Personal Finance

Student loans aren't free money. If you're tempted to buy a car with your financial aid check, you might want to do the math first.

By Cherise Threewitt

The amount of available income you have after taxes, or disposable income, makes all the difference in whether you can file for bankruptcy.

By Laurie L. Dove

Some people end up filing for bankruptcy due to credit card debt, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't get a credit card again.

By Laurie L. Dove

Filing bankruptcy doesn't mean losing every single asset that you own; some of your assets may be considered exempt by the court.

By Laurie L. Dove

If you get behind on your bills due to a specific life event, a hardship letter can help convince your creditors to help you get back on track.

By Laurie L. Dove

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is difficult enough. Now you have to figure out the terminology used to describe your debts.

By Laurie L. Dove

U.S. citizens aren't the only ones who can file for bankruptcy in the U.S., but it sure can complicate things if you file and you're living in the country illegally or applying to become a citizen.

By Laurie L. Dove

Getting a flu shot while you have the flu makes no sense, and so does planning to protect your assets after you've already entered into bankruptcy. Here's what to do beforehand.

By Laurie L. Dove

Have you ever wondered how courts find out about your expenses and income during bankruptcy proceedings? That's asset discovery in action.

By Laurie L. Dove

It's difficult, but not impossible. Ready to learn how you might secure a loan after a bankruptcy?

By Laurie L. Dove

After one spouse declares bankruptcy, the other one could be left paying off the debts. Wait, really?

By Laurie L. Dove

Current hiring trends and practices can create catch-22 scenarios for those looking for work post-bankruptcy. Could your career be affected?

By Laurie L. Dove

You don't need to be a teenage millionaire to have a trust fund. Get a sense of how trusts work and whether this financial tool makes sense for your family.

By Melissa Phipps

Although you can't write off home improvements on your taxes, there are several ways you can get tax breaks for home renovations if you follow the guidelines.

By Dave Roos, Patrick J. Kiger & Kate Kershner

If there's anything certain in this world, it's that kids ask tons of questions. Sure, you may know what to say when they ask why dogs bark or why the sky is blue, but when your kids want to know about paying taxes, what should you tell them?

By Kate Kershner

Saving money is not the only reason to consider doing your taxes yourself. Sometimes, you are your own best accountant. Here's why.

By Alia Hoyt

You get two things when you donate to a charity: a feel-good moment and a tax deduction. And donations don't have to take the form of a cash or check. Property and goods and services count, too — sometimes.

By Alison Cooper

Congratulations! After months of planning, you are officially married. Now it's time to kick back, relax and ... pay the bills? Marriage may be fueled by love, but living together costs money.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Having a kid isn't a sprint. It's a marathon, one likely to have financial implications for the rest of you and your child's lives. Planning and educating early can provide an enduring source of support down the road.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

Nobody wants their business to operate at a loss. But come tax time, you might at least be able to get some help if your business is in the red.

By Susan Sherwood

Applying for a federal tax ID number couldn't be simpler. All you need is a computer, a telephone or access to a post office.

By Susan Sherwood

This might be the scariest phrase in the English language: tax audit. But not every missive you receive from the IRS is going to be bad news.

By Susan Sherwood

Sometimes called the Fair Tax, a consumption-based tax is often touted as the answer to the country's tax problems. But could it work?

By Melissa Phipps

With so many people living in one state and working in another these days, taxes can be more complicated than ever before. Here are 11 tax tips to remember when filing.

By Dave Roos & Laurie L. Dove

Adopting a child can be extremely expensive. But as newly adoptive parents you're now eligible for certain federal tax credits. Read on to find out how to file.

By Susan Sherwood