Personal Finance

This channel is where we explore the holistic health of your financial house. Helpful, accurate articles include topics on credit, debt management, financial planning, real estate and taxes.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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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

Despite assumptions to the contrary, members of the clergy don't have it easy when it comes to taxes. So what are the complex ins and outs of getting taxed as a religious leader?

By Jane McGrath

Confused about why your bi-weekly paycheck is less than your actual salary? It's actually pretty simple. We'll show you how to figure out your "bring-home" pay.

By Susan Sherwood

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Being a single parent can be tough, but at tax time, the government can actually help ease the burden. Here are 10 ways Uncle Sam can help.

By Laurie L. Dove

You've heard of the Roth IRA, but what about the Roth 401(k)? Many employers are offering them in addition to traditional 401(k) plans. So what's the difference?

By Susan Sherwood

Instead of blithely ignoring retirement plans, you're getting smart this year and contributing to an IRA. How exactly will that move help your taxes?

By Kate Kershner

Named after Sen. Paul Coverdell, this education savings account allows your money to grow tax-free and be distributed tax-free as well. So how do take advantage of this double blessing?

By Dave Roos

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As the year ends, many businesses are not popping Champagne. They're trying to figure what to do in order to reduce their tax liability for next year. Are there any sure-fire (legal) methods to do this?

By Amanda Abella

Your company requires you to use your personal vehicle for work-related purposes. Can you really write off the car on your taxes?

By Kate Kershner