Author: MoneyMaven

Iakov Filimonov / Shutterstock.com Grocery shopping can quickly strain your budget, especially with sneaky price hikes and shrinking package sizes. While many items carry steep markups, smarter, cost-effective alternatives are often available. By identifying overpriced products and choosing better-value options, you can keep your grocery bill under control without compromising on quality. Here are 12…

The biggest fear most people have is not being able to afford to pay the IRS. What happens if you can’t afford to pay your taxes? Tax season is just around the corner. And while 83% of filers get refunds according to the IRS, so people do owe. What do you do if you find…

Angela Ostafichuk / Shutterstock.com Donald Trump is no stranger to making headlines with bold statements. His remarks often make waves in the political and financial worlds, whether it’s territorial ambitions or legal showdowns. Here are five recent soundbites that could have surprising implications for your personal finances. Source link

The PATH Act (Protecting Americans Against Tax Hikes) was designed to help combat tax refund fraud that was estimated to be costing the government over $100 million each year. An analysis found that a lot of fraud was being conducted using “refundable tax credits”. Tax credits reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar – and…

Parilov / Shutterstock.com Gym memberships can be pricey, and not everyone has the time or money to commit to a traditional workout space. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable alternatives that allow you to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of your home or nearby spaces. From tech-driven solutions to simple lifestyle changes, these…

As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to highlight the best posts from Financial Samurai this year. When I started Financial Samurai in July 2009, my goal was to publish three posts a week for 10 years. I achieved that milestone in July 2019, but much like Forrest Gump, I kept on going. Writing has…

Image Source: 123rf.com Over the last several years I’ve become somewhat of a watch snob. I love looking at watches and have purchased two myself. My first watch was entry-level (under $800), while my second watch was over $3,000. They are great conversation starters. I’ll notice someone’s watch or they’ll notice mine and, suddenly, I’ve…

A Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) is like an RRSP’s responsible older sibling. Once you hit retirement, the RRIF takes over where the RRSP leaves off – turning your savings into retirement income. Indeed, if RRSPs are the workhorse of your savings years, RRIFs are your retirement MVP. They take all that tax-deferred money you’ve…

Image Source: 123rf.com Switching to LED lighting in your home is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs. According to the Department of Energy, making the switch could save you up to $225 per year. On top of being energy efficient, these lights are also long-lasting and versatile. That said, let’s take a…

Image Source: Pexels After the holidays, you probably have a pile of gifts from family and friends that are left to sort through. While you can be thankful for the thoughtfulness, the gift itself might be something you already have, isn’t your taste, or is the wrong size. The situation can be trickier if you…