When I mentioned I was studying to become an Enrolled Agent, a reader asked me whether I knew any courses to learn more about taxes, not to become a tax professional but to be more knowledgeable in ...
Latest Blog Posts
Effectiveness of “Borrow 30-Year and Invest The Difference”
[Updated in August 2019 to reflect changes in the new tax law. 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction now.] Reader Dan left this comment on my post about paying a 30-year loan on a 15-year ...
Stop Tax Return Fraud: Sign Up For IRS IP PIN Program
Due to many hacks and breaches of personal information, having a tax return filed fraudulently in your name has become a problem in recent years. Criminals gather enough information about you to file ...
Add-On CD As A Hedge For Lower Interest Rates
After many years of low interest rates, savers finally got some reprieve in 2018. But it didn't last long. Interest rates headed back down in 2019. Other than in some periods in 2012-2013 and 2016, ...
2019 2020 ACA Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit Percentages
If you buy health insurance from healthcare.gov or a state-run ACA exchange, whether you qualify for a premium tax credit is determined by your income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You ...
2019 2020 401k 403b 457 TSP IRA FSA Contribution Limits
[Updated in August 2019 with projections for 2020.] Retirement plan contribution limits are adjusted for inflation each year. After inflation pushed up both the 401k/403b/457 contribution limit and ...