Personal Finance

In 2000, a document called a military testamentary instrument was recognized by Congress to provide some clear-cut basic requirements for a military will, exempt from individual states' varying laws.

By Patrick J. Kiger

The most sweeping tax overhaul in decades became law in December 2017. What should U.S. taxpayers do in 2018 to benefit from the tax code changes?

By Dave Roos

You've probably heard the phrase "tax deductions" a hundred times. But what does it mean? And how can you be sure you're taking all the tax deductions you're entitled to?

By John Barrymore

A repeal of the Johnson Amendment would go way beyond separation of church and state.

By John Donovan

Many parents feel torn between funding their own retirement and paying for their kids' college education. But financial experts are united on which one should take priority.

By Dave Roos

Credit monitoring bureau Equifax was hacked and is offering fraud monitoring services for free. But experts say they're pretty useless.

By Dave Roos

A new meta-analysis of 150 studies finds that only one in three U.S. adults has a written living will or healthcare power of attorney documents.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Pago en Especie allows artists to meet tax obligations with a piece of art, and the government builds an impressive collection. Win-win!

By Chris Opfer

This place has been in the top spot for years.

By Alia Hoyt

If you're all about taking money from rich people who don't want to cough up their dough, the Wealth Squad is where it's at.

By John Donovan

We all want to get the best price for that sweater, that car, that house. Making a very precise offer of, say, $12.90 as opposed to $10, can help you do that. Sometimes.

By Kate Kershner

Millions of people have figured out how to get by without a bank account, whether by choice or force of circumstance.

By Oisin Curran

So-called sin taxes, excise taxes on things the government deems dangerous, can discourage bad behavior, but can they be too effective?

By Oisin Curran

Starbucks holds as much cash for its customers as a midsize bank does, says the Wall Street Journal. Gift cards have helped the company to build a prepaid empire.

By Julia Layton

But just how many are we talking, really?

By Allison Loudermilk

Whether you pay taxes on eBay sales depends on whether this is a casual hobby or a serious money-maker for you.

By Gerlinda Grimes

You have a shop on Etsy, while your partner owns an online travel agency. Should you both have tax ID numbers?

By Gerlinda Grimes

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

All of your debts are classified as secured or unsecured during a bankruptcy, which affects how they're discharged or repaid.

By Laurie L. Dove

Filing for bankruptcy can provide you with relief, but it also has some lasting repercussions that can affect your financial future.

By Laurie L. Dove

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

People aren't the only ones who file for bankruptcy. Businesses, cities, and even countries sometimes get into insurmountable debt. But who takes the "prize" for largest filing?

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