As a taxpayer, optimizing your tax strategy to minimize your tax liability and maximize your tax benefits is essential. With proper planning and knowledge of the US tax system, you can take advantage of tax deductions, credits, and savings opportunities to save money and achieve your financial goals.
Lifeline is a government program to provide low-income families to have phone service. It is available to low-income families. The program can include internet and phone access.
Your local utilities can also help. Call them and explain your situation. Many utilities will work with you on your payment until you are back on your feet. They may also refer to utility assistance programs that can help you out.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which is now law, includes about $2 trillion in pandemic relief funding. Eligible families can receive more financial help as part of the new Act. The Child Tax Credit program has expanded, and eligible families will be getting monthly payments. It may affect your money management in 2021.
A new year presents new beginnings and new opportunities on both financial and personal fronts. One of the simplest ways to get back on track financially is to pay off your debts, stick to a budget, and set realizable financial goals.
If you do not have a well-structured and documented budget, now is the time to start. You still have the time to do it, and it should be something you do for a lifetime. Start by adding up all income you will have while unemployed. Then list all expenses and cut anything that is not essential.
America is seeing the highest numbers of unemployed people in almost 100 years due to the COVID financial crisis. No one person is going to get rid of the coronavirus, but as we get back to work and gradually move to a more ‘normal’ situation, there are many opportunities being created for those that are prepared.
However, it is difficult and takes time to prepare for a possible job loss. Some come suddenly and without warning as what is happening due to the COVID virus. There is no way anyone could have anticipated this situation.
There is almost no question that the economy will go into a financial recession as we come out of the COVID-19 crisis. Japan is already reporting financial recession conditions, and the U.S. is sure to follow with the high unemployment numbers and many small businesses that are not going to recover from the shutdown.
The biggest impact is that the CARES Act provides consumer credit reporting agencies with guidelines to follow, as outlined in the Act. The guidelines are trying to limit the long-term effects suffered by those in financial difficulty. By providing protection, the Act can keep negative reports from showing on one’s credit report.
Whenever you check your credit card balance, you will be presented with two balances, a statement balance and a current balance. These balances are different and can be confusing, especially when you are trying to find out which balance you should pay first to avoid interest charges and improve your credit utilization ratio.
