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In a press release Wednesday, the IRS announced that it is partnering with non-profit organizations, churches community groups and others in 12 cities to help eligible families register for the Child Tax Credit. The objective is to help those who normally do not file a federal tax return to either file a 2020 income tax return or register for the monthly installment payments of the advance child tax credit by using the Non-filer Sign-up Tool....

The $1.7 trillion spending bill currently being considered by Congress could threaten Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans who enrolled in the health insurance program during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Vance Cariaga Food Stamps: What Is the Maximum SNAP EBT Benefit for 2023?Discover: 5 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 The pending legislation, which needs to pass by Friday to prevent a government shutdown, will sunset a COVID-era requirement that prohibited states from kicking certain recipients off Medicaid, the AP reported....

Weekly jobless claims rose more than expected last week, climbing to 362,000. The figure represents an increase of 27,000 from the week prior and well above the 335,000 estimated by analysts. By Georgina Tzanetos See: Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Shot Up Last Week, Highest Numbers in California and Virginia Find: Walmart Goes on 150K Employee Hiring Spree — Could Latest Perk to Working There Benefit You? The four-week moving average was 340,000, an increase of 4,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 335,750, meaning the moving average has been trending upwards over the past month....

The Financially Savvy Female had the opportunity to chat with Rachel Cruze, personal finance expert, author of “Know Yourself, Know Your Money” and host of “The Rachel Cruze Show.” Cruze believes that your behavior and beliefs about money can be the biggest obstacles to achieving financial success. Here, we discuss the common fears women have about money and how that can translate into sometimes harmful behavior. By Gabrielle Olya Keep Reading: 40% of Women Have Less Than $100 in Their Savings Accounts, New Survey Finds Women and Money: The Complete Guide To Being a Financially Savvy Female...

Despite fears around the COVID-19 Omicron varient, inflation and supply chain disruptions, shoppers were undeterred this holiday season, as sales increased 8.5% this season. The key drivers were online shopping and the jewelry sector, which saw its biggest year-over-year increase, according to Mastercard Spending Pulse, which measures in-store and online retail sales. By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy See: Omicron Variant Triggers US GDP Downgrades Find: Supply Chain Problems in 2021: How They Impacted the Economy and What’s Next?...

The Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to low-income households. SNAP is administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services and benefits are issued monthly via the Maryland Independence Card, the state’s version of the federal EBT card. By Josephine Nesbit Discover: 5 Best Foods To Buy in Bulk at Costco This SpringMore: If Your Credit Score Is Under 740, Make These 4 Moves Now According to the Maryland DHS, the Independence Card can only be used to purchase food and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat....

This year in particular, it’s more important than ever to pay special attention to how you file your taxes; as a result of last year’s stimulus bill, you could be entitled to credits and rebates you don’t usually qualify for. These special credits are available to you even if you receive Social Security Supplemental Income and/or do not make enough money to file a tax return — or simply do not file one....

AARP offers a number of services to members, as well as to the general public Such services include expert tips on retirement planning. The organization is now offering a free webinar titled “The Role Social Security Can Play in Your Retirement” as part of the organization’s online learning series. By Dawn Allcot See: 10 Reasons You Should Claim Social Security EarlyFind: 20 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check...

The Cincinnati Bengals last played in the Super Bowl a generation ago — 1989. Undoubtedly, their faithful are ready to throw some of the biggest parties the Queen City has experienced in a long while. By Jami Farkas You don’t have to be a fan of the Bengals or the Los Angeles Rams — their opponent in Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13 — to invite some friends over to watch the big game with you....

Now that pandemic-era travel restrictions are disappearing, you’re probably ready to book a summer vacation. But your wallet may not be. Skyrocketing gas prices have caused transportation costs to rise more than 30% year over year as of April. Higher demand for flights led to a 9.5% year-over-year increase in prices for air travel. By Casey Bond Cut Costs: 9 Bills You Should Never Put on AutopayBe Aware: 50 Ways You’re Throwing Money Away...

Uber’s Uber Freight logistics platform, which aims to “reshape global logistics and deliver reliability, flexibility and transparency for shippers and carriers,” announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Transplace for approximately $2.25 billion in a deal it says will create the “largest and most comprehensive managed transportation and logistics networks in the world.” By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy See: Are Workers Really Holding Out for Better Jobs? Take Our PollFind: Supply Chain Disruptions Expected to Impact Office Supplies, Clothing and Other Back-to-School Necessities...

Despite signs (or hopes) that home price increases would ease in 2022, they just kept barreling forward at a breakneck pace in January, according to the latest report from CoreLogic. By Vance Cariaga See: US Home Prices at their Highest in 34 Years: Phoenix, Tampa and Miami Top the List Find: How Will Mortgages Be Impacted by Fed Interest Rate Hikes? Nationally, home prices rose 19.1% in January 2022 compared to January 2021, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI) and HPI Forecast, released Tuesday, March 1....

If you pay someone to watch your children while you work — even if it’s your mother — you might be able to claim the child and dependent care credit on your taxes. If the expenses of childcare were incurred as a result of your or your spouse working or actively looking for work, you will be able to claim the credit. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to take this credit if you are married filing separately....

As the consumer price index continues to climb, indicating rising prices for energy, food and other consumer goods, wholesale prices also jumped in recent months. This November, wholesale prices increased by 9.6% since November 2020, the fastest increase on record, dating back to 2014, CNBC reported. These numbers are certainly something to consider as you plan around holiday shopping and spending. By Dawn Allcot Economy Explained: Inflation and the Consumer Price Index: How They Work and Affect YouCompare: 21 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco...

If you check your credit score regularly — and you should — you likely notice that it tends to vary by a few points every month. This is completely normal, and it’s just the product of how credit scores are calculated. By John Csiszar Do You Have a Tax Question? Ask a Tax ProSee: Get Your Credit Score On Track With These 3 Tips for SuccessFind Out: What Happens to Social Security When You Die?...

We have more electronics than ever today, from cellphone chargers to set-top boxes to air fryers — the list goes on. By Bob Haegele On the plus side, some major energy efficiency improvements have been made, such as with LED lightbulbs. Nevertheless, having so many different appliances drawing power can lead to exorbitant energy costs if you aren’t careful. $2,000 Quarter? Check Your Pockets Before You Use This 2004 CoinRead: 3 Ways Smart People Save Money When Filing Their Taxes...

For decades, dollar stores have been winning over American consumers with their ultra-low pricing. These bargain bin loaded hubs may not look the nicest, but they typically live up to their name: the stuff is cheap — sometimes cheaper than what makes sense considering how much other retailers may charge for the same type of products. By Nicole Spector Check Out: 13 Ways To Make $100 in Just a DayAlso: Here’s How Much Cash You Need Stashed If a National Emergency Happens...

Cryptocurrency is no longer a fad investment for young investors. A recent survey conducted by digital asset IRA technology platform Bitcoin IRA found that more than three-quarters (76%) of its clients are over the age of 45, and 31% of near-retirees between ages 55 and 64 are invested in cryptocurrencies. By Gabrielle Olya Read More: Best Undervalued Cryptocurrencies To Buy for 2022Find Out: 8 Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In for 2022...

With inflation at a 41-year high, soaring prices everywhere and rising rates, fears of a recession are rampant. Now, a new survey finds that 70% of Americans believe a recession is coming, with 59% expecting it in the next six months. By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money ExpertsSmall Business Spotlight 2022: Nominate Your Favorite Small Biz by July 25 A new MagnifyMoney survey finds that the top warning sign of an impending recession is inflation, at 88%....

Near the end of 2021, Dollar Tree did the unthinkable — it raised its prices from a decades-long standard price of $1 to $1.25. No longer could shoppers snag five items for $5 plus tax at Dollar Tree. Instead, with the 25% price increase, it costs $5 for just four items. By Cynthia Measom See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money ExpertsSmall Business Spotlight 2022: Nominate Your Favorite Small Biz by July 25...