In a year marked by exceptional growth for Bitcoin, with prices rising dramatically, investor enthusiasm is palpable. However, as Bitcoin catapults into the spotlight, cautious financial behavior should accompany such excitement. Numerous experts stress that, while Bitcoin’s impressive rise could be tempting, it should only occupy a marginal portion of a well-rounded investment portfolio —
Personal
The 2025 tax filing season is set to kick off on January 27, marking the first day that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting individual tax returns for the 2024 fiscal year. Taxpayers should take note that the deadline for filing federal returns and settling any taxes owed is April 15 of the
As the calendar flips to a new year, many individuals seize the opportunity to reflect on their lives and set resolutions for improvement. One increasingly popular resolution is to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January—a movement commonly referred to as “Dry January.” According to a recent report from Morning Consult, participation in
Navigating the labyrinth of tax obligations can be daunting for many, especially when it comes to estimated tax payments. For 2024, that crucial deadline falls on January 15. Missing this date could result in unforeseen financial penalties as highlighted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Individuals who earn income without standard withholding—such as freelancers, small
The recent enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act heralds significant changes for nearly 3 million beneficiaries of the Social Security program. Signed into law by President Joe Biden, the legislation aims to rectify long-standing inequities affecting those whose benefits were diminished due to public sector pensions. With the promise of increased payments and lump-sum
As we step into 2025, many individuals are poised to see an increase in their bank balances thanks to alterations in the IRS tax brackets. These changes, revealed in October 2024, include an approximate 2.8% rise in federal income tax thresholds compared to the more significant 5.4% adjustment seen the previous year. The more tempered
For many borrowers, the return of student loan payments after an extended pause can be daunting. However, there lies a silver lining in the realm of personal finance—the student loan interest deduction. This provision allows qualifying individuals to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid on eligible federal or private educational loans from their taxable
As the nation moves into 2025, many Americans find themselves grappling with escalating credit card debt, a financial burden that is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. A recent report from Bankrate has revealed an alarming trend: 48% of credit cardholders are now carrying debt from month to month, marking a noticeable increase from 44% at
In a significant stride towards protecting consumers from the financial fallout of medical expenses, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a new rule aimed at excluding approximately $49 billion in medical debt from credit reports. This decision is poised to influence around 15 million Americans, many of whom face the burden of medical
Target-date funds (TDFs) have surged to prominence in the landscape of retirement planning, particularly within 401(k) plans. By 2023, these funds constituted nearly 29% of total assets in average 401(k) plans, underscoring their growing acceptance and reliance among investors. This figure represents a significant increase from 16% in 2014, reflecting a trend that is expected