MKR Blog
A new scoring model from Fair Isaac Corp., the company behind the FICO score, is set to be implemented later this year by Equifax and other major credit bureaus. The popular score is commonly used by lenders to determine your eligibility and interest rate for certain...
As an American worker, relinquishing part of your income to taxes is standard practice, but once you move out of the workforce, much of your retirement income is subject to taxes as well. Below are some possible taxes you could face in retirement. Social Security...
The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts and new goals, but it’s also the beginning of the oft-dreaded tax season, which means Tax identity thieves are on the lookout for information they can use in order to create fraudulent tax returns. Here are some tips...
Even those of us who have the best intentions with our money can fall victim to bad financial habits, which can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Some of the most common bad habits we fall into include: Impulse spending Not budgeting (or not sticking to a budget)...
As the clock winds down to the end of the year, there are a few last-minute money moves to make in order to lower your tax bill. Maximize Your 401(k) and HSA Contributions While tax deductible contributions can be made to traditional and Roth IRA accounts until April...
When doing your taxes, the goal is to maximize the tax credits and deductions for which you’re eligible. But tax credits are worth more than deductions with the same value, so knowing the differences between the two will help you save money on taxes. Key Difference...
With fall in full swing, it’s the perfect time to start drafting a financial game plan for the holidays in order to avoid overspending, plunging into debt, and piling stress on top of an already stressful season. Here’s how you can hatch a holiday plan for this year...
Enrolling in a 529 plan is the first step toward conscious planning for your child’s college education, but don’t stop there. With college costs rising steadily — over 168 percent over the last 20 years, according to U.S. News — it’s important to maximize the value of...
Depending on where you are in life, trying to anticipate your financial needs in retirement and determining how exactly to get to that point could feel like a daunting task, or even a task that doesn’t need tackling yet. In fact, according to a study completed by The...
Before 1997, once a homeowner reached the age of 55, they had the one-time option of excluding up to $125,000 of gain on the sale of their primary residence. Today any homeowner, regardless of age, has the option to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married...
What you choose to do with your tax refund can significantly impact your long-term financial health. Instead of splurging, consider using this extra cash to strengthen your finances. Smart strategies, such as building an emergency fund, paying off high-interest debt,...
Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025, impacting costs, prescription drug coverage, telehealth access, and caregiver support. Retirees should prepare for these updates to manage their healthcare expenses effectively. Below, we break down the key Medicare...
After a period of workforce reductions and aggressive cost-cutting measures, major retail companies are shifting toward optimization strategies—investing in technology, process improvements, and operational efficiencies that enhance productivity without sacrificing...
The Trump administration’s tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. consumers. With a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, and a lower 10% tariff on...
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be a transformative year. Industry professionals face emerging legislation, possible new roles, energized investor interest, and shifting dynamics in the pet insurance market. Here are the top trends shaping...
Tax season 2025 is here, and staying on top of important deadlines is essential for avoiding late fees and penalties. Knowing key dates like the federal income tax filing deadline, quarterly estimated tax payment due dates, and extensions can help you stay organized...
Running a small business in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition, you must adopt a proactive approach to planning and execution. By focusing on the following strategies, you can set your business up for success this year...
For construction companies, growth and profitability often hinge on that company’s ability to overcome progress barriers. Whether it’s delays in project timelines, inefficiencies in communication, or outdated practices, construction firms need innovative solutions to...
After Donald Trump’s win in November, taxpayers are wondering how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. tax policy. Trump’s first term saw sweeping changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. With key provisions of that legislation set to expire in 2025,...
For small businesses, growth is both a challenge and an opportunity. To navigate this journey successfully, entrepreneurs should rely on practical strategies that ensure sustainable growth. Here are some proven approaches to help your small business thrive. Control...