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1 week ago | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann |Bianca Beltran
Our pets are more than companions - they're family. But just like any family member, they come with responsibilities, and sometimes, surprise expenses. In Massachusetts, owning a furry friend isn't cheap. A new report from Rover lists the commonwealth as the second most expensive state for dog parents - with the annual cost reaching just over $4,000. The prices of pet goods and services are expected to rise this year.
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1 week ago | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann |Bianca Beltran
As the weather warms up, so do the bugs. But before calling pest control, there are few tips consumers should keep in mind to protect their home and wallet. Whether it's ants in the kitchen or a cockroach making a home in the bathroom - these uninvited tenants can make our skin crawl and wreak havoc on our home. But before calling in a professional to help to get rid of them, Consumers' Checkbook warns that rushing into a contract could lead to big regrets later on.
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1 week ago | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann |Bianca Beltran
The tax deadline has come and gone and soon millions of Americans will get a refund from the government. But before splurging on those new shoes, consider putting that money to work. According to the IRS, the average refund amount this year is more than $3,000. Smart shopping expert Trae Bodge recommends prioritizing paying down high-interest credit cards and building an emergency savings fund with that refund.
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1 month ago | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann
Some of the most common scams include bogus tax avoidance strategies, fake charities exploiting taxpayer generosity, false fuel credit claims, fraudulent...
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1 month ago | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann |Bianca Beltran
Taxpayers who made money online or through payment apps in 2024 might get a new tax form in the mail - a 1099-K. This form reports payments people receive through third-party platforms. But it doesn't mean people owe taxes on all of it. In the past, taxpayers would only get a 1099-K form if they made over $20,00 and had more than 200 transactions made online or through third-party platform. The threshold this year dropped to just $5,000 -- no transaction minimum required.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann
Freezing your credit is an easy way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. With the PowerSchool data breach impacting school districts in Massachusetts and across the country, cybersecurity experts at the Identity Theft Resource Center recommend safeguarding your children's information now, before it's too late. "In this particular instance, the single most important thing you can do is to freeze your child's credit," said ITRC President James E. Lee.
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Dec 16, 2024 | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann
The busy holiday shopping season is underway, and according to the National Retail Federation, spending is expected to reach a new record. But before purchasing an item, you need to pay more attention to return policies - because retailers are making significant changes that could impact you. "Returns kind of help minimize that post-purchase regret that a customer might have," Lauren Beitelspacher, a professor in the Marketing Division at Babson College.
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Dec 13, 2024 | 
necn.com | Ale Zimmermann
Millions of Americans will soon gather with their friends and family for the holidays. But entertaining your loved ones can quickly get expensive. A perfectly decorated home means balancing your time and budget - two things that don't always go hand in hand. "Knowing your boundaries and limitations as you enter into a busy and expensive season is so important," said MJ Rosenthal, a professional organizer with An Organized Life.
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Dec 12, 2024 | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann
You may have noticed retailers now ask for your phone number to send you exclusive discounts and special offers. While it sounds like a great deal, not all of these messages are as trustworthy as they seem. Karin Zilberstein is vice president of product at Guardio - a cybersecurity platform that protects against online threats. "We are hearing from people, 'I'm not going to fall into a trap.
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Dec 12, 2024 | 
nbcboston.com | Ale Zimmermann
Overdraft fees can be a costly, unplanned expense. But there could be some relief coming to your wallet. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a new rule Thursday that could save Americans $5 billion in overdraft fees. The penalty can be triggered when a transaction, like a withdrawal or a transfer, causes an account balance to go negative. Low-income Americans have disproportionately borne the costs of overdraft fees charged by financial institutions.
