processes, but directly impacts your wallet. That world is already here. According to the latest 2026 economic data, AI's influence on productivity is no longer a hypothetical scenario – it's a tangible and monumental shift that's changing the game. The ripple effects of AI
- [New 4x SALT Cap: How Much Will You Actually Save?](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-4x-salt-cap-how-much-will-you-actually-save/) - For years, the $10,000 limit on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions felt like a heavy weight for homeowners in high-tax states. Imagine you live in a state like New Jersey or California, paying $15,000 in property taxes and $12,000 in state income tax. Under the old rules, you could only deduct $10,000, essentially paying
- [2026 PATH Refund Status & IRS Release Dates Confirmed](https://savingtoinvest.com/2026-path-refund-status-irs-release-dates-confirmed/) - The IRS has confirmed that it will lift the Path ACT refund holds and provide payment status' on IRS2Go and WMR by February 21st, 2026. Refund payments/release will start around March 2nd, 2026 for PATH held tax returns. Initial payments will be for taxpayers who have filed electronically and selected a direct deposit payment method
- [Updated 2026 PATH IRS Refund Payment Release Dates](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-refund-payment-delays-likely-according-to-the-irs/) - [Updated PATH Refund Status & Release Dates] Early tax filers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may experience a payment delay or freeze in their refund until early March due to the PATH Act. See below for when returns impacted by the PATH restrictions will be processed
- [Improving your Job Situation Through Training, Networking and Exercising](https://savingtoinvest.com/posts/) - With unemployment rising on a monthly basis and the growing number of layoffs being announced by businesses small and large, you should be grateful that you are currently in a job. Even if you are stuck in a job that is not fulfilling or with a team that you don't feel you belong in, this
- [The Meaning of Work - Finding Meaning From Your Job](https://savingtoinvest.com/meaning-of-work/) - Finding meaning from your job is something, like a lot of people, I struggle with. One of the most common complaints by people working is "the money may be good but where is the meaning? How can I make a difference?". There are two things that give work meaning. First is the satisfaction that comes
- [How Trump’s Education Plan in 2026 Could Spark the 'Un-College' Movement](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-trumps-education-plan-in-2026-could-spark-the-un-college-movement/) - The landscape of higher education could witness a seismic shift in 2026, fueled by proposed policy changes under Trump’s administration. As the cost of traditional four-year degrees continues to climb and the burden of student loan debt grows heavier, experts foresee a pivot toward alternative education pathways such as two-year degrees and short-term credentials —
- [How to Get Your Tax Refund Fast in 2026: What You Need to Know](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-get-your-tax-refund-fast-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/) - The dreaded tax season is upon us again, and while tax regulations are an annual headache, securing your refund quickly doesn’t have to be. Every year, millions of Americans ask the same question: “Where's my refund?” Tax season 2026 will present new challenges and opportunities, so understanding the process and taking proactive steps can ensure
- [Filing Taxes Separately Was a Mistake—Here's How to Fix It](https://savingtoinvest.com/filing-taxes-separately-was-a-mistake-heres-how-to-fix-it/) - Taxes can be complicated, especially for newlyweds figuring out how marriage changes their filing process. Choosing "Married Filing Separately" (MFS) may have seemed like the easiest route at first. However, now you've realized this filing status isn’t ideal for your situation—or worse, it has led to issues like rejected forms or lost tax benefits. Don't
- [Navigating Tax Refund Deposit Delays and Payment Issues](https://savingtoinvest.com/navigating-tax-refund-deposit-delays-and-payment-issues/) - When it comes to financial planning, few things are as eagerly awaited as a tax refund deposit hitting your account. You might be scrambling to pay off bills. Perhaps you are channeling funds into savings. You could also be simply treating yourself for a job well done. The timing of state and federal tax return
- [We Apologize But Your Return Processing Has Been Delayed Beyond The Normal Timeframe - 2026 Payment Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/refund-status-return-processing-has-been-delayed-beyond-the-normal-timeframe/) - Many tax filers are again seeing the message below on the IRS' Where is My Refund (WMR) page or IRS2Go app days after their return is filed and accepted by the IRS, including after PATH restrictions have lifted. Unfortunately this message just seems to create more frustration and confusion for many filers, because it does
- [DoD Employees Getting $25K Bonus While Other Federal Employees Get Cut](https://savingtoinvest.com/dod-employees-getting-25k-bonus-while-other-federal-employees-get-cut/) - In a sign of the times and the seemingly inherent war footing the current administration is taking, it was little surprise to see many Departmet of Defense/War are getting a bonus of 15 to 25 percent (up to $25,000) of basic pay. per recent directives. This trend continues despite the current administration’s ongoing push to
- [IRS to Start Processing 2025 Tax Returns From Jan 26th](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-to-start-processing-2025-tax-returns-from-jan-26th/) - The IRS has confirmed it will start processing 2025 tax filings and refunds from January 26th, 2026. Key dates to be aware of are shown in the table below. See this detailed article for more information and expected refund processing schedule. [table id=142 /] Although the IRS will not start accepting and processing tax returns until late January, people don't need
- [10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home and How to Avoid Them](https://savingtoinvest.com/10-deadly-mistakes-buyers-make-when/) - MISTAKE #1 - Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you HERE’S HOW TO AVOID IT: Making a connection with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs—before, during and after the sale. MISTAKE #2 - Making
- [Simple Tips and Ideas on What to Do Before and While You Sell Your Home](https://savingtoinvest.com/simple-things-to-do-before-and-while/) - Government incentives and a booming economy have definitely made this a sellers market. But the key for any seller to get the highest price possible is to still make their home stand out to prospective buyers, which involves having a good sales strategy before and while selling the house. Here are simple, but often over-looked,
- [The Million-Dollar Question: What It Takes to Join America's Wealthiest 10%](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-million-dollar-question-what-it-takes-to-join-americas-wealthiest-10/) - The concept of being "wealthy" means different things to everyone. For some, it means being debt-free and financially comfortable. For others, it means reaching the highest echelons of American affluence. The top 10% of households represents a major financial milestone for personal finance enthusiasts. It signifies a profound level of financial security and freedom. What
- [This Rising Costs of Our Financial Life Now and into the Future](https://savingtoinvest.com/this-rising-costs-of-our-financial-life-now-and-into-the-future/) - I saw this interesting graphic on the rising costs of basic needs from Goldman Sachs. It prompted me to think about my life in retirement and what future spending patterns will look like for my kids. Unless things change, this pattern will likely continue for the next couple of decades. Here are my five takeaways
- [The $10,000 Investment: 10 Low-Cost Exercises to Bulletproof Your Financial and Physical Health](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-10000-investment-10-low-cost-exercises-to-bulletproof-your-financial-and-physical-health/) - Personal finance is about more than just stocks and savings accounts. Your greatest asset, often overlooked, is your physical health. A strong, flexible body is a powerful hedge against massive future expenses. Ignoring chronic low back pain is a financial time bomb waiting to explode. It can lead to expensive doctor visits, lost work days,
- [401k, IRA and Roth IRA Contribution Limit Increases](https://savingtoinvest.com/2022-401k-ira-and-roth-ira-contribution-limits-and-large-income-thresholds-increases-over-2021-levels-official-irs-numbers/) - The IRS has released the latest 401(k), IRA and Roth individual contribution limits including income qualification and phase-out thresholds. See the tables below for limits and changes over the last few years. 401(k) Limits [table id=20 /] IRA Limits Tax deductible IRA contributions are based on qualifying income ranges and spousal participation in employer sponsored
- [Protect Your Retirement Savings Through These 4 Diversification Strategies](https://savingtoinvest.com/protect-your-retirement-savings-through-these-4-diversification-strategies/) - With ongoing volatility across global markets and an uncertain future in terms of taxes, regulations and government safety nets such as social security; diversification is key in managing the risk associated with your retirement savings. That's why these four risk diversification strategies across products and services make a lot of sense for the changing world
- [The Psychology of Money In Group Trips That Damages Friendships](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-psychology-of-money-in-group-trips-that-damages-friendships/) - We’ve all been there. You’re on a group trip, the sun is setting, and the cocktails are flowing. You’ve just had the best day of your life, but then someone pulls out their phone and says, “Alright, let’s figure out who owes who.” The air goes stale, the laughter dies, and suddenly, the perfect day
- [Understanding Roth 401K and IRA Retirement Plans Conversion Limits and Rules - 2025 and 2026 updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/401k-roll-overs-to-roth-accounts-may-soon-be-permitted/) - The landscape of retirement planning is constantly evolving, with new legislation and rules changing how we save for our golden years. One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the increased flexibility in moving funds from traditional pre-tax retirement accounts to Roth accounts. This is a game-changer for many, offering the chance
- [The Great Escape: Why Younger Generations Are Ditching Traditional Credit for BNPL and Digital Banking](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-great-escape-why-younger-generations-are-ditching-traditional-credit-for-bnpl-and-digital-banking/) - For years, the gold standard for financial health was a robust credit score built on a foundation of responsible credit card use. But a new generation of consumers has arrived, and they are writing a new financial rulebook. Younger Americans, burdened by student loans and wary of the 2008 financial crisis they witnessed firsthand, are
- [Using the New $40,000 SALT Deduction Cap in 2026 for Your 2025 Tax Filing](https://savingtoinvest.com/2018-state-and-local-taxes-salt-10000-deduction-cap-and-impact-on-your-federal-taxes/) - [Updated following passage of OBBB] The world of personal finance is a constant dance of numbers, rules, and ever-shifting legislation. For millions of American homeowners and high-earners, few changes have been as impactful—and as debated—as the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), many families in high-tax
- [What Are You Really Quitting To Chase?](https://savingtoinvest.com/what-are-you-really-quitting-to-chase/) - There’s a classic story about a fisherman and a businessman. The businessman is on vacation and sees a fisherman relaxing on his boat. The businessman asks why the fisherman doesn’t stay out longer to catch more fish. The fisherman says he catches enough to feed his family. The businessman, a hard-charging type, lays out a
- [The End of an Era: What Amazon's New Prime Sharing Rules Mean for Your Finances](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-end-of-an-era-what-amazons-new-prime-sharing-rules-mean-for-your-finances/) - For years, many of us have enjoyed the financial perk of sharing our Amazon Prime membership. Whether it was with a college-aged child, a sibling, or a close friend who lived far away, the "Prime Invitee Program" was a way to stretch your household budget by sharing a valuable subscription. It was a simple and
- [2026 Tax Season Preview: A Complete Guide to Key Filing Dates and Deadlines](https://savingtoinvest.com/2026-tax-season-preview-a-complete-guide-to-key-filing-dates-and-deadlines/) - While the official start date can vary slightly each year, the IRS typically begins accepting and processing individual tax returns in late January 2026. This is the green light for you to submit your tax return electronically. Even if you've been working on your taxes since the new year started, you can't officially file until
- [The Real Story Behind Your Zillow and Redfin Home Estimates](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-real-story-behind-your-zillow-and-redfin-home-estimates/) - In the world of personal finance, few assets feel as significant as your home. For many, it's not just a place to live; it's a long-term investment and the biggest number on their balance sheet. So, when it comes to understanding its value, it's easy to get fixated on two famous numbers: the Zillow Zestimate
- [Protecting your Job in Turbulent Times](https://savingtoinvest.com/protecting-your-job-in-turbulent/) - With a general slowing of the economy it is at times like this we need to most careful of protecting our financial livelihood, which for most people is derived from their jobs. Positions that seemed safe just a few months ago are at risk due to company collapses and corporate cutbacks. Here are three effective
- [A $967 "Bonus" Payment? Understanding the Social Security Calendar](https://savingtoinvest.com/a-967-bonus-payment-understanding-the-social-security-calendar/) - You may have seen headlines about a "bonus" Social Security payment of $967 being sent out to recipients. The idea of an extra check can be exciting, especially in today's economy where every dollar counts. But before you start spending that "bonus," it's crucial to understand what's really happening. The truth is, there's no bonus
- [How to Make Big Financial Changes With Small, Sustainable Steps](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-to-make-big-financial-changes-with-small-sustainable-steps/) - We've all been there: January 1st rolls around, and you declare, "This is the year I'll get my finances in order!" You decide you're going to pay off all your debt, save 50% of your income, and never eat out again. For a few weeks, you're a superhero. You pack your lunch religiously, track every
- [A Firing from the White House: What the Lisa Cook Case Means for Your Job Security](https://savingtoinvest.com/a-firing-from-the-white-house-what-the-lisa-cook-case-means-for-your-job-security/) - The recent news that President Donald Trump attempted to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has put a spotlight on a complex and often misunderstood area of employment law. While the specifics of this high-profile case are unique to a federal official, they raise a critical question for every American worker: Can my boss fire
- [Don't Move the Couch, Kid: A Dad's Guide to Saving Money on Your First Apartment](https://savingtoinvest.com/dont-move-the-couch-kid-a-dads-guide-to-saving-money-on-your-first-apartment/) - The call came in just a few weeks ago. My son, home for the summer after his freshman year, was bubbling with excitement. "Dad, I found a place! Me and a couple of guys from the dorm are getting an apartment next year." I’m happy for him, really. It’s a rite of passage, a big
- [Worried about your tax refund? Get the latest updates on processing times, filing dates, and tips to avoid delays](https://savingtoinvest.com/extended-tax-refund-delays-and-expected-irs-processing-schedule-for-returns-with-exceptions/) - The IRS says that most refunds will be paid within 21 days, but many tax filers are finding out (yet again) that it could take much longer, despite filing early and getting their return accepted by the IRS. Waiting weeks, months or even a whole tax season for IRS updates has not been uncommon for
- [$23 Minimum Food Stamp SNAP Benefit Unchanged For Many Seniors in 2025-2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/seniors-and-veterans-surviving-on-23-minimum-food-stamp-snap-benefit/) - With the end of the pandemic food stamp program (SNAP) boost, many single and dual person households are now only getting a measly $23 in monthly benefits! This minimum food stamp amount did not change in the latest SNAP monthly allotment updates published by the USDA. It also looks like this won't change in 2025.
- [2026 GS Pay Raise Not Looking Likely For Federal Employees](https://savingtoinvest.com/2026-gs-pay-raise-outlook-not-looking-likely-federal-employees/) - Federal employees are facing growing uncertainty regarding the 2026 General Schedule (GS) pay raise due to various political and economic factors. While the official decision is still months away, recent signals from the Executive Branch (Trump administration) and ongoing economic discussions point to a heightened likelihood of a significant pay freeze, or at best, a
- [Immigrant Application Fees Skyrocket Under Trump’s OBBB in 2025 and 2026](https://savingtoinvest.com/immigrant-application-fees-skyrocket-under-trumps-obbb-in-2025-and-2026/) - When people talk about immigration reform, the conversation usually drifts toward border walls, asylum policies, or green card caps. But one of the most consequential changes in Trump’s newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is something less visible — yet just as impactful: immigration application fees. Yes, you read that right. The cost to
- [Are You Eligible For a Charitable Tax Deduction Worth Up to $2000?](https://savingtoinvest.com/are-you-eligible-for-a-charitable-tax-deduction-worth-up-to-2000/) - We all want to make a difference, right? Whether it's supporting a local animal shelter, contributing to a cause that's helping kids, or just giving a few bucks to that friendly bell-ringer outside the grocery store, being generous feels good. But what if I told you that your good deeds could also offer a nice
- [IRS Tax Filing Extension Deadline - When Will I Get My Refund or What If Owe The IRS More Money](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-deadline-tips-filing-late-requesting-an-extension-installment-plans-and-refund-status/) - The date for filing a tax return filing extension for the current tax season is April 15th. Maine and Massachusetts have 2 extra days due to state holidays. Not filing for an extension or not paying your tax liability could mean some stiff penalties. Given the ongoing IRS processing delays, those filing extensions and expecting
- [Missed the Tax Deadline - Should You File a Return or File an Extension?](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-you-file-a-tax-return-or-file-a-tax-extension/) - For the majority of tax filers mid-April is the deadline to file their tax return. Even if you don't have enough money to pay your entire tax liability you must take action. Inside your head, you scream, "I need more time!" But before you stress out realize that the IRS offers a 6-month tax filing deadline
- [Do You Need to File a BOI Report for Your LLC? The Latest Treasury Update](https://savingtoinvest.com/do-you-need-to-file-a-boi-report-for-your-llc-the-latest-treasury-update/) - If you own an LLC, you’ve probably heard about the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This new rule, which took effect on January 1, 2024, requires many businesses to disclose their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). But with lawsuits, government backtracking, and new Treasury
- [2025 Tax Refund Release Dates and IRS Payment Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/tax-refund-release-and-confirmed-payment-dates/) - The tax season heat is on, and good news! The IRS is releasing refunds sooner than expected for many filers. Want to know exactly when your money is arriving? Then see the table below and what is being reported online. While refunds held by the PATH freeze are now being paid, many taxpayers are seeing
- [Does this transcript update mean I Get my DDD? 2025 PATH Refund Status and Payment Release Dates](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-will-2025-path-act-refunds-be-released-and-expected-payment-dates/) - Tax filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) who file early in January or February may face unexpected delays or holds on their refunds due to the PATH Act 2025 PATH refunds now being processed The good news is that PATH held refunds are now being processed and
- [Taxes and my Paycheck Withholdings](https://savingtoinvest.com/taxes-and-my-paycheck/) - When I moved here a long time ago one of the financial mysteries for me was the taxes on my paycheck. This included what would be deducted from my pay check and more importantly how much should I withhold to meet my tax obligations. I learned the importance of understanding this the hard way with
- [Tax Refund Approved + Scheduled! Check 846 Status & IRS Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/is-your-2024-tax-refund-on-the-way-check-irs-refund-tracker-for-status-and-your-transcript-for-code-846/) - Tax season brings questions, anxieties, and a constant vigil over tax transcripts and the IRS' Where's My Refund (WMR) tool. However its important to realize that your tax transcript and the WMR or IRS2Go mobile app for checking you refund status are two different applications. But they are interlinked when it comes to IRS processing
- [Understanding IRS Tax Transcript Codes 290 and 291 - Additional Tax Assessed or Refund Adjustment](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-transcript-code-290-and-291-additional-tax-assessed-and-update-or-return-processing-and-refund-payment/) - Folks who have been waiting for a long time on their tax return processing and refund status may see transaction code 290 and 291 on their (free) IRS tax transcript once processing is moved forward by the IRS. Per the screenshot below, transaction code 290 will generally be accompanied by the line, "Additional tax assessed,"
- [IRS Tax Transcript For Adjusted Amended Returns With No Refund or Offsets Delaying Payment](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-tax-transcript-reviews-for-adjusted-amended-returns-with-no-refund-or-offsets-delaying-payment/) - I see many readers on this site and across various social media channels post questions around their tax transcript in hope of getting help or an answer on their adjusted/amended tax return and/or to find out more with what is happening with their refund. In this article I'll summarize some of these questions and responses
- [Filled My Taxes Wrong or Got Another W2 or 1099 - How to Fix Post-Filing Issues](https://savingtoinvest.com/filled-my-taxes-wrong-or-got-another-w2-or-1099-how-to-fix-post-filing-issues/) - A lot of people are eager to file early in hopes of getting their tax refund sooner, but also find that after filing they may have missed some key data or gotten additional information late, like a Employer W2 or 1099-X form - that is required to be reported in their tax return. This creates
- [Why Is My Tax Refund Still Processing in 2025](https://savingtoinvest.com/still-waiting-for-last-years-irs-tax-refund-as-past-year-tax-returns-delayed-due-to-manual-processing/) - Seeing a lot of comments from filers this year saying that not only have then not gotten their refund payments but are still waiting for their tax refund for returns filed last year! Why the Ongoing Delay in Processing Returns and Paying Refunds? The main reason for this is that the IRS has millions of
- [People NOW Seeing Their Tax Refunds in 2025 Plus Tips on What to do if Your Refund Has Not Yet Been Received](https://savingtoinvest.com/people-seeing-tax-returns-and-refunds-being-processed-and-accepted/) - The IRS has announced that it is now processing tax returns for all taxpayers, including those who filed a return including those who claimed the EITC/ACTC. Unlike prior years, processing seems to be much smoother this year. The number of returns processed by the I.R.S. was down about 10 percent from a year earlier, according
- [Why Did My Refund Go Down After The IRS Adjusted My Tax Return](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-made-changes-to-your-tax-return-that-changed-the-amount-of-your-refund/) - Many tax payers are seeing the following startling messages on WMR or IRS2Go when they go to check the status of their refund. Naturally their reaction is one of shock, followed by frustration and anger. These notifications are to inform tax filers about adjustments the IRS automatically made that either reduced or eliminated their entire
- [2024-2025 Tax Season Refund News & Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/2024-tax-season-refund-news-updates/) - With tax season well underway millions of Americans are filing their returns, with many expecting a juicy refund. Last year the average refund was over $3,100 but is expected to be lower this year with fewer tax credits and stimulus payments available to most. If you are waiting for your refund it should be processed
- [American Opportunity Tax Credit 2025 For Students: Eligibility, Income Limits, and Phase-out Details](https://savingtoinvest.com/american-opportunity-tax-credit-extension-for-2011-and-2012-eligiblity-income-and-phase-out-limits/) - The AOTC allows parents and students to receive a tax credit of up to $2,500 for qualified undergraduate college expenses, based on certain income limits. The AOTC replaced the smaller Hope credit a few years ago as part of bills passed under the Obama administration (see section below for origin). The expanded credit will benefit
- [If i Bought a Car Can I Claim it On My Taxes? Sales Tax Section 179 Deduction](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-i-claim-the-sales-tax-on-my-new-or-used-car-purchase/) - Many people overlook possible tax deductions when they file their income tax returns. One of the many deductions that people miss is the sales tax that was paid on a new or used car. This is a tricky deduction, however. You can claim sales tax paid or state income tax withheld, but not both on your income
- [Refund Direct Deposit Date (DDD) Earlier Than Expected? 2024 IRS Direct Deposit Timings, Payment Delays and Fixing Incorrect Bank Information](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-will-my-tax-refund-be-release-and-deposited-into-my-bank-account/) - Despite ongoing processing delays the IRS is continuing to process and pay tax refunds. However there are still a lot of folks seeing delays in getting their refund payment despite the Where is My Refund (WMR) IRS tool showing that the return has been approved (2 bars) and/or refund sent (3 bars) 2024 Tax season Direct
- [2024 Electric Vehicle Tax Credit - Extending the EV Clean Car Rebate For New and Used Autos](https://savingtoinvest.com/extending-the-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-for-new-and-used-cars/) - Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the EV Tax Credit was extended for several more years. It will also be expanded to cover both new and used cars. The original EV tax credit, known as the plug-in electric vehicle credit, has been rebranded to the Clean Vehicle Credit (CVC) under the IRA bill and covers
- [Emergency Extra SNAP Payments Have Ended - Latest News and Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/emergency-snap-payments-ending-in-march-2023-get-ready-for-lower-state-allotments-and-double-hit-from-higher-social-security-benefits/) - The USDA has officially announced that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) emergency allotments, which were implemented as a temporary increase to monthly SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic have officially ended. This means for remaining residents in states who received a USDA waiver to participate in the temporary SNAP expansion program (see list below) will
- [2024 GS Locality Pay Raise and Table for Washington-Baltimore-Arlington Area (DC, MD,VA, WV, PA)](https://savingtoinvest.com/gs-locality-pay-raise-and-table-for-washington-baltimore-arlington-area/) - For the locality of "WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE-ARLINGTON - (DC, MD,VA, WV, PA)," (DMV area) the latest GS pay scale table is shown below, which incorporates the 4.7% GS base pay increase and locality payment adjustment of 16.82%. This brings the total 2024 pay increase for this geography to 4.99%. What is the General Schedule (GS) and Locality
- [Am I Saving Enough in my 401K and IRA - Comparison by Age](https://savingtoinvest.com/2011-average-401k-and-ira-returns-and-2012-performance-outlook/) - 10 or so years later, I thought I would revisit how Americans (and myself) are doing with their retirements savings in 401K and IRA plans. This is particularly important as Americans age and contribution limits keep rising. Based on Fidelity's 2022 report, the average 401(k) balance is $121,700. This is up nearly $50,000 from 10
- [How Much Will 2024 Social Security and SSI Increase After Record 2023 COLA Increase - Extra Monthly Payment Amount](https://savingtoinvest.com/2013-cola-increase-provides-a-1-7-raise-for-social-security-income-and-benefits-to-federal-and-military-retirees/) - [Updated for projected 2024 Increase] Soaring inflation and related Fed rate hiking actions had a silver lining for many eligible recipients in 2023, with a 8.7% increase (~$145 p/month) in Social Security (SS) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023. The 2024 increase however is expected to much smaller as inflation cools, with estimates and current CPI
- [If You Need to Ask About Your Refund or Make Change To Your Return](https://savingtoinvest.com/if-you-need-to-ask-about-your-refund-or-make-change-to-your-return/) - Within 48 hours of submitting your electronic tax return, the IRS will notify your Electronic Return Originator (ERO) - which could be your accountant, tax preparer or tax software company - of its acceptance. In the event that your return is rejected, the IRS will inform your ERO of the reasons for the rejection. The
- [Common Tax Refund Myths and Fake News](https://savingtoinvest.com/common-tax-refund-myths-and-fake-news/) - It's tax season and social media is abuzz with tax related information. This includes news related to refund payments, which millions of Americans are anxiously waiting to get. Unfortunately this also creates an environment of false information (fake news!), deceitful ideas, and outright scams around refund payments and getting them ASAP. Here are some common
- [2023 Commodity Supplemental Food Program - Helping Low Income Seniors and Children](https://savingtoinvest.com/2023-commodity-supplemental-food-program-helping-low-income-seniors-and-children/) - Under various state administered food stamp or SNAP programs, there is a sub-program called the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) which benefits over 600,000 seniors annually. This program seeks to further help seniors and children with supplementing access to healthy foods via local USDA approved food banks and grocery distribution centers. To qualify Seniors over 60
- [Would You Be Considered Poor Based on 2023 Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) Guidelines and Thresholds](https://savingtoinvest.com/would-you-be-considered-poor-based-on-federal-poverty-levels/) - In these tough economic times with rising inflation and high interest rates, many of us may feel quite poor. But feeling poor, versus being poor according to the government are two different things. In fact, the Census Bureau and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide actual numbers to classify poverty; and these measures
- [IRS Debt Forgiveness With A Offer In Compromise](https://savingtoinvest.com/settle-your-irs-debt-with-a-offer-in-compromise/) - An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is a program offered by the Treasury and IRS that allows taxpayers to settle their federal tax debt or liability for less than the full amount owed. The OIC program can provide taxpayers, be it individuals or businesses, who are facing financial hardship a road back to financial stability. It
- [Which Tax Software Package Gets the Fastest and Largest Refund in 2023](https://savingtoinvest.com/which-tax-software-providers-provide-the-fastest-and-largest-refund/) - I recently ran a poll on my YouTube channel that asked tax filers who have got their refund, or confirmation of it being paid, which tax software provider they used. Below are the result of the poll. Obviously the poll is not a scientific study, but it does correlate surprisingly well to what I am
- [7 Considerations for the 2022 Tax Year – Individual and Small Business Tax Breaks, Credits & Deductions When Filing in 2023](https://savingtoinvest.com/7-considerations-for-the-2021-tax-year-individuals-and-small-business-tax-breaks-credits-deductions-when-filing-in-2022/) - The 2022 tax year will be quite different from 2021 given the number of expiring provisions, which will see reduced refunds for many Americans in 2023. This article will cover some of the main tax changes, so you don’t miss out on any of the major tax credits or deductions when filing your return. Federal
- [2023 FHFA Conforming Loan Limits For Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgages Exceed $1 Million in Some Areas](https://savingtoinvest.com/conforming-mortgage-loan-limits-for-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac/) - The maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has significantly from last year, per Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) guidelines as shown in the table below. The conforming loan limits (CLL) are established under the terms of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), and are re-calculated each year. The law sets
- [American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 (HR 4213) Update - New Tax Breaks, Unemployment Insurance and Home Buyer Credit Extension](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-tax-breaks-and-stimulus-credits-in-the-american-jobs-and-closing-tax-loopholes-act-of-2010/) - [Update July 2010] - This bill - HR4213 - was passed by Congress and is expected to signed into law by the President. The bill, also known as the American Jobs and Closing Loopholes Act of 2010 originally contained a provision to extend unemployment benefits, as well as a number of expiring tax provisions, which
- [Fiscal Cliff: Payroll Credit and Income Tax Cut Extensions, Unemployment Insurance and Reserve Bank Actions](https://savingtoinvest.com/2013-fiscal-stimulus-payroll-credit-and-income-tax-cut-extensions-unemployment-insurance-and-reserve-bank-actions/) - The American economy is experiencing a seeming reversal of fortune following significant internal and external headwinds. The stock market, which tends to be a leading indicator of the economy, is back to 2011 levels. GDP and employment figures are also showing signs of slowing down. Some experts, including former President Clinton, have even suggested that
- [New 401(k) Fee Disclosure and Pension Funding Provisions in American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213)](https://savingtoinvest.com/new-401k-fee-disclosure-and-pension-funding-provisions-in-american-jobs-and-closing-tax-loopholes-act-h-r-4213/) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation today that includes a provision to expose hidden 401(k) fees that may be eating into Americans’ retirement savings. The provision was part of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213). A majority of American workers rely on 401(k)-style plans to finance their retirements, but most
- [2013 Tax Rates and Brackets, Standard Deduction and Personal Exemptions Updated in Federal IRS Tax Table](https://savingtoinvest.com/potential-2013-tax-rates-with-bush-obama-tax-cuts-expiration/) - [Updated with 2013 IRS inflation adjusted tax brackets and fiscal cliff changes] Congress and the Obama administration's fiscal cliff deal (ATRA act) means that 2013 federal tax rates will remain fixed for nearly 99% of the population. Only those earning above $450,000/$400,000 (married/single) AGI will have a higher federal marginal tax rate in 2013, relative to 2012 levels.
- [Financial Reform Bill Summary - What it Means to Your Future. Free Credit Score, Bank Stocks and Consumer Protection Measures](https://savingtoinvest.com/financial-reform-approved-what-it-means-to-your-financial-future-free-credit-score-bank-stocks-and-consumer-protection-measures/) - [Updated] Approved! Congress and the President have approved the financial reform bill (detailed below) that would revamp the nation's financial regulatory system. It will allow for the creation of a consumer financial protection bureau at the Federal Reserve, give regulators new powers to liquidate failing financial firms whose collapse would threaten the economy and create a council of financial
- [Are Treasury I-Bonds a Good Investment? Downside Risks and Tax Considerations](https://savingtoinvest.com/buying-a-treasury-i-savings-bond-and-purchase-limits/) - So after seeing a lot of buzz around the amazing yields being paid on Treasury Series I Savings Bonds (I-Bonds), I decided to take the plunge and buy some for my wife and I as a place to park some cash while the stock market gyrates and inflation remains stubbornly high. The buying experience was
- [Latest IRS Tax Brackets and Rates With Standard Deduction and Personal Exemption Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/2014-irs-tax-brackets-and-rates-with-standard-deduction-and-personal-exemption-updates/) - See this article for the latest IRS updates to federal tax brackets and standard deductions. ____________ Below are the 2014 IRS federal tax brackets based on annual inflation adjustments. Given the low inflation environment there were only moderate increases in tax brackets, standard deductions and to the personal exemption. The main changes for the 2014 tax year
- [2023 Teachers IRS Tax Deduction - Expense Limit Raised For Elementary and Secondary School Educators](https://savingtoinvest.com/2011-expiring-tax-breaks-which-ones-will-be-extended-in-to-2012/) - Teachers and other personnel at K-12 schools can take a tax deduction for classroom supplies that they buy out of their own pockets, whether they itemize or not. This deduction amount is adjusted on a semi-regular basis, with the latest amounts shown below. It has been raised for the 2023 tax year by $50. The
- [2022-2023 Social Security and SSI Raise via Record COLA Increase](https://savingtoinvest.com/social-security-and-ssi-raise-via-cola-increase-highest-since-global-financial-crisis/) - The SSA released the final figure for the 2022 COLA increase which affects nearly 70 million Americans collecting social security and SSI benefits. The 2022 raise was 5.9%, which translates to an extra $92 in retirees’ average monthly benefit next year. It was nearly 5 times last years increase. See the latest on the 2023
- [Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages - Is This The Right Option and Factors to Consider](https://savingtoinvest.com/look-at-pros-and-cons-of-reverse/) - Reverse mortgages are becoming an increasingly popular financing offering with our aging baby boomer population, looking for ways to unlock the value from their homes. Simply defined, reverse mortgages are a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of the equity in his or her home into cash. The equity
- [Do I Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return? Maybe Not If You Meet These IRS Guidelines even Though it Could be a Good Idea](https://savingtoinvest.com/do-i-need-to-file-a-federal-income-tax-return-in-2016-2017-maybe-not-if-you-meet-these-irs-guidelines/) - [Updated Income Thresholds] The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends that all adults file a tax return. Obviously, the IRS wants to have everyone pay their taxes but it is also an important way for the government to ensure that it pays out subsidies, stimulus payments and tax credits to the groups that they were intended
- [How to Invest and Buy Cryptocurrency Like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Other Digital Coins - A Beginners Guide](https://savingtoinvest.com/bitcoin-ethereum-and-other-crypto-explained-for-over-50-investors-where-and-how-to-invest-in-digital-coins-and-currency/) - This article was inspired by a few of my older family members who have had a discussion that generally goes like this: "Andy, I am hearing that Bitcoin and Dogecoin [or insert any Crypto currently in vogue] are the place to invest and have been doubling almost weekly. Is this true and how do I
- [Can I Make 401K or IRA to Roth IRA Conversions? What Are The New Rules and Income Limits](https://savingtoinvest.com/can-i-make-401k-or-ira-to-roth-ira-conversions-in-2012-and-2013-what-are-the-new-rules-and-income-limits/) - [2013 Update] With a deal to avert the fiscal cliff reached and legislated under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) of 2012, a couple of significant employer sponsored retirement plan features have reappeared with some modifications. This includes the Roth 401(k) conversion and Charitable IRA contributions. You can read more about these updated provisions in this
- [Deficit Reduction Plan: Solve America's Debt Problem By Cutting Taxes, Social Security, Medicare and Federal Retirement Benefits](https://savingtoinvest.com/solving-americas-debt-problem-by-cutting-taxes-social-security-medicare-and-federal-retirement-benefits/) - To tackle America’s growing national debt problem, President Obama put together a task force earlier this year to look at options on how to cut government spending, implement tax reform and improve the effectiveness of federal entitlement programs. The deficit reduction commission co-chairs (Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson) put forward a $3.8 trillion deficit-cutting draft
- [Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Change With COLA Increase](https://savingtoinvest.com/2013-average-monthly-social-security-benefits-change-with-cola-increase/) - See this article for the latest COLA increase - https://savingtoinvest.com/social-security-tax-and-cost-of-living-adjustment-cola The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that the 2013 COLA increase will be 1.7%. This means that nearly 62 million Americans will see their benefit payments increase in January 2013, with the average retiree receiving a $21 increase. As detailed in the table below, retired couples will
- [2020 Payroll Tax Deferral - When Will It Start and How Much Extra in My Pay Check?](https://savingtoinvest.com/2020-payroll-tax-cut/) - Per Trump's order (see below) to suspend employee payroll taxes for 2020 and defer them to 2021, many eligible workers will enjoy a temporary boost to their paychecks in 2020. See this article for more details on how this is implemented per IRS guideline. The employee payroll tax break is equivalent to 6.2% of a worker's
- [How You Can Get a 14% Effective Tax Rate Like Mitt Romney and Other Super-Rich Americans](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-you-can-get-a-14-effective-tax-rate-like-mitt-romney-and-other-super-rich-americans/) - GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife paid a 14% effective income tax rate in 2010 on nearly $22 million of income. Given the marginal federal income tax rate for anyone making over $35,350 (single) or $70,700 (married) is higher than 15%, it is pretty clear that the Romney's are paying way below what
- [Do I have to Pay Taxes and How Nearly 50% of American Households Pay No Federal Taxes](https://savingtoinvest.com/do-i-have-to-pay-taxes-and-how-nearly-50-of-american-households-pay-no-federal-taxes/) - To answer the first part of the question. The answer is yes you have to pay taxes. In fact despite all the conspiracy theories and constant political threats to shut down the IRS because, taxes are the law of the land. It is known as the Internal Revenue Tax Code, which is Title 26 of the
- [2011 Tax Brackets - Updated IRS Federal Income Tax Tables and Income Thresholds](https://savingtoinvest.com/2011-tax-benefits-to-increase-with-updated-irs-tax-tables-and-income-thresholds/) - [Update] - See this article for 2012 and 2013 Tax Rates/Brackets The IRS has released its 2011 Tax Rates and Income thresholds following approval of the Bush-Era Tax Cuts. The latest 2011 IRS federal tax table is shown below with the following key tax changes: Personal exemptions and standard deductions will rise and tax brackets
- [Combining Insurance Policies For Bigger Discounts and More Convenience](https://savingtoinvest.com/combining-insurance-policies-for-discounts-and-convenience/) - Buying auto insurance, whether it’s business auto insurance or private auto insurance, can prove to be one of the most exhaustive processes to go through, and can also prove to be one of the most expensive bills that you have as well. Consumers are constantly looking for ways they can reduce the cost of their
- [Beware COVID Stimulus Scams for IRS Tax Data, Bank Payment Information and Personal Details](https://savingtoinvest.com/beware-irs-stimulus-email-scam/) - [Update] - With the multi-round Coronavirus stimulus relief payments being paid out based on past year(s) tax return data (or SSI payment data), there has been a spike in emails, text and telephone scams where criminals are purporting to be from the IRS or Treasury asking for you to provide SSN and payment (bank) details.
- [Itemized Deductions and Pease Personal Exemption Phase-out Income Limit Changes Under Biden Plan](https://savingtoinvest.com/itemized-deductions-and-personal-exemption-phase-out-income-limit-changes-to-adversely-affect-millions-of-taxpayers/) - Under the latest Biden tax proposals, there is talk of restoring the the tax benefit limitation of itemized deductions to 28 percent of value for those earning more than $400,000. The proposal would also restores the Pease limitation on itemized deductions for taxable incomes above $400,000 that is discussed below and eliminated under the Trump
- [Looking Beyond the Monthly Payment Saving and Calculating the True Cost of Your Mortgage Refinance](https://savingtoinvest.com/refinancing-myth-looking-beyond-the-monthly-payment-and-calculating-the-true-cost-of-your-refinance/) - Mortgage lenders often attract homeowners seeking to lower their mortgage interest rate with some simple math, usually presented in one of two ways: 1) Comparing the nominal closing costs to the total savings from 30 years of a lower monthly payment, or 2) How few months it will take before you break even with your
- [COBRA Health Care Premium Subsidy in Biden ARP Economic Stimulus Package](https://savingtoinvest.com/cobra-health-care-premium-reductions/) - Under the Biden administration’s nearly $2 trillion stimulus package, also known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP), provisions have been added to provide relief for many Americans to save on private health Insurance if they are out of a job, and on COBRA benefit from their employer or getting insurance via Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) through
- [When Should You Start Saving for Your Child's College Education? Right Now.](https://savingtoinvest.com/when-should-you-start-saving-for-your-childs-college-education-right-now/) - A set of three couples sit around an oval table, discussing the future of their newborns. A father asks, "Has anyone actually started saving for college yet?" One parent cries, "Ugh not me." Another parent tries to explain, "No, no you got time." But then the "smart" couple confesses and says, "On no. We've actually
- [The Best Retirement Plans for Young Workers And How Much You Should Be Contributing](https://savingtoinvest.com/the-best-retirement-plans-for-young-workers/) - It's not breaking news that you should be saving for retirement. Most employed people understand this fact, so hopefully, you are setting some cash aside for your golden years despite your day to day living expenses. The tricky part of retirement financial planning is figuring out how much you should actually save and where it
- [Mortgage Refinancing in the Age of the Pandemic](https://savingtoinvest.com/mortgage-refinancing-in-the-age-of-the-pandemic/) - Mortgage rates are at a record lows fluctuating right around 3%, down from nearly 7% in 2008 - so is it time to refinance your mortgage? With all the uncertainty the pandemic has brought refinancing your mortgage may be a significant financial lever for a lower monthly payment or to take out some equity from
- [Privacy Policy For Saving to Invest](https://savingtoinvest.com/privacy-policy-of-saving-to-invest/) - We respect your privacy and we are committed to safeguarding your privacy while online at https://savingtoinvest.com/. We will not rent, sell, lease, or give away any of your personal information. The following discloses the information gathering and dissemination practices for this web site. By using the site, you accept the practices described here. This Privacy
- [2019 - 2020 Tax Filing Season Deadline Extended for 90 days to July 2020](https://savingtoinvest.com/2020-tax-filing-deadline-extension-past-april-15/) - With the Coronavirus shutting down several public institutions and forcing teleworking for millions of government employees, the IRS has announced, under the national emergency provision to tackle the Coronavirus, that they will postpone the April 15 tax-payment deadline by 90 additional days. This will affect and likely help millions of tax payers to pay their
- [Trump GOP Tax Plan, Cuts and Changes in 2017, 2018 and Beyond - Latest Updates and Final Bill](https://savingtoinvest.com/trump-tax-plan-cuts-and-changes-in-2017-2018-and-beyond/) - [Latest update] Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate have now passed a combined tax reform bill along party lines for President Trump's Tax Reform measures under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See the table below that contrasts changes from earlier versions in each chamber versus what is in the final bill that goes to the
- [Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest The Extra Cash?](https://savingtoinvest.com/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-early-or-invest-the-extra-cash/) - Many of us dream about how it would feel to not have a monthly mortgage payment. Owning your home free and clear is the aspiration of numerous homeowners. But even without – in most cases – that hefty payment leaving your checkbook every 30 days, there are actually some reasons not to pay off your
- [How Leveraged and Inverse ETFs Can Fool You With Absolute vs. Relative Returns](https://savingtoinvest.com/how-leveraged-and-inverse-etfs-can-fool-you-with-absolute-vs-relative-returns/) - Leveraged and Inverse Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a very popular tool for investors trying to super charge their gains from the volatility in market movements. Leveraged ETFs promise to provide a multiple of the returns on the underlying index they track. An inverse ETF on the other hand tries to deliver returns that are
- [2013 Home Energy Tax Credits Extended](https://savingtoinvest.com/green-energy-home-and-auto-tax-crdits/) - [2013 Update] As part of the deal to avert the fiscal cliff, legislated under the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) of 2012, certain energy tax credits were extended into 2013. You can read this article for an overview of these credits and other 2013 income tax related changes. The$500 tax credit for installing energy efficient improvements to existing
- [Paying off Your Mortgage Early- What Would You Do With The Spare Cash](https://savingtoinvest.com/paying-off-your-mortgage-what-would-you/) - Not having to pay rent or a mortgage is one of the key steps to financial freedom. It frees up what is most likely your biggest expense and allows you to channel that money to other wealth building pursuits. I currently pay about $3500 a month in rent (including taxes), and have a long way to go
- [Your 2013 Tax Rate - Understanding Your IRS Marginal and Effective Tax Bracket](https://savingtoinvest.com/your-2013-tax-rate-understanding-your-irs-marginal-and-effective-tax-bracket/) - With the 2012 tax season in the rear view mirror, its time to start thinking about 2013 taxes and strategies that you can put in place to minimize taxes owed in 2014. But before that take some time to familiarize yourself with the new 2013 tax brackets shown below. But, be careful in reading the table below

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- [Finding Cheaper Auto Insurance: What Will Actually Move Your Premium in 2026 and 2027](https://savingtoinvest.com/cheaper-auto-insurance/) - Full coverage car insurance now averages around $2,500 to $2,900 a year nationally — roughly $210 to $245 a month — though it swings widely by state, from under $1,500 in Vermont to over $4,200 in Maryland. Minimum coverage runs cheaper, averaging around $1,570 a year, but leaves you far more exposed if you're at
- [Best High-Yield Savings Account Rates Right Now — Top APYs and What the Fed's Next Move Means for Your Cash](https://savingtoinvest.com/high-yield-savings/) - The average savings account still pays just 0.38% APY, unchanged since April 2026. The top high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) right now pay up to 4.20% — over 10 times more on the exact same cash, with zero additional risk. If you're on this page, you're likely comparing options for parking cash you want liquid but
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- [IRS Cycle Code Decoder & Refund Date Estimator](https://savingtoinvest.com/irs-cycle-code-decoder-refund-date-estimator/) - ✅ Updated for the Current Tax Season 🔍 IRS Cycle Code Decoder & Refund Date Estimator Enter your 8-digit IRS cycle code from your tax transcript to decode your processing date and estimate when your direct deposit will arrive. 🗂️ How to Find Your IRS Cycle Code Go to IRS.gov and log in (or
- [2026-2027 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA Contribution and Income Limits](https://savingtoinvest.com/401k-ira-and-roth-ira-contribution-and-income-limits/) - 📋 2026 Key Takeaways The 2026 401(k) employee contribution limit is $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). IRA and Roth IRA limits increased to $7,500 in 2026 (up from $7,000). Workers 50+ can add an $8,000 catch-up to their 401(k), for a total of $32,500. Ages 60–63 get a super catch-up of $11,250 total (instead
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- [Crypto Resource Page - Latest News and Updates](https://savingtoinvest.com/crypto-resource-page-latest-news-and-updates/) - With all things Cryptocurrency - Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin - being in vogue now and many of my readers keenly following updates, I thought I would use this page to provide a collection of great articles, references and videos on all things Crypto that I have come across. I'll update this page with new information as
- [Lower Home Mortgage Payments With The Best New Loan and Refinance Rates](https://savingtoinvest.com/best-mortgage-rates-for-refinancing-and-new-home-loans/) - Mortgage rates are ridiculously low nowadays thanks to significant federal government policies to combat the Coronavirus/COVID-19 economic fallout. Coupled with mild inflation and already low interest rates thanks to federal reserve actions to keep markets liquid (i.e quantitative easing) we can expect low interest rates for several more years. While this is not great news