A quick announcement for today: I just released the 2026 edition of Taxes Made Simple. It includes all the stuff that’s new for 2026 (and 2025), such as the $1,000 charitable donation deduction for non-itemizers, the senior deduction, the deductions for qualified tip income, qualified overtime income, and vehicle loan interest. If you think it would be helpful for you or a loved one, I’d encourage you to grab a copy. Or leave a review […]

Frugal living in today’s economy looks very different than it did ten years ago. There was a time when frugal living was viewed as a quirky lifestyle choice. People pictured coupon binders, homemade laundry detergent, growing vegetables in the backyard, and saying “no” to things others considered normal. Living frugally was often treated like a hobby… or even a little extreme. Many people also consider ‘frugal living’ as a way of life that’s only for […]

Changing estate-tax thresholds could impact more couples than expected, especially those with homes, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. Reviewing trusts, beneficiaries, and asset ownership now may help families avoid costly surprises later. Pexels For many married couples, estate planning feels like something reserved for the ultra-wealthy. However, changing estate-tax thresholds are forcing more middle- and upper-income households to pay attention to how their assets are structured and protected. Federal estate tax exemptions have increased […]

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to earn the Capital One 360 Checking referral bonus and cover the key things you should know before opening your account. Capital One 360 Checking Referral Bonus – Step-By-Step Guide At the moment, Capital One is offering a $300 bonus when you open a new 360 Checking account using a referral link and complete the qualifying requirements. Here’s the step-by-step process to earn the bonus. 1. […]