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Three tax-file moves to skip to dodge an IRS audit
18 days ago•Source: MarketWatch
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Two Jobs, One Tampa Woman’s Battle Against $75K in Student Debt
A Tampa woman, Rachel Jordan, juggles two jobs and up to 70 hours a week to manage roughly $75,000 in student debt while her loans are in forbearance; she budgets tightly, aims to pay $1,600–$2,000 monthly, and documents her debt-paydown journey on YouTube and TikTok as she tries to pay off $25,000 by October, save $100,000 for retirement, and navigate the uncertainty of forgiveness decisions for her two undergraduate loans.
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Why Waiting Until 70 Often Maximizes Social Security
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SSA Goes National: 75 Million Seniors Redirected to Centralized Help
Starting March 7, the Social Security Administration shifts to a nationalized customer service system, redirecting about 75 million beneficiaries from local field offices to centralized support to boost efficiency and reduce in-person visits. The change aims to speed service through a digital-first approach, but could create access challenges for seniors without reliable technology, even as officials cite shorter call wait times and faster responses.
Budget-proofing your wallet as gas prices rise amid Middle East tensions
Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary advises practical steps to shield your budget from higher gas costs driven by geopolitical tensions, including trimming discretionary spending, planning for energy expenses, and adopting energy-efficient habits to maintain budget predictability.
How Far $1 Million Really Goes in Retirement by State
A GobankingRates analysis for 2026 finds that, based on average retiree expenses, $1 million won’t last 20 years in any U.S. state. The longest-lasting affordable states are Oklahoma and Mississippi at about 19 years, while expensive states like Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California can deplete the funds in roughly 9–12 years. The study’s estimates exclude investment returns and other income, underscoring how cost of living by state drives retirement longevity and suggesting the Southeast or Great Plains may offer more breathing room.
Robinhood Bets on Premium Platinum with $695 Card, but Amex Platinum Still Sets Travel Standard
Robinhood launches a $695 Platinum card aimed at its investing-following customers, offering cash-back that can be reinvested and a suite of travel/dining credits; American Express Platinum remains the premium benchmark at an $895 fee with extensive travel credits, lounge access, and transferable Membership Rewards. Early reviews suggest the Amex card delivers broader value for frequent travelers, while Robinhood’s offering may appeal to existing users, but it generally falls short on travel perks compared with Amex.
Trump’s $1,000-a-year retirement boost: will it actually help workers?
Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary argues that while Trump’s proposal to give millions of workers $1,000 a year to boost retirement savings sounds appealing, it may not reach the workers most in need and could fall short of solving the broader gaps in access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Five Banks Pay 4%+ APY on Savings—And Here’s How to Grab It
MarketWatch notes that only about 7% of Americans earn 4% APY or more on savings, yet several banks currently offer 4%+ APYs. It lists five options—Axos Bank Axos ONE Savings (4.21% APY, $1,500 min), Openbank by Santander (4.20%, $500 min), LendingClub Level Up Savings (4.00%, $250+ monthly deposits), Bread Savings High-Yield Savings (4.00%, $100 min), and VIO Bank (4.02%, $100 min). The piece advises shoppers to compare rates and consider CDs for fixed returns, highlighting the large gap between traditional banks and high-yield digital accounts.
Can $1 Million, Two Pensions, and Three Homes Support Early Retirement at 61?
A 61-year-old couple with $1 million saved, two lifetime pensions (about $14,000 a month) and three homes weighs whether they can retire early. With mortgages still decades from payoff, selling one property could unlock extra equity, but retirement feasibility hinges on current expenses, health costs until 65, taxes on withdrawals, and survivorship decisions. Market-win advisers say a fiduciary financial planner can help model timelines, optimize Social Security and Medicare, and craft a withdrawal plan to determine if retirement next year is realistic.
Winter heating bills near $1,000 push a fifth of Americans toward financial strain
NEADA projects the average winter heating cost nationwide near $995, with electric-heated homes topping $1,000. A massive upcoming winter storm could drive bills higher for over 200 million people, while about 16% of households were behind on utility payments last year (roughly $23 billion). Arrears could reach around $28 billion in 2026 as energy costs and inflation press household finances. Utilities are offering relief programs, but many families may still struggle to heat their homes this winter.
Dave Ramsey’s Social Security Timing: Why 62 May Beat 70
Dave Ramsey argues that claiming Social Security at 62 can build more wealth over a lifetime than waiting until 70, citing longevity risk and the value of investing early benefits. He notes that delaying to 70 only pays off if you live long enough to offset years without benefits, and for many retirees the opportunity cost of waiting or using other income sources could yield higher total retirement income. Ultimately, the best filing age is a personal decision based on health, savings, and goals.
Live Now, Plan Later: How a Couple Balances Joy with Saving for Tomorrow
A wife who learned to live in the moment after her parents’ deaths teams up with a husband who saves aggressively for an early retirement; their complementary approaches help them blend enjoying current experiences with future security, including shared dreams like travel, meals out, and possibly a small cafe, with retirement still on the horizon in their 50s.