Andy | Saving to Invest

Will There Be Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments in 2022 or 2023

[December 2022 update] Despite attempts by Democrats to restore the CTC to expanded pandemic levels, it is unlikely a funding bill will be passed before the end of the year. As a result the CTC will return to pre-pandemic levels and can only be claimed via your tax return filing.…

States Being Sued For Ending Federal Unemployment Benefits Early (Including $300 Weekly Payment) – Lawsuits Update and Latest News on Reinstatement of Payments

Many of the states that ended federally funded unemployment benefits early (see full list) are now facing several legal challenges (lawsuits) that has meant a reconsideration of the early termination and in some cases a continuation of benefits past the state Governor's prescribed early end date. The general argument's being…

Flexible Work vs Compressed Hours Schedules? Is Working From Home More Productive Than Being in The Office

A few years ago working from home was relatively new and mainly something that technology or consulting companies offered. However, following the pandemic and with millions of workers effectively working remotely for over a year, the discussion of flexible working - which includes location and/or schedule flexibility - has become…

Start Your Own Blog or Website To Make Some Extra Money and Generate Long Term Passive Income

I’ve been blogging on and off for the last ten years while holding down a full-time job and supporting a growing family with the associated lifestyle inflation that comes with that. But one thing that has made me financially secure is that even if I didn’t have my job I…

5 Smart Money Moves Parents Should Make With the Child Tax Credit

Despite a lowering of child and dependent care tax credits, many families will continue to get these valuable payments when filing a tax return in 2022 and 2023. But if you don't need the money or bonus refund payment to meet the most basic of needs like food and clothing,…

Seven Reasons Your Vacation Is More Expensive and It’s More than Rising Airfares, Expensive Rental Cars, Hotel Costs and Gas Prices

Following the wide spread availability of vaccines and rapid rollback of COVID related restrictions and regulations around travel, millions of Americans are breaking their virtual shackles and overcoming a major case of cabin fever by going on much needed vacations. With pandemic related fears in the rear view mirror (domestically…

Early End to Pandemic Unemployment Program (PUA) Along With $300 Unemployment Supplement Will Be Devastating to Jobless Freelancers, Gig Workers, Contractors and Part Time Workers

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was put in place primarily for those out-of-work Americans who are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits and are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes independent contractors,…

Should I Sell My Crypto Currency (Bitcoin, Ethereum) or Hold and Buy More? Latest News and Updates

As I update this article, it seems most major Cryptocurrencies are oscillating on a seemingly daily basis by several percentage amounts following news of regulatory crackdowns, exchange collapses (FTX anyone?), broad market corrections or due to everchanging sentiments on social media. Further with more digital "coins" and decentralized finance platforms…

Will Calling the IRS Help Getting My Tax Refund Faster and How Do I Get a Live Person on the Phone at the IRS

According to the IRS calling them won’t expedite your tax refund payment delays. This is apparently because the information available to IRS call center representatives is the same as that available on their WMR (Where’s My Refund) tool. But l beg to differ. There is always value in talking to…

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…

States Stimulus Checks Going Out Instead of 4th Stimulus Check – One time Payments And Other Return to Work Bonuses for Unemployed Workers

With a slowing economy, persistent inflation, higher than expected tax revenue and massive inflows ($350 billion) from the Biden ARPA stimulus bill, many states are forging ahead with implementing additional COVID relief and economic assistance programs for lower-to-middle income and unemployed workers. Various state funded assistance ranges from direct stimulus…

Which States Are Ending Extra $300 Weekly PUA and PEUC Unemployment Payments Early – News and Updates on Program End Dates

This is a scary outcome for unemployed workers currently getting the extra $300 weekly unemployment payment (FPUC program) in addition to the federally funded unemployment benefits under the PUA, PEUC or EB programs. At this stage a majority of states are ending benefits early, with more to follow in the…

2021 Biden American Jobs Plan And Tax Hike Proposals For High Income Earners and Corporations in 2022 and Beyond

President Biden has released his next major spending plan, dubbed the American Jobs Plan (AJP), which includes trillions of additional dollars in spending on infrastructure, job creation initiatives and support for middle class families and lower income earners. However to pay for the massive spending proposals the administration has proposed…

Top Reasons Your Unemployment Claim is Stuck, On Hold, Suspended or Still Pending (Even After End of PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC Programs)

Despite the end of enhanced unemployment extension programs (PUA, PEUC, $100 MEUC and $300 FPUC), many people are reporting issues with getting their past or overdue claims processed, and as a result facing long delays in receiving their payments. See the sections below for the main reasons why and where…