Personal finance

Image Source | Image Source | Getty Images As Americans file returns this season, some worry about IRS audits amid agency efforts to ramp up service, technology and enforcement. Recent IRS enforcement has targeted high-income individuals, large corporations and complex partnerships. But everyday filers could still face an audit — and certain issues are more

Anna Bizon | Gallo Images Roots Rf Collection | Getty Images President Joe Biden took to social media ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday to take a jab at snack companies that are giving consumers less food for their money. The phenomenon called shrinkflation — where consumer products become smaller in quantity, size or

Colin Anderson Productions Pty Ltd | Digitalvision | Getty Images Money can’t buy love. But a lot of it can get you matchmaker Barbie Adler. Adler, founder of the elite matchmaking company Selective Search, boasts that 1 in 3 of her clients fall for the first person they’re paired with. “It’s really quick,” Adler said.

Sturti | E+ | Getty Images Leaks aren’t just a problem for pipes. Billions of dollars a year drip from the U.S. retirement system when investors cash out their 401(k) plan accounts, potentially crippling their odds of growing an adequate nest egg. The issue largely affects job switchers — especially those with small accounts —

Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, left, and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers stand on stage during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium on February 5 Las Vegas. Chris Unger | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs

Kupicoo | E+ | Getty Images Deciding to combine your finances with your significant other can be a big step in the relationship. Nearly 2 in 5 couples, or 39%, of couples who live together completely combine their finances, whether they’re married or not, according to a new report by Bankrate. How couples handle money

Witthaya Prasongsin | Moment | Getty Images If your tax refund or bill is bigger than expected, it could be time to adjust your paycheck withholding — and a simple calculation could help, experts say.      Typically, you get a refund when you overpay taxes throughout the year, and you owe money when you don’t pay

Guido Mieth | Stone | Getty Images As millions of Americans start filing returns, experts warn that last year’s tax withholding errors could trigger an unexpected bill. The IRS requires tax payments throughout the year and many workers do that via automatic employer paycheck withholdings. Typically, you can expect a refund if you overpaid. By

Catherine Falls Commercial | Moment | Getty Images If you’ve noticed the cost of your car insurance policy has gone up, you’re not alone. Inflation takes some of the blame, but your credit score may have a role as well. The national average cost for full-coverage car insurance has gone up to $2,543 per year,

ozgurcankaya Filing taxes is more expensive this year as the industry raises prices to combat a growing accountant shortage. The cost of tax preparation and accounting fees grew 8.3% in November 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Taxpayers typically spend an average of $140 to file taxes

Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images There’s no place like home — especially as you age. Most adults ages 50 and up — 77% — want to stay in their homes long term, according to AARP. Yet many are putting off the necessary improvements and upgrades to their homes to make that possible. “People might

Skynesher | E+ | Getty Images New government data shows a surprisingly strong job market for the month of January. But there are signs of weakness in the labor market, based on tens of thousands of workers who have been laid off since 2024 started. U.S. employers announced 82,307 job cuts in January, up from