The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) requires that certain entities file annual reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FINCEN”) by December 31. In Community Associations v. Yellen, E.D.Va. Case No. 24-CV0-1597, Doc. 40 (Oct. 24, 2024), the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia held that this requirement also applies to a Homeowners Association (“HOA”). This means that most HOAs out there now must file their FINCEN report by December 31 or face very serious fines ― $500 per day. This article will attempt to give some helpful hints to HOAs boards as to how they can comply…

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Learn the pros, cons, and methods of rolling over retirement accounts to simplify your finances so you can avoid costly mistakes.How can you budget smarter for the holidays? Does it make sense to combine retirement accounts from previous jobs into one? What are the benefits and drawbacks of different rollover options? Hosts Elizabeth Ayoola and Sara Rathner begin the episode with a discussion of holiday budgeting, offering tips and tricks on avoiding impulsive spending, setting clear financial priorities, and the importance of delayed gratification.Then,…

The Education Department officially published proposed regulations last week for a new student loan forgiveness program tied to hardship. The rules outlines more than a dozen factors that could determine whether a borrower would qualify for debt relief. “If finalized as the Department of Education proposes, these rules would authorize student debt relief to millions of borrowers struggling with high medical costs, childcare costs, and other financial hardships such as the impacts of a natural disaster,” said the department in a statement earlier in October. The program, the final part of President Joe Biden’s “Plan B” for student loan forgiveness,…

When former President Donald Trump steps back into his Leader of the Free World shoes, he’ll need to get to work on some of the economic promises he’s made. Trump’s success will depend on a host of factors and it’s unclear exactly which proposals he will pursue and which will make the cut with with Congress. Here’s a rundown of what Trump promised on the campaign trail:InflationInflation, as measured by the consumer price index, has already slowed to 2.4%, well off its pandemic-fueled peak. Trump promised to lower prices and slow inflation, but whether a president can directly do so…

Regardless of the U.S. presidential election results, the next four years hold immense potential for shaping your personal finance. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a young professional, an entrepreneur, a person nearing retirement, or someone simply looking to take control of your finances, a well-structured financial plan can be your compass. This article discusses tips and strategies to navigate your financial journey, setting you on a path toward financial security and prosperity. 1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation A clear understanding of your current financial situation is the first step toward effective financial planning. This assessment gives you a baseline…

Landing a high-paying job without spending four years and tens of thousands of dollars on college tuition may be getting more plausible. In recent years, many of America’s largest companies have announced they will no longer require a college degree for high-paying office jobs. That list includes Google, IBM, Tesla, Accenture, Walmart, Dell, Verizon, Delta, General Motors, Bank of America and Home Depot among others. Track all the money you makeSee the ins and outs of your cash, cards, and bank accounts at a glance.In a recent poll conducted by Intelligent.com, 33% of 750 companies surveyed said they eliminated bachelor’s…

As the 2024 presidential election approaches its finale, investors and retirement savers are grappling with a pressing question: Will the outcome impact my 401(k) account? It’s a question that comes up every four years, regardless of the policy proposals and economic issues at play. But in this year’s hyperpolarized backdrop fueled by record advertising spending and media onslaughts from the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns alike, U.S. retirement savers are left in a cloud of unease and uncertainty. In this climate, it’s important to explore the psychological factors that influence retirement planning during politically charged times, examine historical market…

Before you take on any debt, consider whether a car loan or new credit card will help meet your financial goals — or make them more difficult to accomplish. The type of debt you take on, along with its quantity and cost, can mean the difference between good debt and bad debt.A credit card, for example, can be a means to financing large expenses and earning reward points. But if not managed carefully, credit card debt with high interest can spiral out of control.Here are general guidelines on good debt and bad debt, how to handle each one and what…

For a while I was very content investing for our family’s future with my workplace 401(k) and a Roth IRA. These two tax-advantaged vehicles were driving our family toward a very comfortable retirement. A few years ago, I discovered another stealth retirement investment option called the Health Savings Account. Just like the 401(k) and the Roth IRA, the HSA also has many tax advantages. In fact, it’s gained a lot of attention for its triple tax advantages. Here they are: Pre-tax contributions (with your employer sponsored plan) or tax deductible contributions if you’re employer does not have an HSA option;…

When it comes to managing our money and investments online, most of us have spent the last couple of decades dizzied with options for financial management apps from major players like Intuit, Betterment, Robinhood, and the like. But emerging AI-powered apps have already started to carve out their own lane in the personal finance space–bringing automation, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalized insights into the process. These platforms do more than just simplify personal finance management—they act as sophisticated financial assistants that can anticipate your needs, help you manage debt, and optimize investment strategies based on your individual financial behaviors. If you’re…