Meredith Dietz

New York

Staff Writer at Lifehacker

too tired to pee, too full of piss to sleep. staff writer @lifehacker. headline contributor @TheOnion @reductress.

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Articles

Review: The Pump X Fitness Headphones Handle Sweat Like a Champ

6 days ago | lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

Design and qualityThe Pump X headphones look sleek enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing obvious "gym gear" when commuting with them. The matte finish with subtle "X" branding feels premium, and I particularly appreciate the sweat-wicking material on the headband that actually keeps my head dry—a rarity in the over-ear fitness headphone market. These feel substantially built, with hinges that seem like they'll last through being tossed in gym bags daily.
How to Tell If Your Running Shoes Fit Correctly

1 week ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

As Lifehacker's resident marathon runner and senior finance writer, there is one perfect point where my worlds intersect: buying sneakers. When it comes to investing in—and maybe even splurging on—running gear, nothing affects your running experience more than your shoes. Finding the perfect running shoes is about much more than style or brand preference. Proper footwear can be the difference between achieving your running goals and suffering through preventable injuries.
Review: The Merach Mini Stepper Is Too Small to Be a Real Exercise Option

1 week ago | lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

Design and setupThe Merach Mini Stepper's primary selling point is, undoubtedly, its minimal footprint. Measuring roughly 16 inches long by 9 inches wide and standing about 12 inches tall, it occupies about as much floor space as a large laptop bag. Plus, it can easily slide into a closet when not in use.
Here's Why Your Tax Refund May Be a Little Bigger This Year

1 week ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

It's officially Tax Day. If you already filed months ago, first off: Good for you. And secondly, you may have already received a pleasant surprise in the form of a slightly larger tax refund compared to last year. According to the most recent IRS report, over $211 billion has been refunded this cycle so far—a 5% increase over last year. On an individual basis, the average direct deposit refund amount is $3,186, up 3.2% from last year's $3,088. But what's driving these larger refunds?
Make the Most of Your Tax Refund With the '1/3 Rule'

1 week ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

Tax Day is here. Many of us high achievers have already received our tax refunds—and are perhaps enjoying slightly larger checks than expected this year. While it might be tempting to spend that entire sum on a vacation or shopping spree, I recommend a more balanced approach. Enter the "1/3 rule": a simple and effective strategy to maximize the benefits of your tax refund.
You Can Still File for a Tax Extension

1 week ago | lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

With Tax Day 2025 finally here, many of us are pressed for time to file our returns. You might be wondering, "Hey, what if I just... don't pay my taxes at all?" And you're not alone in this line of thinking. But even if you can't pay right now, you absolutely want to file before the deadline. Fortunately, the IRS offers taxpayers an easy way to get more time: by filing for an extension.
What's the Worst That Will Happen If You File Your Taxes Late (or Not at All)?

1 week ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

With the April 15 tax deadline looming tomorrow, many Americans are rushing to complete their returns. Personally, my phone is blowing up with all my procrastinator friends asking last-minute questions. And good for them for making the deadline at all, no matter how frenzied. But what happens if you miss the deadline? The consequences vary dramatically depending on whether you simply file late or don't file at all.
What to Do If You Haven't Filed Your Taxes in Years

2 weeks ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

If you haven't filed tax returns for several years, you're not alone: The IRS anticipates a $500 billion decrease in tax revenue this year. (That’s a more than 10% decline compared to last year.) More anecdotally, the IRS has also noted increased talk online from people saying they won’t pay taxes this year, and that they're willing to take the gamble that they won’t be audited. So, with just a few days left before the April 15 deadline, you might be wondering: What if I keep on ignoring my taxes?
How to Talk to a Real Human at the IRS Without Waiting on Hold Forever

2 weeks ago | au.lifehacker.com | Meredith Dietz

Whether you're filling a prescription, rebooking a flight, or asking a question about your taxes, it seems like the first line of defense between you and any sort of real human helper is a never-ending string of automated prompts. But not all questions can be answered by a computer—especially when it comes to your taxes. The IRS expects individual tax returns for 2024 to be filed this season, which has a deadline of April 15, 2025. That's a lot of taxpayers on hold.
How to Talk to a Real Human at the IRS Without Waiting on Hold Forever

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Meredith Dietz

Meredith Dietz, Lifehacker StaffWed, April 9, 2025 at 7:30 PM UTC4 min readWhether you're filling a prescription, rebooking a flight, or asking a question about your taxes, it seems like the first line of defense between you and any sort of real human helper is a never-ending string of automated prompts. But not all questions can be answered by a computer—especially when it comes to your taxes.