Back when you were young and first opened a checking account, you probably used your debit card all the time, feeling the freedom of making purchases without needing to predict how much cash to have on hand.

Filling out your tax return is stressful enough, but realizing that you owe more than what you can afford to the Internal Revenue Service can be terrifying. It’s not exactly a bill you can ignore without dire circumstances, after all! Although panic is a natural reaction when faced with such a financial predicament, it is unnecessary; there are ways to settle your bill that will calm your nerves and the demands of the IRS. 

Most people know that you shouldn’t file your taxes late. But what happens if you do? What are the penalties? In the United States, the annual deadline for most people to file their federal income tax return is typically April 15. If you fail to file a return, fail to pay taxes you owe, or only partially pay for the taxes you owe, the IRS may impose a number of penalties.

No matter the reason — retirement, job relocation, downsizing, or upsizing — selling a house can be a stressful, complicated, and surprisingly costly process. If you are a first-time home seller or haven’t sold an abode in some time, here are some costs you need to know about before you list your house.

Managing your credit score takes hard work and if it is at a certain number or range, it could help you purchase a house, a vehicle, or other big-ticket items. However, if a credit bureau does not have the correct information included in your credit report, it could affect your credit score. Here is some advice on how to report and correct potential errors on your credit report.

The deadline for filing and paying your 2021 income taxes is April 18, 2022. If you’re worried that Tax Day will arrive too soon and you won’t have enough time to submit your federal tax return before it’s due, you can request an extension from the IRS. Doing so will give you until Oct. 15, 2022 to file a return — an additional six months.

If you’ve amassed significant savings for your retirement, it’s important to think about what you’ll do with the money. Would you prefer to spend it on yourself, give it away, or hang on to it and leave an inheritance for your children or other loved ones? Your answer will depend on a wide variety of factors, of course, but here are some points to keep in mind as you decide what to do with your nest egg.

Whether you’re putting aside funds for a rainy day or a sunny summer vacation, saving money is an absolute must. When it comes to how you save, two of the most popular options are savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The best way to determine which choice is ideal for your situation is to understand the benefits of both.

Financial problems are one of the leading causes of divorce. According to a survey of 1,000 people, nearly half of American couples fight over money. But no matter the state of your finances, once you are married, all of your assets are merged in the eyes of the law. Coming up with a financial plan that works for your marriage is therefore of the utmost importance.

If you’re looking to get a loan so that you can purchase your dream home or start your own business, you may be asked to put up collateral. Collateral is a way of protecting lenders that can also help you get better rates, but using it to secure a loan can spell trouble if you fail to repay.