Posts by Amelia Josephson:
Perhaps you’re drawn to the revitalized city of Detroit or the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Regardless of where you want to move, the cost of living in Michigan can differ from city to city. So if a move to Michigan is in the cards, make sure you plan for major costs, like food, housing, taxes, utilities and more. Read more
To claim the Premium Tax Credit (PTC), you must file IRS Form 8962 with your federal income tax return. The PTC is meant to help people recoup some of the money they spent on Marketplace health insurance premiums by lowering their tax burden. With Form 8962, you are reconciling the tax credit you are entitled to with any advance credit payments (or subsidies) for the tax year. Generally, to be eligible for the PTC, you or a family member must have been enrolled in a health insurance program through the Marketplace for at least one month in the tax year, and your household cannot exceed four times the poverty level for your family size. The size of your tax credit depends on the cost of available health insurance, your family size, where you live and your address. A financial advisor can help you optimize a tax strategy for your financial needs and goals. Read on for more essential information about Form 8962. Read more
The 2012 presidential election set records for the most expensive in U.S. history, and the 2016 election is on track to break that record. Total spending on the 2016 presidential race is projected to top $10 billion. That includes spending by candidates, parties, outside groups and individuals. Let’s take a closer look at the campaign finance landscape in the U.S. Read more
Maine is the eastern-most state in the U.S., and is known for the natural beauty of its forests and coastline. Along with these attractions, though, comes a cold climate. As far as Maine’s cost of… Read more
If you’re claiming an exemption from healthcare coverage, you’ll need to fill out IRS form 8965 when you do your federal income taxes. This form helps you comply with Affordable Care Act rules that… Read more
By 2014, one of the telling indicators that the U.S. economy had bounced back after the Great Recession was that visits to Disney World had rebounded. American families were visiting the Magic… Read more
Just because two people haven’t officially tied the knot doesn’t mean they don’t have shared expenses and financial goals they want to achieve. So how should unmarried couples handle saving money?… Read more
Maryland is an expensive state to live in. The Old Line State has a pricey home market, as well as above average rent prices. The statewide cost of utilities and groceries aren’t any better either.… Read more
Maybe you’ve noticed the recent boom in craft distilleries turning out whiskies right and left. Like craft beer, craft whiskey is thriving. But if you’re not one of the big names in whiskey, is there… Read more
Montana, the Treasure State, is home to some of America’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s a small state in terms of population, with a little over one million residents. In fact, Montana has just 6… Read more
Every presidential election cycle the flat tax debate reappears in Americans’ political consciousness. While eight U.S. states currently have a flat tax rate, our federal income tax regime is… Read more
While losing someone you love is plenty hard, finding out how much the funeral will cost can add to the anguish. The median cost for a funeral with a viewing and burial was $7,640 in 2019, according… Read more
Payroll tax deductions are a part of the way income taxes are collected in the U.S.. When you work at a job, a part of your income is taken each pay period, based on a number of factors including… Read more
Does the idea of raising your own chickens appeal to you? It’s not for everyone (apartment-dwellers, we’re looking at you) but it can be a rewarding project. If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, you… Read more
New Jersey has some of the highest taxes in the U.S. It also has some very high home prices, driven in part by its proximity to New York City and its population density (the highest in the country).… Read more
If you’re reading this, chances are slim that you’ve ever won a lottery. Why? Because the odds of winning are just so low. In 2014, Americans spent $70.15 billion on lottery tickets alone. That’s… Read more
If you’re thinking about moving to the Palmetto State, it’s important to know what the cost of living is there. The state has a high income tax and a high sales tax, though property taxes are very… Read more
Composting for homeowners is a small but growing movement. At the industrial level, it’s catching on, too. 24% of the waste that Americans throw away is food and yard waste. That waste could all be… Read more
Georgia has quite a lot to offer its residents. For example, the state has reasonable home prices, as well as rents that come in below the national median. On the other hand, utility bills in Georgia… Read more
If you have children or other dependents under the age of 17, you likely qualify for the Child Tax Credit. It’s been increased as part of the American Rescue Plan, which was signed by President Biden… Read more
According to the CDC’s 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, 12% of American women of reproductive age (that’s 7.3 million women), or their husbands or partners, had sought fertility treatment… Read more
Virginia is for lovers, as the saying goes. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, you should find lots to love in Virginia. The standard of living in Virginia is high, with a cost of… Read more
Over 40% of U.S. households have access to a video streaming service, according to a 2015 Nielsen report. What’s more, 13% of households have more than one streaming service membership. If you use… Read more
If you’re considering a move to North Carolina, you’re probably wondering about the cost of living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina’s state income taxes operate on a flat rate, meaning everyone… Read more
On March 1, 1872 Congress voted to establish Yellowstone National Park, the first national park. Today, there are over 400 national parks and over 20,000 National Park Service employees. Want to know… Read more
