According to the National Taxpayer Advocate’s Mid-Year Report to Congress, the 2025 tax filing season was a success. Nearly 141 million individual returns were received, 138 million were processed, and over 95 percent of those processed returns were filed electronically. In a world where headlines touting a functioning government is relatively rare, this performance from the IRS is worth a note. That said, success is relative. Peeling back the topline numbers, a different story emerges—exposing gaps in IRS staffing, technology adoption, and taxpayer support. More than 13 million returns were “suspended” during processing—not processed—triggering refund delays. Identity theft victims can…

Your wealth-building plan starts with a cushion of highly liquid cash. Some call it precautionary balance, others may use the term “peace-of-mind money,” but most people simply call it savings. Whether your goal is to absorb a job loss, seize investment opportunities, or avoid debt, your savings account (or accounts, because you should have more than one) serves as your baseline for financial success. This article tackles savings accounts and explores key considerations for choosing. Overview Of Savings Accounts A savings account is a secure, interest-bearing deposit product offered by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. They are designed…