Jessica Walrack

Newark

Content Marketing Strategist and Writer at Freelance

Founder of All Things Freelance Writer @TheATFW. Freelance Finance Writer/Journalist of 10+ years. @Investopedia, @CBSMoneyWatch, @usnews, @USAToday, and more.

Articles

15 Ways to Get Free Money from the Government

4 days ago | money.usnews.com | Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback |Geoff Williams |Jessica Walrack

Key Takeaways If your household income is at or near the federal poverty level, there are government programs to help you. The programs cover various areas, including groceries, child care and tax filing help. The amount of money you receive from a federal government program will likely depend on the state running it. Life is expensive, and managing money can be complicated.
Here's What You Can Learn From the Taxes You Filed in 2025

3 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways By reviewing your 2024 tax return, you can improve your tax strategy for 2025. You may want to take steps like adjusting your withholdings, switching the legal structure of your business or increasing your contributions to tax-advantaged accounts. Correcting mistakes, such as underestimating income or missing deductions, can help save you money and reduce stress next year. With parts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire this year, federal tax increases may be on the horizon.
From Hobbyist to Entrepreneur: 10 Hobbies That Can Make You Money

3 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways: Hobbies don't have to just be fun, they can also be lucrative. You can profit from writing, photography, baking, pet sitting, gaming and more. Monetizing hobbies will take great dedication, perseverance and effort. Wondering how to make money doing something you enjoy? After several years of above-average inflation rates, many are looking for ways to boost their incomes.
5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Savings, According to Experts

4 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways: Build an emergency fund that can cover six to 12 months of essential expenses. Compare CDs, high-yield savings accounts and money market funds. Use a zero-based budget to manage spending. Consider investing in the stock market while prices are down. Many Americans have been bracing for a recession since the pandemic, and the recent tariff developments are adding to the concern.
Don't Overlook These Small Business Costs

1 month ago | mediafeed.org | Jessica Walrack

Ready to turn your business idea into reality but unsure about the price tag? Let’s break down what it really costs to launch your dream. There’s not a single number that applies to every aspiring business owner. The cost can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions, depending on factors like your business type, location, and more. However, with a bit of research, you can get a good idea of the amount you’ll need.
Does My Business Qualify for a No-Collateral Loan?

1 month ago | mediafeed.org | Jessica Walrack

Are you looking for a small business loan that doesn’t require you to put up collateral? Traditional business loans are often secured, requiring you to pledge an asset to qualify. However, many of the best business loan lendersnow offer collateral-free business financing, basing approval on factors like your credit history, revenue, and time in business. If that sounds up your alley, read on to learn the ins and outs of business loans with no collateral.
These Are 3 of the Oddest Tax Deductions Ever - Are You Eligible for One?

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Liisa Rajala |Barri Segal

Key takeaways: Personal tax deductions are available both above and below the line. Business tax deductions are allowed for ordinary and necessary business expenses. In one case, breast implants were deemed a depreciable asset in a business. Extra costs incurred by a prescribed diet may qualify as deductible medical expenses in certain situations. You can write off the costs of service and working animals and their ongoing care (e.g., food, vet bills, etc.).
RV Loans Help Finance the Journey

2 months ago | credible.com | Jessica Walrack

Are you dreaming of hitting the open road with a home on wheels? With the help of recreational vehicle (RV) financing, you can bring that dream to life sooner rather than later. But how do RV loans work, where can you get one, and will you qualify? Here’s what you need to know. What is an RV loan? An RV loan is an installment loan that covers the cost of a recreational vehicle.
Best Personal Loan Rates in 2025

2 months ago | wsj.com | Jessica Walrack

For an interest rate to be good, it should be lower than the average rate for your credit profile. The average personal loan rate on a two-year personal loan is currently 12.33%, according to the latest data from the . But the best personal loan rates — reserved for applicants with very high credit scores — tend to land in the single digits.
What Is a 1099 Form and What Should You Do With It?

Mar 3, 2025 | money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Tanza Loudenback |Barri Segal

Key Takeaways: 1099 forms report income received by individuals or businesses that is not from traditional employment, like freelance payments, income from investments, retirement distributions and withdrawals from 529 college savings plans. You should receive most 1099 forms by the end of January, although the deadline is mid-February for a few. Income reported on a 1099 form is usually taxable, but not always.