Become a Patron! There has been a fair amount of confusion and chaos around changes made to the taxation of unemployment compensation in the American Rescue Plan, so as I'm finishing up preparing my own 2020 taxes, I want to draw readers' attention to one very important and one very minor consideration when reporting unemployment insurance benefits received in 2020. What's … [Read more...] about Two quirks to watch for when reporting 2020 unemployment compensation
Minimums, Anchors, and Thresholds
Become a Patron! One of the most frustrating things that comes up almost immediately when you start talking to people about money is the way people treat certain purely regulatory or legislative figures as having some kind of moral or persuasive value. The example that has driven me crazy for years is the advice to "contribute enough to your 401(k) to maximize your … [Read more...] about Minimums, Anchors, and Thresholds
What’s the real story behind the zillionaire widow defrauded by her grandsons?
Become a Patron! Via TravelBloggerBuzz, last week I read a fascinating story about the resolution of a FINRA arbitration complaint against two JPMorgan financial advisors by their grandmother, whose money they had supposedly misallocated for the benefit of themselves and their employer. Unfortunately, for the usual reason (laziness) the business journalist was unable to … [Read more...] about What’s the real story behind the zillionaire widow defrauded by her grandsons?
MEUC: the unemployment insurance top-up no one is talking about
Become a Patron! Since the original CARES act in March, I've been trying to provide practical, real-world guidance on the nuances of federal and state aid to unemployed and self-employed workers. For reference: In May I shared my successful EIDL loan application; In July I asked whether the PPP program was designed to fail; In August I broke down what programs … [Read more...] about MEUC: the unemployment insurance top-up no one is talking about
How to apply to, enroll in, and attend college
Become a Patron! In my Wednesday review of Ron Lieber's college-cost book I promised my own streamlined take on how to think about higher education. One of the great shortcomings of Lieber's book is that it's focused on parents: the "You" in the title refers to you, the parent, rather than "You," the student. Unless you plan on taking your children's tests for them, "You" … [Read more...] about How to apply to, enroll in, and attend college