Retirement & FIRE
401(k) Roth catch-up rule for 2026: who has to use Roth?
If you are age 50 or older and had more than $150,000 of Social Security wages from the employer sponsoring your plan…
Latest articles by Kayla C.
Retirement & FIRE
2026 retirement contribution limits: 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, SEP and SIMPLE
For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to most 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), and TSP plans, while the combined Traditional and…
Retirement & FIRE
Retirement accounts explained: 401(k), IRA, Roth and 2026 limits
A retirement account is not an investment by itself. It is a tax-advantaged account that can hold investments such as mutual funds,…
Retirement & FIRE
2026 Social Security payment schedule: Complete calendar by birth date
Most Social Security beneficiaries are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, based on the applicable birth date.…
Taxes
2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction: Complete IRS guide
For tax year 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,150 for heads…
Taxes
$6,000 senior deduction for 2026: who qualifies and how much is it worth?
If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for an extra federal income tax deduction of up to $6,000 for 2026.…
Taxes
529 plan changes in 2026: New $20,000 K-12 limit and expanded expenses
The biggest 529 plan change for 2026 is that families can use up to $20,000 per beneficiary per year for qualified K-12…
Taxes
2026 SALT deduction cap: $40,400 limit, income phase-out, and who benefits
The SALT deduction cap is $40,400 for tax year 2026, or $20,200 if you are married filing separately. The higher limit can…
Taxes
Child Tax Credit 2026: Amount, income limits, and who qualifies
The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child for the 2026 tax year. Up to $1,700 per qualifying…
Taxes
1099-K threshold for 2026: $20,000 and 200 transactions explained
For 2026, the federal Form 1099-K reporting threshold for payment apps and online marketplaces is back to the old rule: your reportable…
Taxes
Car loan interest deduction: who qualifies in 2026?
Yes, some car loan interest is now deductible on your federal tax return. For tax years 2025 through 2028, you may deduct…
Taxes
2026 estimated tax payments: Deadlines, safe harbor rules, and how to pay
You generally need to make 2026 federal estimated tax payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and refundable…