Braley Dodson

3 weeks ago | ctproject.org | Braley Dodson

What you can do when your landlord announces an increaseIt’s a familiar scenario. It’s time to renew your lease when your landlord announces your rent is going up – again. You love your home. Moving is expensive. You either have to find somewhere less expensive or agree to pay more. There’s not another option, right? There might be. You have the power to try negotiating your rent.

1 month ago | tcpactionfund.org | Braley Dodson

The fiscal rules have put the state in a bind. Your family budget usually depends on two things:  how much of your paycheck you take home, and what you can spend it on. But what if you decide your rent doesn’t count as spending one month, but does the next? Or that meat is part of your grocery budget, but fruit isn’t? That’s inconsistent, and it doesn’t make much sense. But that’s exactly what our government is doing to make the state budget work.

1 month ago | ctproject.org | Braley Dodson

Don’t leave unclaimed money on the tableYou deserve to get the tax refund you’re owed. But, if you don’t know what you’re eligible for, you could be leaving thousands of dollars behind. Tax credits are refunds and tax relief from the state and federal governments. Some credits offset the cost of pursuing your education, saving for your retirement, or installing solar panels on your home.

1 month ago | tcpactionfund.org | Braley Dodson

A “bond lock” has tied lawmakers’ hands for years. Responsible adjustments to the fiscal rules will give us a healthier futureWhen times are tough, you reevaluate your budget. Let’s say you have to pay off debt, manage your finances, and make tough decisions to stretch your money as far as you can. To add accountability, you signed a contract with a bank agreeing to stick to your rules – but also promised to keep your rigid budget for the next decade. A lot can happen with your finances in 10 years.

1 month ago | ctproject.org | Braley Dodson

You can be owed money even if you’re self-employed, earned tips, or have these other circumstancesWe get it. Taxes are complicated, even if you only have a simple W-2. It’s even harder to navigate tax season when your work circumstances are more unique. While you’re filling out your forms, however, keep in mind that you could be owed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC was created to put money back into the pockets of hardworking people.