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If you’ve ever traveled outside the United States and done some shopping, chances are you’ve noticed a value-added tax on your receipts. Here’s what VAT is, how it works, and how you might be able to get your money back. What is VAT? Value-added tax is a tax on the…

Here’s some good news for folks with big grocery bills: American Express is boosting the bonus offers on its popular Blue Cash consumer credit cards, which offer outstanding rewards at U.S. supermarkets. In addition, for a limited time, AmEx is waiving the first year’s…

For a limited time, American Express is bulking up its benefits for certain cardholders. As of Oct. 9, 2020, a new partnership with new at-home fitness platform Variis by Equinox gives some AmEx cardmembers the opportunity to enroll and redeem statement credits toward a…

There are nine California state tax brackets: 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 9.3%, 10.3%, 11.3% and 12.3%. Your California state tax bracket and tax rate depends on your taxable income and filing status. California state tax brackets and tax rates Single Tax rateTaxable income…

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card are comparable, competitive players in the 5%-back arena. Both $0-annual-fee cards earn 5% cash back in bonus categories you opt into each quarter, on top of ongoing bonus rewards on certain…

Student loan forgiveness isn’t easy to get even if you qualify for one of several existing federal programs, including: Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Make 10 years’ worth of payments (120 months) while working for the government or a nonprofit to qualify for tax-free…

No matter how anyone tries to spin it, for most people, money is a really hard thing to talk about. You’d think that getting married or settling down with someone you love would make things easier, but for many couples, this is not the case. In fact, money is one of the…

The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates in an effort to stimulate the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, more and more people are becoming interested in refinancing their mortgage. Depending on the situation, refinancing your mortgage can prove…

If you’re like the majority of homeowners in the U.S., you make your mortgage payment monthly, with the idea that someday you’ll own your home outright. As you continue to pay off your total balance, your home equity rises and you become one step closer to owning your…

If a majority of your monthly mortgage payment goes toward interest rather than your principal balance, you may be looking to refinance. Refinancing is a common route many homeowners take to lower their monthly mortgage payment because it allows them to secure a new mortgage…

United Van Lines is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves within the U.S. and internationally. It’s owned by UniGroup, which also owns Mayflower Transit, another major moving company that offers similar services. Both companies serve all 50…

As many Americans face months on end stuck indoors, some are using their time (and money) to create a change of scenery or upgrade their surroundings. Office equipment purchases are on the rise, and people are tackling more renovation projects than usual. But expensive new…

Annuities are financial products that could help provide steady income in retirement. But an annuity can be a complex creature. Here’s an overview of how annuities work, their pros and cons, and how annuities compare with IRAs. What is an annuity? An annuity is a long-term…

Over the course of the past two decades, the rise of the infopreneur has been exponential. Infopreneurship is a valuable way to earn passive income for anyone who is highly knowledgeable in one area. The best part is that anyone can be an infopreneur — although it won’t…

A new alternative credit card is expected to hit the market this winter, and as with many of those nontraditional products, it’s not planning to fuss much over your credit history. Instead, the X1 Card vows to place more value on your income when evaluating…

If you’re interested in the stock market, chances are you’ve heard of brokerages like Wealthfront, SoFi Money and Robinhood. And over the past year or two, more of these firms have begun offering cash management accounts as well as investment accounts. So what’s the…

The events of 2020 have exacerbated just how unequal our society is when it comes to racial and economic equality, with communities of color still facing numerous obstacles on their path to financial security. For Black Americans, long-standing racial inequities have made…

Out with the old and in with the new. That’s what Air Canada is doing with its mileage program on Nov. 8, 2020. Though it will keep the Aeroplan name, much of Air Canada’s loyalty program is being revamped. We broke down what you need to know about the new Aeroplan…

Finances are a leading cause of stress that can deteriorate mental and physical health if left unchecked. Stress and finances are unavoidable parts of life, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t experienced money troubles themselves.  In 2019, 59 percent…

Getting a bank account opens doors to opportunities that alternative services can’t match, such as fraud protection, free check cashing and access to lower-cost loans. If you don’t have a bank account, you’re not alone: Nearly 1 in 10 (8.5%) consumers are unbanked…