Monday, March 27, 2017

How to get a tax deduction for charitable donations

Purging closets and donating items are good for your soul and may cut your tax bill.

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Friday, March 24, 2017

Teachers are special. Even the IRS thinks so

Teachers can deduct classroom supplies, professional development courses and more.

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What is President Donald Trump's net worth?

America's first billionaire president says he's worth $10 billion. See what experts say.

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5 reasons to refinance your mortgage now

There's more than one way to refinance. Here are some of your options.

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Yes, you can get another VA home loan

The VA mortgage program isn't a one-time thing. Here's how to get another helping.

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Fed reassures mortgage market, and rates fall

The central bank lifted mortgages up, then let them fall, benefiting homebuyers.

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

5 tax mistakes that invite trouble from the IRS

These dumb tax moves can affect your personal finances well beyond tax season.

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7 things to think about with a reverse mortgage loan

Picking the right lender is crucial, but there's much more you need to consider.

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Top 10 tips for growing your savings

Spring is a great time to tidy up your savings and get your financial house in order.

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Made money on an investment? See if you owe capital gains tax

Your income determines whether you're taxed on the profits you make from investing.

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4 things US consumers must do before Brexit

You should address these personal finance matters over the next two years.

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Calculating the cost basis of a long-time family property

When you're gifted property that goes back generations, you have homework to do.

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3 important facts about zero-down VA home loans

VA mortgages require no money down. See if that offer comes with any strings.

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Americans have a big disconnect about saving money

Bankrate finds we may think we're doing better with saving than we actually are.

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Monday, March 20, 2017

Beware of these 5 terrible tax surprises

Tax law is complex, even for the experts. Watch out for these trip-ups.

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9 saving and investing tips for all ages

No matter what age you are, you should save and invest. These tips are for everyone.

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How to stow away money from side job to power retirement

If you make more than you need from a second job, stash it away and save on taxes.

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9 things to know about buying rental property with a VA loan

A lower-cost VA mortgage can finance investment property. Find out how it works.

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Friday, March 17, 2017

Avoid these 7 common retirement investing mistakes

Investing in hot sectors without a plan could sabotage your retirement. Avoid these slip-ups.

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5 mortgages that require little or no money down

Short on down-payment cash? You still have several affordable options.

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When a traditional IRA makes the most tax sense

You get a deduction upfront, but income limits apply if your employer offers a plan.

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How Brexit could affect your travel

The exchange rate is the first thing you'll notice, but there are many more benefits.

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Thursday, March 16, 2017

4 risky places to use your debit card

If you insert or swipe your debit card at these spots, your money could get swiped.

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Know the rules for your Roth IRA during tax season

You can make a contribution to an IRA for last year by the April filing deadline.

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Earned income tax credit: Complex, but worth it

The earned income tax credit could wipe out your tax bill plus get you a refund.

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New normal? Interest rates going up again after the Fed rate hike. Here's what to do

Here's when the Fed's rate increase will be reflected in your monthly bills.

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Mortgages rise. Get one sooner, not later

Even before the Fed's rate hike, mortgages went up again. Time to lock your rate?

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

6 signs you can stop working and retire early

Don't say goodbye to the work world until you've considered these important factors.

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Legitimate medical deductions to claim on taxes

These often-overlooked write-offs can make your doctor's bills pay off at tax time.

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5 things Americans need to know about Brexit

As the Brexit process moves along, see why investors have April 1 circled.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

These taxes can actually lower your IRS bill

It's true! There are some good taxes, and you can use them to reduce your IRS bill.

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8 things to know before the Fed hikes rates

A rate bump looks like a lock. Act now before some borrowing costs rise.

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Caution! 6 financial roadblocks ahead

Steer clear of these obstacles that can stand in the way of your money goals.

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4 reasons you need an HSA to go with your IRA

Health savings accounts have tax advantages to pump up your retirement portfolio.

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Monday, March 13, 2017

Don't you dare deduct these expenses!

Steer clear of forbidden tax deductions, but note these exceptions to the rules.

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Credit Union Checking Survey: Find the best account for you

Bankrate surveyed fees, yields and minimums at 50 of the largest credit unions.

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Best and worst ways to use a reverse mortgage loan

There are many good reasons to take out a reverse mortgage loan and one lousy one.

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Want free checking? Just head to a credit union

A Bankrate survey finds monthly checking fees are even rarer now at credit unions.

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Friday, March 10, 2017

Tax credits help with higher education

Families can get help via the American opportunity and lifetime learning tax credits.

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6 off-the-wall investments to shake up your IRA

Bored with your plain vanilla portfolio? Jazz it up -- if you can stomach the risk.

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A decade-by-decade retirement investing plan for you

Make the right moves toward retirement in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

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Should you skip the down payment on a VA home loan?

You don't have to make a down payment on a VA loan. See the pros and cons.

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Thursday, March 9, 2017

9 IRA secrets every saver should know

It's easy to misunderstand IRAs. We help you cut through the confusion.

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A dozen deductions for your small business

Don't cheat yourself. Even savvy small-business owners forget about these deductions.

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5 tricks to sweeten your savings a little at a time

Contribute small sums of money to your savings to get that powerful snowball effect.

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Mortgage rates climb. Lock your rate this week

Closing this spring? Here's why it's a good idea to lock your mortgage this week.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Does the IRS owe you money?

The agency is sitting on over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds. See if you qualify.

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Is the stock market too hot? See what experts say

In our new survey, top economic forecasters also name the No. 1 threat to workers.

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

2 ways to claim your home office on your taxes

Determine which is best for you the simplified or the regular home office deduction.

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Monday, March 6, 2017

You're doing it wrong: How not to handle your tax refund

A new Bankrate survey shows a third of Americans will use their tax refunds on basics. Do this instead.

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Friday, March 3, 2017

Claiming dependents on taxes: A How-to Guide

Find out the rules of claiming dependents on taxes, whether it's your child or relative.

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Tips on claiming the adoption tax credit

Raising a kid is costly, but for adoptive parents, the IRS offers a big tax break.

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Bankrate glossary: Short Sale

Short sale is a money term you need to understand. Here's how it works.

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Mortgage rates headed higher. Lock your rate now

With a Fed hike coming 'sooner rather than later,' it's the right time to make your move.

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The 10 best states for first-time homebuyers

We rank states on whether they're hospitable or hostile to housing market newbies

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Wednesday, March 1, 2017

11 must-do's for the first-time homebuyer

Here are steps you can take for making that big leap to homeownership.

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5 factors when claiming a parent as a dependent

Are you caring for an aging parent? If so, you may qualify for some tax relief.

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Bankrate glossary: Commodities

Commodities are any basic goods used in trade that are easily interchangeable. Find out about types of commodities.

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The 10 states with the highest taxes

These are the places where state and local taxes burden taxpayers the most.

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