Personal Finance

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

After a bankruptcy, you're ready to move on financially — and that can include buying a house. But how long will your bankruptcy keep you from reaching your goal?

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

Here's one sign that you should start seriously considering filing for bankruptcy: You can't pay your bills. What are the others?

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

It isn't easy, but contrary to popular belief, there are ways to have student loans forgiven through 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

Bankruptcy and debt collection have evolved quite a bit since the days of the Roman Empire. If you have mountains of debt, let's just say that you're glad you're alive now instead of then.

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

In a hurry? Not so fast, that short checkout line may not actually be the better option.

By Bambi Turner

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

Here's to you, conscientious citizen. Not only are your energy-efficient home improvements good for the ol' bank account, they're good for the environment, too. You deserve a reward -- or two or three. How do some tax breaks sound?

By Kate Kershner

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

The Health Care Tax Credit expired on Jan. 1, 2014, to make way for the Affordable Care Act. How many people did it help during its 2002-2013 lifetime? There were an awful lot of requirements to meet.

By Alison Cooper

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

If you're not the organized type, your tax returns may be languishing in a forgotten file folder in a closet. But never fear — if you need one for a mortgage or loan application and can't find it, the IRS can help you out. Pretty easily, too.

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