Why Social Security May Be Taxable Understanding the relationship between Social Security and taxes is essential for managing your finances, especially as you approach retirement. Below are key points regarding how Social Security benefits are taxed and how they interact with income taxes. 1. Social Security Benefits Overview Social Security provides financial assistance to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. These benefits are funded through pa

Filling out the W-4 form correctly can make a big difference in how much tax you pay throughout the year. For those filing as head of household, understanding the W-4 is especially important to ensure the right amount is withheld from your paycheck. This guide will walk you through the significance of the W-4, how to fill it out as a head of household, and how claiming a qualifying dependent under 17 can benefit you. You will also find tips for estimating your withholding acc

Let's walk through the basics of Federal Form 1040 — the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return . You’ll learn what the form is used for, how tax liability is calculated, and how the final result shows whether you owe taxes or receive a refund. This overview is designed to simplify the structure of the form and help you understand how income, adjustments, credits, and payments all come together on a single return. Watch with your copy of Form 1040 nearby so you can follow along st

When tax season arrives, married couples face an important decision: should they file their taxes jointly or separately? This choice can significantly affect the amount of tax owed, eligibility for credits, and overall financial outcome. Understanding the differences between Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) and Married Filing Separately (MFS) helps couples make informed decisions that best suit their financial situation. What Does Married Filing Jointly Mean? Married Filing Joi

Taxpayers across the country are preparing for a significant change in how state and local taxes (SALT) affect their federal tax returns. Starting with the 2025 tax year, the SALT deduction cap will increase from $10,000 to $40,000. This change could reshape tax planning strategies for many individuals and families, especially those in states with higher local taxes. Understanding this update is essential to make informed decisions and optimize your tax situation. What Is the

Financial literacy shapes how we manage money, plan for the future, and respond to economic challenges. Yet, many people struggle with understanding basic financial concepts that can improve their lives. Gaining strong financial skills is not just about handling money well today; it’s about building a foundation for long-term security and freedom. This post offers practical advice to help you master financial literacy, no matter your current knowledge level. You will find cle

The financial fallout from misusing business funds can be drastic. When you redirect funds for personal use, it disrupts cash flow. This mismanagement makes it harder to pay employees, vendors, and fulfill other obligations. Research shows that businesses that face cash flow problems struggle to survive, with only 60% lasting beyond the first three years.

Whether you’re just starting out, in growth mode, or already running a full-time operation, this episode is a must-listen. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter and ensuring that your business actually supports your life, not the other way around.

Financial flexing is the act of spending money to project an image of wealth or success even when your finances say otherwise. It’s when your credit card balance grows in the name of “treating yourself,” and when your savings shrink so you can post the perfect vacation photo. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor, there is a problem when the desire to impress becomes more important than the desire to build true wealth.

Financial boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with money, whether it's in personal finances, business dealings, or interpersonal relationships.

Join us this summer for real conversations that help you navigate finances, faith, and the future with clarity.

Due diligence turns confusion into clarity. It takes what feels risky and breaks it down into facts, patterns, and manageable variables. And just like in relationships, when you stop judging by surface impressions and start asking deeper questions, you uncover potential you didn’t see before. With knowledge comes clarity. With clarity comes strategy. And suddenly, that risky situation? Becomes a calculated decision.

Taxation in the U.S. is a complex system that includes federal, state, and local taxes.

Prepare your taxes safely and securely this tax filing season.

As the clock strikes midnight, 2025 arrives, bringing fresh potential and new opportunities. Happy New Year, everyone! Amid the joy of...

Adjusting your tax withholdings using the IRS Withholding Calculator is a great way to ensure you withhold the correct amount of taxes.

The IRS has announced various updates for the 2024 tax year that affect individual and business taxpayers. Here are some of the key tax...

Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine fortifies your resilience, and enables you to seize your seasons of success.

Gross income, also called gross earnings, is the total amount of money earned before any deductions, taxes, or expenses are taken out.

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