Gift Tax Explained: When Giving Money or Property Becomes a Tax Matter

Federal rules for 2026 · Reviewed October 25, 2026 Giving someone money sounds simple. Putting a child on a bank account may seem like a matter of convenience. Buying a house with a partner may feel like nothing more than deciding whose names belong on the deed. For federal tax purposes, however, all three can […]

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Contact 211 Before any Financial Emergency Gets Worse

The rent is overdue, a utility shutoff notice has arrived, or there is not enough money for groceries. You may not know which program could help—or whether help is available in your community. Start by contacting 211 and explaining the problem and its deadline. Need help finding local assistance? Use the national locator or call […]

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The Fed Is Raising Rates Again: What Changed, Why It Matters, and What Comes Next

Less than a year ago, the story was about Federal Reserve rate cuts. Now the story has changed. On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve raised its target range for the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point, bringing it to: 3.75%–4.00% That may seem like a small move. But when the Federal Reserve changes […]

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