E. Napoletano

Writer and Columnist at Freelance

Hopeful queer hick, washes their ritalin down with cold brew | Rep: @NoahJones, FWRD MGMT

Articles

When will mortgage rates go down? Predictions ahead of next week's Fed meeting

1 week ago | finance.yahoo.com | E. Napoletano

Pleas for lower mortgage rates could be the battle cry of the decade among aspiring homeowners and those looking to refinance — and for good reason. According to Freddie Mac, current interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are just below 6.8%. Rates for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage are a little under 6%. Those are more than double the sub-3% mortgage rates consumers saw during the pandemic era. But if you’re waiting for rates to drop before buying a home, experts suggest otherwise.
Should you buy a house during a recession?

1 week ago | finance.yahoo.com | E. Napoletano

Ah, there’s nothing like the smell of economic uncertainty in the morning — though we’d all likely prefer the calming scent of a good cup of coffee. It’s hard to even glance at the news without hearing talk of a recession. Is one coming? Are we already in one? Could a recession be the key to getting into a home for less than you could today? Buying a home during a recession comes with pros and cons.
When will mortgage rates go down? A look at 2025 rate predictions.

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | E. Napoletano

Pleas for lower mortgage rates could be the battle cry of the decade among aspiring homeowners and those looking to refinance — and for good reason. According to Freddie Mac, current interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hover around 6.8%. Rates for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage are right around 6%. Those are more than double the sub-3% mortgage rates consumers saw during the pandemic era. But if you’re waiting for rates to drop before buying a home, experts suggest otherwise.
How to Amend a Tax Return: How and When to File Form 1040-X

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

You can file an amended return directly with the IRS for free, or you can use the tax prep method you used to originally file. You should file an amended return if you find an error or omission that causes you to owe more taxes. If you find an error that reduces your tax liability, you should file the amendment if the cost is less than the savings. While filing taxes is ideally a one-and-done affair, about three million people each year find they need to update a previously filed return.
Tax Credit vs. Deduction: What’s the Difference?

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

Tax deductions reduce your taxable income. Tax credits directly reduce your tax liability. There are two types of tax deductions: above the line and below the line. There are three types of tax credits: refundable, partially refundable and non-refundable. Tax deductions and tax credits are ways to whittle down what you owe to Uncle Sam. Both lower your tax bill, but do so in different ways.
Estimated Tax Payments: What They Are and Who Needs to Make Them

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

Key takeawaysYou should make quarterly estimated taxes if you owed more than $1,000 when you filed your return. Estimated taxes need to cover either 90% of this year's tax liability or 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if you earn over $150,000). You can pay for free online, by mail or in person. You might think of April as “tax time,” but U.S. taxpayers are required to pay taxes throughout the year.
What Is an Expense Ratio?

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

While countless tout commission-free trades on assets including exchange-traded funds and mutual funds, these investments are far from free. There’s a not-so-hidden cost of ownership for both and called an expense ratio, and there’s no opt-out box to check when you own these investments. Expense ratios are the annual costs you’ll pay to own an ETF or mutual fund. Even though these fees have recently declined, every dollar you pay in fees eats into your overall investment returns.
What Is a W-4 and How To Complete It?

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

Key takeaways A W-4 tells your employer what to withhold from your paycheck to cover your income taxes. You will complete a W-4 when you start a new job. Consider filling out a new W-4 if you are unhappy with your withholdings or if you have major life changes. A surprise such as a promotion or birthday celebration can be exciting, but surprises are generally less welcome when it comes to taxes.
How to Fill Out a Form 1040

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

Form 1040 is the form you fill out to complete your tax return. There are several additional Schedules and worksheets to complete to help you calculate your deductions and credits. You can fill this out by hand, but it's easier to use tax software or hire a tax preparer to complete your return.
What Is a Good Credit Score?

2 months ago | wsj.com | E. Napoletano

The definition of “good” is often tough to quantify in finance. From stock prices to the size of your retirement nest egg, a “good” one depends heavily on who’s making the assessment and when. Thankfully, there’s one finance realm where “good” has a more precise definition: credit scores. Scores range from 300 to 850, and while what is considered a good credit score can vary slightly depending on the scoring agency, it’s typically between 660 and 780.