-
1 week ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Geoff Williams |Liisa Rajala |Dawn Bradbury |Patrick Duffy
Climate change may be banging up homes, but there are ways to fortify and protect your home. It isn’t all forest fires and hurricanes. Climate change can damage your home in subtle ways, like the merciless sun beating down on your home in a heat wave. Protecting your home from climate change isn’t cheap. Extreme heat and drought, flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and tornados are all signs of climate change's impact.
-
1 week ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Liisa Rajala |Tanza Loudenback |Dawn Bradbury |Josephine Nesbit
Key Takeaways You have a few avenues for finding a cleaner, whether it's hiring an individual through a reputable platform, asking friends for a recommendation or contacting a local cleaning service or franchise. Communicate your cleaning needs and agree upon payment in advance. While you don't need to clean before a professional arrives, pick up belongings or move children and pets into appropriate spaces so they don't get in the way.
-
2 weeks 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.).
-
2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Liisa Rajala |Barri Segal
Key Takeaways A quarter of all Americans put off doing their taxes until the last minute because they hate the filing process. If you've procrastinated, gather your documents from the IRS and your personal files, then compare everything to last year's return and use the Direct File software if possible. Be sure to make any retirement plan contributions before filing, then send everything by April 15. File an extension instead of filing late to offset penalties.
-
2 weeks ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Robyn A. Friedman |Liisa Rajala |Dawn Bradbury
Key Takeaways There are pros and cons to hiring a friend as your real estate agent. With a friend, there’s already trust, plus the agent is familiar with how you live and your needs and wants. But working with a friend can risk the relationship, so if there’s any doubt or hesitancy, hire someone else. It’s essential to vet any agent you consider working with, friend or not. Libby Von Bargen and Cari McGee have been friends since 2008.
-
2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Barri Segal |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways These cuts to the IRS are part of Trump's effort to shrink the government, and a judge ruled that the firings can proceed for now. Refunds may be delayed if you are owed a large amount or if information on your return is missing, incomplete or unverifiable. Payment plans can take longer to arrange, so it’s important to start paying even if yours hasn't been accepted.
-
2 weeks ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Maurie Backman |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: Arches lend a more organic design feel, and they’re becoming increasingly popular. Arches can be incorporated into doorways, landscaping and more. They can be challenging to work into home design, but with the right professional, that’s not an issue. When we think of arches, our minds may conjure up images of classic Greek structures or dramatic Gothic buildings. But it’s not just ancient architecture where you might find an archway or two.
-
2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways The IRS offers several free programs to help with income-tax filing, especially if your income is below a certain level or you have a disability or limited English-speaking skills. You can also get extra help if you’re 50 or older. The IRS also provides resources for answering tax questions, checking on the status of your refund and looking up more information about tax credits, deductions and filing rules.
-
1 month ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Geoff Williams |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways The market favors sellers right now, but you still may want to go the extra mile to entice buyers. Making your house more welcoming can help put potential buyers in a better buying mindset. First impressions are crucial if you don’t want to turn off a buyer. If you’re selling a house, it’s the little things that could blow a potential sale.
-
1 month ago | 
realestate.usnews.com | Geoff Williams |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala
Key Takeaways: There are many different types of home improvement loans. Make sure you understand the terms of the loan before signing up. Generally, all home improvement loans have some hidden cost or downside, and it’s important to know what they are before you apply for one. A home improvement may not add as much value as the loan itself. If you spend $30,000 on a home improvement, your home won’t automatically be worth $30,000 more. But it should add some value.
