Category: Financial Planning

Step-by-step financial planning guides to help you prepare for retirement, manage insurance, and achieve long-term money goals with confidence.

Which Cryptocurrency Transactions Does Sydney Need to Report to the IRS?

Which Cryptocurrency Transactions Does Sydney Need to Report to the IRS? Sydney reviewing her cryptocurrency transactions, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with IRS forms and laptop on her desk, representing taxable crypto reporting.

 Sydney bought cryptocurrency and then converted some to dollars, sold some, exchanged her bitcoin for ethereum, and used some to buy a plane ticket. Many people ask: which actions involving cryptocurrency does Sydney need to report to the IRS for tax purposes? This comprehensive guide explains exactly which transactions are taxable, how to report them, […]

Why Dana Cannot Claim Bed Sheets, Towels & Cookware as Educational Expenses on Taxes

Why Dana Cannot Claim Bed Sheets, Towels & Cookware as Educational Expenses on Taxes Dana in her dorm room looking at receipts for bed sheets, towels, and cookware, realizing they cannot be claimed as educational expenses on taxes.

Dana is disappointed that she cannot claim her dorm room supplies—like bed sheets, towels and cookware—as part of her educational expenses. This guide explains, in plain English and with IRS-backed rules, the best reason those items don’t qualify, what *does* count, possible exceptions, and smarter ways to reduce college costs on your tax return. Quick […]

Best Savings Options for Emergencies: How Lilly Can Secure Her Money

Best Savings Options for Emergencies: How Lilly Can Secure Her Money Lilly planning her emergency savings with a piggy bank, cash stacks, and digital savings app interface for unexpected expenses.

 Emergencies can strike at any time—whether it’s a sudden medical bill, a car repair, or an unexpected job loss. Proper planning and choosing the right savings feature are essential for financial security. In this guide, we explore the best savings options for emergencies and answer the question: Lilly wants to save money for unexpected situations […]

How Your Saving Age Impacts Compound Interest: Start Early to Earn More

How Your Saving Age Impacts Compound Interest: Start Early to Earn More Illustration showing how starting to save early increases wealth through compound interest, with young and older adults and growing stacks of coins.

Many people wonder how does the age that a person starts saving impact the amount they can earn in compound interest. The answer is simple yet powerful: the earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow exponentially. Compound interest is often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” and for good reason. […]

Which of the Following Are Things a Skilled Consumer Does? Top Tips You Must Know!

Which of the Following Are Things a Skilled Consumer Does? Top Tips You Must Know! Confident shopper holding shopping bags and checklist with icons of money-saving and smart shopping tips in a store aisle.

Being a skilled consumer isn’t just about buying products—it’s about making informed choices, maximizing value, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to waste or overspending. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, electronics, clothing, or services, cultivating the habits of a skilled consumer can save you both money and stress. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything […]

JEPI vs JEPQ Dividend: Compare Yields, Pros & Cons, and Income Potential

JEPI vs JEPQ Dividend: Compare Yields, Pros & Cons, and Income Potential Stacks of coins with ETF chart icons, representing JEPI vs JEPQ dividend comparison, highlighting pros and cons, green and gold color theme

If you’re chasing income, low volatility, or a balance with growth, understanding the trade-offs between JEPI and JEPQ is crucial. In this article, we compare their dividends, risk, growth potential, and whether one may suit your portfolio better than the other. What are JEPI and JEPQ? Both JEPI and JEPQ are premium income ETFs offered […]

The Best Way to Save for a House: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The Best Way to Save for a House: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide Realistic modern home exterior in bright daylight, clear blue sky, green lawn, with bold text overlay reading “The Best Way to Save for a House

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial goals many people dream of achieving. Yet, saving for that down payment or the entire purchase price can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the best way to save for a house with clear, actionable strategies. Why Saving for a House Matters Owning a […]

40+ Best Ways to Save Money in 2025 — Ultimate Guide

40+ Best Ways to Save Money in 2025 — Ultimate Guide Illustration of a piggy bank with stacks of coins and cash showing 40+ best ways to save money in 2025 for personal finance tips and budgeting strategies.

Saving money remains one of the smartest moves you can make for your financial future. Whether you’re trying to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or invest for retirement, learning practical ways to save money can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers more than 40 actionable strategies to reduce expenses, increase savings, […]

Ultimate Guide to 30-Year Treasury Yields and 30-Year Mortgage Rates (Treas Yld Index Explained)

Ultimate Guide to 30-Year Treasury Yields and 30-Year Mortgage Rates (Treas Yld Index Explained) Graph of 30-Year Treasury Yield with 30-Year Mortgage Rates and U.S. Treasury Bond illustrating long-term interest rate trends for investors and homebuyers.

Introduction The 30-Year Treasury Yield, together with the Treas Yld Index-30 Yr Bd, plays a pivotal role in the financial markets. For investors, policymakers, and homebuyers, understanding these metrics can influence major decisions regarding investments, mortgages, and economic planning. This comprehensive guide covers current yields, historical trends, mortgage rate implications, and strategies for investors and […]

10 Year Treasury: What It Is, Why the 10 Year Treasury Is Going Up, and What the 10 Year Treasury Yield Means

10 Year Treasury: What It Is, Why the 10 Year Treasury Is Going Up, and What the 10 Year Treasury Yield Means Illustration of the U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield showing an upward financial chart with dollar bills and Treasury bond certificates in the background.

A deep, practical guide to the 10 year treasury and 10 year treasury yield: how yields are set, the main drivers behind why the 10 year treasury is going up, and what investors, homebuyers, and policymakers should know. Updated: September 12, 2025. Latest 10-year yield context cited from authoritative market data sources. (See citations in […]