Author: Brian Lund
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Buying T-Bills at TreasuryDirect: A Beginner’s Walkthrough
Treasury bills are a simple, safe place for short-term cash, and you can buy them directly from the government. Here is how the process works, step by step.
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Lost Track of an Old 401(k)? A Federal Database Can Help
The Labor Department’s Retirement Savings Lost and Found database lets you search for old 401(k)s and pensions tied to your Social Security number. Here is how it works.
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Your Teen’s First Paycheck: The Rules Employers Must Follow
A first summer job comes with real rules about hours, pay, and taxes. Here is what federal law requires for teen workers, and what parents should check.
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No Tax on Tips: How the New Deduction Actually Works
The tips deduction lets workers deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips for 2025 through 2028. What counts, who qualifies, and what it doesn’t change.
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Employee or Contractor? Why the Label Changes Your Pay
Employee or independent contractor? The label decides who pays payroll tax, whether you get overtime, and where the federal rule stands in 2026.
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What the Fed’s April Decision Means for Your Savings
The Fed held rates at 3.5%-3.75% on April 29 with four dissents. What the decision means for savings accounts, CD shoppers, and your next move.
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What Americans Lost to Online Crime Last Year
The FBI’s new Internet Crime Report puts 2025 losses near $21 billion, with Americans over 60 hit hardest. Where the money went and how to report it.
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The Child Tax Credit in 2026: Amounts and Income Limits
The child tax credit is $2,200 per child for 2026, with up to $1,700 refundable. Here are the income limits, the phase-out math, and who qualifies.
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The Right Way to Check What Your Job Should Pay
Before your next raise conversation, look up what your job actually pays in your metro area using the government’s free BLS wage data. Here’s how.
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Owe the IRS? Payment Plans Start Online in Minutes
If you cannot pay a tax bill in full, the IRS lets most people set up a payment plan online in minutes. Here is how the options work and what they cost.