Many people count on their tax refunds to help pay down debt, make a special purchase, or cover an unexpected expense. But, crooks can intercept federal income tax refunds with only a small amount of personal information: your name and Social Security number (SSN). Fraudsters use this data to file fake returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has termed this crime "stolen identity refund fraud...

A global health crisis, unexpected medical diagnosis, catastrophic weather event, or national economic downturn can quickly undo your upcoming retirement plans. Your first instinct might be to delay retirement or revise your investment portfolio. While you may need to take these actions, there are other options. In addition to using the checklists below to help manage your finances during...

Smart consumers aren't the only ones who stay alert to financial scams. Criminals also keep their eyes open to fraud alerts published by watchdog websites, like Fraud.org. They use this information to tweak their schemes, making them sound more realistic to unsuspecting victims. Fortunately, you can still avoid most scams by focusing on the common tactics criminals use to get you to believe their...

Some cybercriminals are eager to help themselves to your hard-earned cash and private financial data by pretending to fix your electronic devices. But you can avoid becoming their next victim when you learn to recognize a tech support scam. Here's what you need to know to keep your devices and your bank accounts safe. What is a tech support scam? A tech support scam occurs when someone...

Despite the predictable nature of federal tax filing season, an unexpected tax refund can ignite surprising financial behaviors in taxpayers. A sudden windfall can tempt even the most frugal-minded individuals to spend the entire amount on lottery tickets or an unnecessary shopping spree. There’s nothing wrong with a splurge or two, but consider using most of it in a way that’ll benefit you long...

With inflation high and money tight for so many of us, there’s never been a better time to re-examine how we’re managing our finances and to make some moves to save more. Some 61% of Americans — 203 million people — are living paycheck-to-paycheck , and 13% of us are spending more than we earn . Not only is this causing us stress in the here and now, but it’s also leading to lasting regrets for...

Falling behind on loan payments can be stressful. Even one missed payment can be unsettling since it can result in interest charges, late fees, and a lower credit score. But it’s possible to get back on track and avoid loan delinquency by earning extra money or redirecting existing income at the first sign of trouble. Use these tips to help regain control of your finances. Did you know? Late...

Achieving financial goals is about making different choices. But for many people (of all ages), "choices" is code for "restrictions." So it's no wonder that setting money goals as a family can be a serious challenge. You might be met with crossed arms and a few eye rolls, but setting family money goals can teach kids about the importance of saving before they leave home — as well as help you...