Make smarter decisions about insurance, credit, loans and taxes
50 in-depth, plain-English guides to help you compare options, avoid costly mistakes and keep more of what you earn.
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Latest guides
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When to Claim Social Security: 62, Full Retirement Age or 70?
When to claim Social Security: compare benefits at 62, full retirement age and 70, plus spousal and survivor rules and the earnings…
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How Much Should You Save for Retirement at Every Age?
How much to save for retirement at every age: savings benchmarks, the 4 percent rule, 15 percent guideline and catch-up strategies.
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Index Funds vs. ETFs: What’s the Difference?
Index funds vs. ETFs: how they differ in trading, fees, taxes and minimums, and which is better for long-term and beginner investors.
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401(k) vs. Roth IRA: Where Should Your Next Dollar Go?
401(k) or Roth IRA? Compare tax treatment, contribution limits, employer match, flexibility and how to split savings between both.
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How to Start Investing With Little Money
How to start investing with little money: set goals, build a cushion, pick accounts, use index funds and automate small contributions.
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How to Reduce Your Taxable Income Legally: 9 Strategies
Nine legal ways to reduce your taxable income: retirement accounts, HSAs, credits, deductions, charitable giving and smart timing.
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The Child Tax Credit Explained: Who Qualifies and How Much
The Child Tax Credit explained: who qualifies, how much it is worth, income phase-outs, refundable portion and how to claim it correctly.
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IRS Payment Plans: What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Tax Bill
Can’t pay your tax bill? Learn about IRS payment plans, short-term extensions, penalties, offers in compromise and how to apply step by…
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How Capital Gains Tax Works on Stocks, Real Estate and More
How capital gains tax works: short-term vs. long-term rates, the 0/15/20 percent brackets, home sale exclusion, losses and ways to reduce the…
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Tax Deductions for the Self-Employed: A Practical Checklist
A practical checklist of tax deductions for freelancers and the self-employed, including home office, mileage, health insurance and retirement.
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Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing: Which Saves You More?
Standard deduction or itemized deductions? Learn how each works, what counts, how to compare them and when itemizing saves more.
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How to File Your Taxes for the First Time: A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English guide to filing taxes for the first time: forms, filing status, deadlines, credits, free filing options and common mistakes.