If COVID-19 has made it difficult for you to pay your mortgage, utilities, or other housing payments, financial assistance is on the way. The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) was established by the American Rescue Plan Act to help homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 with housing-related costs. Find Homeowner Assistance Fund programs in your area.…
Month: February 2022
Better options to Wasteful Valentine’s day spending
The cost of a dozen red roses escalates in February. The flowers are grown in Columbia (S. America) where the women field workers are exposed to toxic chemicals. The flowers are air-freighted to the U.S., leaving a considerable carbon footprint. Roses rarely last more than a few days before fading and wilting. What lasts longer…
Boost your savings with the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit
Get paid to contribute to your retirement account with the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit. Eligible filers can claim up to 50% of retirement contributions for a maximum credit of $1,000 and married couples filing together may receive $2,000. It’s a non-refundable credit so you must owe federal income taxes to benefit. “For 2021, you may…
DIY Credit Reports
Experian, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, now allows consumers to create their own credit histories. About 28 million American adults don’t have credit reports with major firms and thus have difficulty getting credit. Often their only options are payday loans and other high-cost options. Many people of color, immigrants, college students, and people…