SmartReads

Even after the mortgage is paid off, homeowners face ongoing property taxes across the United States. While senior citizens, owner-occupants, and other groups may receive preferential tax treatment in some jurisdictions, homeowners still pay anywhere from 1% to 10% of their income on property taxes. These taxes pay for local infrastructure and amenities – putting… read more…

While the cost of raising a young child can now reach over $40,000 in pre-tax income annually depending on where you live, many families find ways to mitigate some of the larger costs associated with parenthood. This often includes considerations around who’s going to work in the household, and whether young children will require paid… read more…

During the biggest travel week of the year, the chance of flight delays paired with declining gas prices in many states may prompt many families to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations. However, gas prices in some places did increase substantially, even outpacing general inflation. So for those crossing state lines, paying attention to gas prices… read more…

It’s that time of year when many households assess their budgets ahead of holiday parties, gifting and sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Local businesses, ecommerce businesses, and even governments collecting associated sales tax benefit from these end-of-year purchases. To accommodate the seasonal surge in spending, businesses must often plan ahead to account… read more…