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The IRS is sending out letters to more than 36 million families about getting monthly Child Tax Credit payments (as part of the American Rescue Plan) starting in July and lasting through December.

The IRS is sending letters to families who may be eligible for the tax credit based on information provided in either your 2019 or 2020 federal income tax return. Later, a second letter will be sent to eligible families letting them know the estimated amount for each monthly payment. 

It’s smart to review your finances regularly. Giving yourself a financial review is a great way to check on the progress you’ve made towards achieving your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and evaluate your accounts, funds and investments. Here are some tips on how to give yourself a financial review.

Your credit score is determined by many factors. It affects just about everything including housing, insurance rates, employment, as well as loan rates and loan eligibility. That’s why knowing what makes your credit score go up or down is important to your overall financial wellness. Here are some helpful tips about how your credit score is calculated, how it affects your life and how to improve your credit score.

We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s that I-gotta-have-it urge that overtakes us when we see a pair of designer jeans. Maybe it’s that shrug as we reach for the $6 cup of overrated coffee that says “I deserve this.” Or maybe it’s that helpless feeling as the end of the month draws near and we realize we’ve outspent our budget again. What makes us overspend? Let’s take a look at five common reasons and how we can overcome them.

Being financially fit means living a life of complete financial responsibility. The Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) defines four basic components of financial health—spend, save, borrow and plan. These components reference everyday financial activities. Every choice you make in terms of these four activities either builds or detracts from your financial fitness. Like physical fitness, you can beef up those fitness muscles a little bit more each day. Here’s why and how being financially fit is crucial for a well-balanced life.

Credit cards and debit cards offer incredible convenience, but is it smart to pay monthly bills with them? Choosing to pay a bill with a card can have a significant impact on your general financial wellness—for better or for worse. It’s important to consider the many variables of this decision before going ahead with it. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

With so many people feeling uncertain about their financial health, the three national credit reporting agencies have decided to let everyone monitor their credit report every week for free for the next year. Now, it’s easier than ever to check your credit report more frequently.

Make 2020 the year to focus on your financial success. Here are some helpful tips to help you start this new year off on the right financial track.

If you’re looking back on the holidays with dread because of the extra debt, you’re not alone. Here’s what you can do to recover from holiday spending.

Budget Credit Card Debt

Budget carefully to pay down credit card debt as soon as you can. It’s worth it to feel the squeeze for a few months in order to pay off those bills sooner. The longer you take to pay off the debt, the more you’ll be paying in interest.

It’s hard to believe, but 2019 is half over. Take a timeout from barbecues and mountain hikes to give yourself a mid-year financial checkup. Use the seven steps below to guide you. 

Step 1: Revisit Your Budget 

Take some time to review your monthly budget. Is it working for you or are you falling behind each month? After reviewing, adjust your budget as necessary.