Millions of Americans already received their economic impact payment. But what if you’re still waiting or your payment was for an incorrect amount? Here are some common scenarios why you may not have received your payment, or the payment you did receive was for an incorrect amount, and what you can do. Your payment was…

Shuttered businesses are realizing that lifting lockdown restrictions doesn’t mean a return to business as usual. Social distancing guidelines and a public wary of venturing into crowded environments means light customer traffic for many businesses. Here are several ideas to help local businesses financially as they re-open their doors: Continue buying gift cards. For many small…

t suddenly just got a whole lot more difficult to buy a home The banking sector is the latest industry to dramatically change how it operates in response to the current economic environment. The most visible change for consumers are new requirements for taking out a mortgage. Here are some tips for working with banks…

Numerous new laws provide economic relief to individuals and businesses hardest hit by this year’s pandemic. This much-needed financial assistance, however, comes with a few strings attached. Here are three potential surprises if you use the available economic relief packages: Getting a tax bill for unemployment benefits. While the $1,200 economic impact payments most Americans received…

Do you need a quick infusion of cash? Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, you may be able to take money out of a qualified plan, like a 401(k), or an IRA, with favorable tax consequences. But should you do it? You might view withdrawing money from a retirement account as…

The IRS has two websites to help with stimulus payments: One for non-tax filers to register to receive their economic impact payment and a new “Get My Payment” tool. Background As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is sending $1,200 to single taxpayers with income less than $75,000 ($98,000 with phaseouts). $2,400 is…

Coronavirus uncertainty abounds. Thankfully, by monitoring tax changes on your behalf, we can work together to navigate the right path for you and your family. Here is a round-up of tax-related laws and information to help with tax planning for 2020. Early distribution penalty waived The 10% early distribution penalty on up to $100,000 of…

A clever new way to save… With close to 85% of purchases made with credit or debit cards, many people have forgotten the satisfying clinking sound of tossing a penny, nickel, dime or quarter into a glass jar of spare change. But all that is starting to change! Clever new savings ideas In today’s world…

Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides worker benefits The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a new law passed last week that offers COVID-19 assistance for both employees and employers. This new law provides businesses with fewer than 500 employees the funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs…

Below is a summary of two new federal government programs recently signed into law.  The ink is still drying, so we are still reviewing the fine print, but here are the basics: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program $10,000 quick up-front cash (generally forgiven unless you get PPP loan, then it must be paid back) Up to $2…