Author: Brian Lund
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HELOC or Home Equity Loan? How to Choose
Both borrow against your house, but a HELOC and a home equity loan behave very differently. Rates, draw periods, tax rules, and the risk both products share.
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A Mid-Year Withholding Checkup Takes Ten Minutes
July is the ideal month to run the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator. Ten minutes with a pay stub can prevent both a surprise tax bill and an oversized refund.
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The Saver’s Credit Pays You to Put Money Away
The Saver’s Credit gives lower- and moderate-income workers a tax credit worth up to half of what they put into a retirement account. Here is how it works in 2026.
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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.