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With Christmas around the corner, it’s important to keep up to date on when certain federal and state benefits will be paid and affected by the holiday. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are typically deposited on the same day each month in most states, regardless of whether or not it falls on a weekend or a holiday. It’s important to note, though, that depending on which state you live in, benefit payments may be delayed if payday falls on a federal holiday....

Expedited reinstatement, or EXR, is a Social Security provision that extends financial assistance to those who go off disability benefits because they’ve returned to work. By Georgina Tzanetos See: Unclear on Social Security Benefits? These Are the 4 Types Seniors Should KnowFind: Key Points COVID-19 Long-Haulers Need To Know About Applying for Social Security Through EXR, those who were already receiving disability benefits may be able to quickly reinstate disability payments if their medical condition forces them to stop or reduce work again....

If you are of an age to receive Social Security benefits, it is likely that you are not getting the overall maximum monthly payment of $4,194. To do so would require you to have worked 35 years, earning the maximum wage subject to Social Security withholding tax every year, and delayed retirement until age 70. By David Nadelle As The McDowell News reported, the average monthly Social Security payment check is $1,657....

If you are qualified based on your income, you might be able to get $30 off your internet service thanks to a program introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). By Dawn Allcot First introduced on Dec. 31, 2021, after the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) helped nearly 9 million households pay for internet access during the pandemic, the ACP provides a discount on internet access beginning March 1, 2022....

The IRS announced on Tuesday that it has updated its 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Advance Child Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions. The IRS added another question — No. 17 to Topic A: General Information — and a revised section of questions — No. 2-6 to Topic F: Updating Your Child Tax Credit Information During 2021. By Dawn Allcot Stimulus Deadline: Enhanced Child Tax Credit Sign-Up Cutoff Falls in Mid-November Find: Haven’t Received a Child Tax Credit Payment?...

After COVID-19 largely sidelined holiday plans in 2020, Americans are looking forward to traveling for Thanksgiving this year. But flight disruptions, flexible work arrangements and health concerns are pushing many to drive rather than fly to their destinations. By Josephine Nesbit Compare: 21 Items That Are Always Cheaper at CostcoStimulus Funding: Low Income Families Provided Winter Heat Thanks to $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan According to a national survey by Cars....

Millions of retirees are living out their days on shoestring budgets that barely cover the basics. But others have the luxury of something left over once the bills, rent, food and other musts are all paid for. That’s called discretionary income, and if your Social Security check provides even a little bit of it, use it wisely. However, the concept of wise spending varies from person to person. By Andrew Lisa Social Security Schedule: When the First COLA Checks Will Arrive in January 2022Social Security 2022: How the COLA Will Increase Benefits for the Average Senior Couple...

Winter is car-buying season — in a normal year. Thanks to a microchip shortage and endless months of demand struggling to keep up with supply, this holiday season has been mostly a bust for bargain hunters. By Andrew Lisa Even so, there are still some deals to be had for those looking to buy now through the early new year. Learn: What Is Inflation and What Does It Mean When It Goes Up or Down?...

The White House has designated June 21 as Child Tax Credit Awareness Day to ensure eligible families know about the American Rescue Plan’s expansion of the child tax credit and know how to access the benefit. By Georgina Tzanetos See: Child Tax Credit Payment Schedule Is Out Now – Here’s When You’ll Get Your MoneyFind: Your 2021 Baby Makes You Eligible for the Child Tax Credit The American Rescue Plan signed in March as part of the stimulus relief bill includes a historic temporary expansion of the child tax credit for 2021 that will offer $3,000 for each child age six to 17 and $3,600 per child under six to eligible families....

Tomo Credit Card Overview The Tomo credit card, issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, stands out as an attractive option because it does not require a credit check and also offers some worthwhile features, such as no annual fees and higher credit limits. By Scott Jeffries Overview Features Comparable Options How To Apply Who It’s Best For Ease of Use 4.5 Cash Back 4.3 Fees 4.8 Ease of Approval 4.5...

The number of unemployment claims fell to a new pandemic low at 473,000 for the week ending May 8. This is the lowest number for initial claims since March 14, 2020 when it was 256,000, according to the Labor Department. By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy See: More States Move Toward Ending Federal Unemployment Benefits Early — Is Yours One of Them?Find: How to Go Back to Work And Still Keep Unemployment Benefits...

Wells Fargo’s latest introduction is the Wells Fargo Autograph Card, a rewards credit card with rewards for the most popular categories consumers typically spend on. Anyone in search of a credit card with no annual fee and the opportunity to earn 3X on top categories such as restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, should consider applying. By Katherine Cantrell Overview Necessary Credit Score Good Credit Score Range Improving Your Credit If You Get Declined But before you apply, it’s helpful to know what Wells Fargo Autograph credit score is required....

By Andrew Lisa Mark Cuban: ‘Bitcoin Is Exactly like the Dot Com Bubble’ Find: How To Invest In Cryptocurrency Pro: It Has Lots of Benefits Over Regular Currency Privacy is Bitcoin’s biggest advantage over traditional financial transactions. That, along with its loose regulations and exchange-rate perks, makes it a medium of exchange whose popularity shows no sign of waning. Read: 4 Investing Lessons the Pandemic Has Taught Us “Bitcoin is definitely a good investment,” said James Page, a cryptocurrency technical writer and executive for Cryptohead....

Out of work? Nearly all of us have been there. Being unemployed can make life extraordinarily difficult — especially when considering that so many of us are already living paycheck to paycheck. What can one do when left out in the cold, job-wise? They can collect unemployment — or try to, anyway. By Nicole Spector Dollar Tree: 5 High-Quality Items To Buy NowFind Out: What Is the Highest Income for Food Stamps in 2022?...

The prospect of retirement can be daunting, with so many questions it can seem overwhelming. How much to save, what benefits you can count on and how much you should spend in your post-income years are all things you need to consider. While they’re all necessary questions, the answers aren’t exactly cut-and-dried, as is often the case with major financial decisions like this. By Christian Long Read: Jaw-Dropping Stats About the State of Retirement in AmericaFind Out: The Average Retirement Age in Every State...

Let’s be honest — your guestroom isn’t the most inviting. In fact, if you were the one who had to stay in there, you wouldn’t give it a five-star rating. By Jennifer Taylor Check Out: 10 Kitchen Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home’s ValueMore: 25 Things To Sell When You’re Ready To Retire But now, let’s pretend you have out-of-town guests coming to visit soon and you’re finally ready to transform it into a luxurious space instead of the random room where you stow all your extra belongings....

Having a billion dollars — or multiple billions of dollars — almost borders science fiction. There is a small percentage of humans on this earth that have accumulated such wealth. Becoming one of the richest people in the world is aspirational, but are there things you can do to mimic their success? By Caitlyn Moorhead There is no one path to becoming wealthy, and there is probably no stock or investment that all billionaires would agree upon, or advise upon....

Trades involving cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, take place on a cryptocurrency exchange — an online platform that makes it possible to buy and trade. Here’s a look at two well-established exchanges, Coinbase and Binance, and what you should consider to help you decide which may be better for you. By Kelli Francis How Cryptocurrency Exchanges Work About Coinbase About Binance Coinbase vs. Binance Read: Looking To Diversify In A Bear Market?...

With the booming success of cryptocurrency in the last few years, it seems like countries launching digital versions of their own currencies is imminent. According to Federal Reserve officials, the U.S. is pioneering this movement by launching its own Central Bank Digital Currency. But what does this mean for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? By Daniela Rivera-Herrera About the Digital Dollar Digital Dollar vs. Cryptocurrency Strengths Weaknesses Digital Dollar and Bitcoin The Digital Dollar Explained The U....

Stores, shipping services and even manufacturers are seeking seasonal help this year more urgently than ever. One report found that retailers are looking to bring on 700,000 workers, which is fewer than last year’s 736,300. However, due to unusually high quit rates, there are more than 1 million retail positions open — and retailers are providing incentives like never before to entice people to work the hectic holiday season. By Dawn Allcot Learn: How To Snag That Seasonal Job — and Make It Permanent Explore: Looking for a Seasonal Side Gig?...