2026 Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: What Will You Receive?
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps offset the costs of care for children under 13 and other qualifying dependents while you work or look for work. For 2026, you can claim a percentage of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one dependent, or $6,000 for two or more dependents. Thanks to recent… read more…
What Is the Credit for Other Dependents?
The Credit for Other Dependents provides a $500 tax benefit for qualifying dependents who don’t meet the requirements for the Child Tax Credit. This credit covers dependents age 17 or older, including adult children, elderly parents and other relatives who rely on your financial support. Unlike the Child Tax Credit, this credit is nonrefundable, meaning… read more…
Pros and Cons of Putting Your House in a Trust
Your home can be one of the most valuable assets you own. Therefore, deciding what happens to it after you’re gone is a critical decision when estate planning. For many, placing their house in a trust is a smarter, more controlled alternative to a simple will. It carries valuable benefits that can save heirs significant… read more…
What Are SAFE Investments? (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
Early-stage startup investing conjures images of venture capital firms and well-connected insiders. The introduction of the Simple Agreement for Future Equity, better known as a SAFE, changed that. It gives a much broader range of investors a faster, simpler way into promising young companies. But like any investment, SAFEs come with risks and complexities any… read more…
Editor's Picks
CFA vs. CFP®: Which Do You Need?
Chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified financial planner (CFP) are common certifications for individuals working in finance, namely financial advisors. These are designed to tell a client (or employer) that the holder has received education in certain types of financial… read more…
5 Tips for Choosing a Wealth Management Firm
Wealth management firms are all different, with their own specializations and services. As a result, the process for choosing a wealth manager is a very personal one. Wealth managers work closely together with their clients to identify financial goals and… read more…
What Is a Fee-Only Financial Planner?
If a financial planner, financial advisor or another type of financial professional is fee-only, that means they receive compensation solely from the fees clients pay for their services. They do not earn commissions for recommending certain products. A fee-only structure… read more…
Why First Homes Could Be Investment Properties
If you’re young and looking to purchase a new home to live in, you may want to consider turning it into an investment property. While most people wait until after they’ve bought their first or second home to begin investing in… read more…
Data Articles and Studies
How Far Does $100,000 Go in U.S. Cities? 2026 Study
While a $100,000 income may serve as a mental threshold for a little financial breathing room, its real purchasing power depends largely on location and lifestyle. Taxes vary across the nation, with many states and even some cities tacking on additional charges to federal collections. And depending on how taxes are filed, reaching a $100,000… read more…
Medicaid and CHIP Reliance by State – 2026 Study
With some Medicaid funds to Minnesota currently halted due to fraud investigations led by Vice President JD Vance and the White House, many individuals may be wondering if their benefits could be at stake next. Statistics show that up to 33% of the population in each state, including children, may be receiving Medicaid or CHIP… read more…
What It Takes to Be Middle Class in America – 2026 Study
Often, the expectations that come with the term “middle class” include reaching home ownership, raising kids, the comfort of modest emergency funds and retirement savings, and the occasional splurge or vacation. In practice, a Pew Research definition sets the bounds of the middle class at two-thirds to two-times the median income. And as the median… read more…
Average Net Worth and Assets by State – 2026 Study
A household’s net worth can reveal a lot about their overall financial well-being. Liquid assets can provide better odds for approval for home loans or other lines of credit, cushioning for unpredictable life events, and the potential to make your money work for you through investments. But households in different locations often manage different savings… read more…
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