Andy | Saving to Invest

How to Invest and Buy Cryptocurrency Like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Other Digital Coins – A Beginners Guide

This article was inspired by a few of my older family members who have had a discussion that generally goes like this: "Andy, I am hearing that Bitcoin and Dogecoin [or insert any Crypto currently in vogue] are the place to invest and have been doubling almost weekly. Is this…

Is Crypto a Good Investment? What to Know Before You Buy in 2026

Spot Bitcoin ETFs now trade on Fidelity, Schwab, and E*TRADE just like a stock — you no longer need a separate crypto exchange account to get exposure. That's the biggest change since crypto went mainstream, and it's worth understanding before you put any money in. This is the starting-point guide…

Worried about your tax refund? Get the latest updates on processing times, filing dates, and tips to avoid delays

The IRS says that most refunds will be paid within 21 days, but many tax filers are finding out (yet again) that it could take much longer, despite filing early and getting their return accepted by the IRS. Waiting weeks, months or even a whole tax season for IRS updates…

Meaning of IRS Codes on WMR Or Tax Transcript For Your Refund Processing and Payment Status

I've been receiving numerous concerns from readers about the IRS messages and codes appearing when they check their refund status using the Where's My Refund (WMR) tracker, the IRS2Go mobile app, or their free IRS transcript. Many filers feel stressed and anxious when they see these codes, wondering what they…

2026–2027 Child Tax Credit: OBBBA Raises It to $2,200 Per Child — Full Eligibility Guide

If you have kids under 17, here's the OBBBA update that matters to you: the Child Tax Credit just went up to $2,200 per child, permanently. That's $200 more per child than the 2017 TCJA rate, and the credit will now adjust for inflation annually — meaning it should keep…

Tennessee Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $325/Week, No State Income Tax, and What Else Is Available

Tennessee's unemployment insurance program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. The 2026 maximum of $325 per week is modest — Tennessee's cap has historically been one of the lower ones in the South. But one notable advantage is Tennessee's…

Kansas Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $637/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

Kansas' unemployment insurance program — managed by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $637 in 2026, up from $589 in 2025. Kansas sets its maximum based on the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually. Note that Kansas is one of the few remaining…

Are Unemployment Benefit Payments Taxable at a State and Federal Level? 1099-G Forms and Withholding Explained

Yes — unemployment compensation is taxable income at the federal level, and in most states, at the state level too. It's reported on your tax return just like wages, and the IRS gets a copy of what you were paid. Here's how the withholding, the 1099-G form, and state-by-state tax…

Arkansas Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $451/Week for 16 Weeks, Partial UI, and What Else Is Available

Arkansas's unemployment insurance program — run by the Division of Workforce Services (DWS) — provides a relatively modest weekly maximum of $451 and limits benefits to just 16 weeks. That combination of a lower cap and short duration means workers need to plan ahead and understand what supplemental programs are…

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $914/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

Minnesota's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $914 in 2026, up from $857 in 2025. Minnesota sets its maximum at 50% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually. The state's strong labor market and…

Why Even High-Income Earners Are Not That Far From The Edge of Poverty

Despite earning more than $100,000 in household income, many people still feel like they're living month-to-month — that a job loss or sudden medical emergency could easily move them from upper-middle-class down to low income. A 2026 Goldman Sachs survey put a number on this: 41% of households earning $300,000…

Nevada Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $631/Week for 26 Weeks, No State Income Tax, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available

Nevada's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) — raised its maximum weekly benefit to $631 in 2026, up from $469 in 2025. This significant $162 increase follows Nevada's statutory formula, which ties the maximum to the prior year's average monthly wage.…

Alabama Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $275/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

Alabama's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) — has the distinction of one of the lowest maximum weekly benefit caps in the United States at $275 per week. While the 26-week duration is in line with most other states, the dollar amount limits how…

2026 Updates: Maryland (MD) Unemployment Benefits — Up to $430/Week via BEACON

Maryland unemployment insurance pays between $50 and $430 per week in 2026, with benefits available for up to 26 weeks. That cap hasn't changed in several years, but a law passed in the 2026 General Assembly session (SB 3) will tie Maryland's maximum benefit to 40% of the state average…