Author: MoneyMaven

Reducing capital gains with capital losses If you have capital losses from the current year, or capital losses from previous years that you have not yet deducted, you can claim those unused losses to reduce a capital gain from the current tax year. Capital losses carry forward indefinitely, with no expiration. You can also strategically…

Image Source: 123rf.com Building credit is an important step to creating financial health. Once your credit is established you’ll have more opportunities to qualify for loans, mortgages, and other financial services when you need it. But, it’s important to go about building your credit in the right manner so that you optimize your score to…

Key Points The Department of Education administers federal student aid, but loan servicing and guarantee tasks involve many separate private contractors. Borrowers often encounter confusion and delays when navigating the higher education financing system. Proposals to shrink or eliminate the Department raise questions about who would handle key functions, but since many functions are outsourced,…

Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com With 30 years of reselling under my belt, I’m the go-to guy when friends need a quick appraisal. And over the years I’ve noticed a recurring phenomenon: The vintage items most people consider valuable usually aren’t, and the things they want to toss are often hot collectibles. Here’s why: Many of…

Despite the wonderful peace of mind that comes with owning a home free and clear, deciding to pay off a low-interest rate mortgage early is not always straightforward. If your mortgage rate is low compared to risk-free investment returns, keeping the mortgage and investing excess cash elsewhere often makes more financial sense. What Is Considered…

As an active-duty military member, you may have enjoyed fee waiver on credit cards, thanks to protections like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). These benefits can save hundreds of dollars annually on top-tier credit cards with incredible perks, but they don’t last forever.  Upon retiring or separating from…

Ah, the ’70s! A time when innovation and culture danced together, bringing us stuff we still love today. Like instant cameras – remember those? Snap a pic, and bam! A photo in your hand in minutes. And roller skates, zipping around with the wind in your hair. These cool things from the past are not…

In an era where minimalism and essentialism are becoming increasingly popular, it’s interesting to observe the purchasing habits of different generations, especially the Baby Boomers. Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers have witnessed remarkable economic and technological changes throughout their lifetime. However, despite the shift towards more practical spending habits, many of this generation…

Cars Image Source: Wikipedia I love German cars. Throughout my time as a mechanic, I worked on just about every make and model imaginable. For the most part, the Germans are known for their impeccable engineering and impressive performance. However, not every vehicle from Deutschland has been the thing of luxury dreams. In some cases,…

Nearly everyone’s kitchens are filled with the usual pots and pans, can openers, and utensils. However, there are probably at least 10 or more must-have kitchen gadgets you’re missing out on, like the perfect egg cooker (cooks a perfect hard-boiled egg every time) or mildew-resistant sponges. The kitchen gadgets listed below are all under $10…