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Articles

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  A cord of firewood doesn’t have to cost a bundle

  Don’t burn a lot of cash buying firewood. Here’s how to get the best price.

  2 min read Jun 26, 2017
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  Solving a math question: How much does the SAT cost?

  The exam itself is relatively cheap, but the prep courses can test a family budget.

  3 min read Jun 20, 2017
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  How much does it cost to change your last name?

  You may seek a new name after marrying, or for a fresh start. See what you’ll pay.

  2 min read May 29, 2017
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  Do you use a strategy for wedding gift-giving? Most people do

  A Bankrate survey finds wedding guests often limit spending. Some even stay home.

  3 min read Apr 19, 2017
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  W-2 form shows my employer barely withheld taxes. Do they owe me money?

  Without pay stubs, you still can check the math on your W-2. Here’s what you can do.

  3 min read Jan 31, 2017
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  Video: Hear kids explain what Fed day is all about

  Not sure what the Fed does when it meets? Let these children fill you in.

  1 min read Dec 14, 2016
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  College students head back to class, and struggle with erratic, part-time work

  College students in particular–who often times hold down part-time jobs with irregular hours at places like retail stores, restaurants and bars—would benefit from more predictable work schedules.

  2 min read Sep 09, 2016
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  Capital loss carryover rules for long-term capital asset loss of $100,000

  You can carry over losses on certain capital assets forever, but it’s not simple.

  2 min read Apr 05, 2016
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  Can I defer passive activity loss to next year if earnings are too high?

  You can only deduct real estate losses to offset gains, but there are a couple of exceptions.

  2 min read Feb 16, 2016
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  Does debt consolidation hurt credit?

  You’ll need a financial plan in place, otherwise debt consolidation may be bad for your credit score in the long run. Here’s what you need to know.

  6 min read Feb 11, 2016
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  Capital gains tax loophole on rental property?

  You’ll have to pay capital gains on the sale of your rental property. Here’s why.

  3 min read Feb 02, 2016
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  Deduct mortgage interest on a 2nd home?

  The interest on the home you bought for your in-laws may be deductible in these cases.

  2 min read Jun 17, 2014
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  Tax benefits for education of grandkids

  While you can’t deduct your grandkids’ college costs, you can get a different tax break.

  2 min read Jan 30, 2014
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  Can passive losses offset a Roth conversion?

  It’s possible you could use passive losses from real estate to offset a Roth conversion.

  3 min read Nov 21, 2013
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  4 personal stories of the Great Recession

  The U.S. economy has improved, but the ghost of the Great Recession still haunts Americans.

  5 min read Sep 27, 2013
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  Claim tax refunds as income on tax return?

  Amended returns yielded $9,000 in tax refunds on which IRS paid interest. What should we do?

  2 min read Sep 05, 2013
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  Are investment fees tax-deductible?

  IRA fees are tax-deductible if you use outside assets to pay them.

  2 min read Feb 12, 2013
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  Taxable fringe benefits from the employer

  If an employee doesn’t pay premiums for disability insurance, are benefits taxable?

  2 min read Nov 17, 2011
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  ‘American Idol’: One contestant’s story

  The road to "American Idol" can lead to stardom, but it will still cost you.

  3 min read May 06, 2011
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  Owe the IRS taxes from years ago

  The IRS has 10 years from the date the tax is assessed to collect any unpaid balance.

  2 min read Aug 26, 2010