Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Tax season is finally here, and with that – there are millions of people all across the nation who have a ton of questions. First off, should I do my taxes by myself, or do I need to go to an accountant and have them done professionally? Well, that would depend on your own individual circumstances. You would consider the complications of your tax preparation process, your filing status, your level of income, your risk for audit, etc. However, if you do choose to go the route of preparing and filing your income taxes on your own, then you have a few great options available to help you do it.
Remember, navigating your own personal finances can be tricky, so ensuring that you know what to expect when working with one of the three biggest tax filing software applications out there is key. In this short article, we are going to provide you with some insight into the differences between these three software applications. Let’s begin with TurboTax.
What’s The Deal With TurboTax?
There are a few tiered options including free filing* that provide you with some additional tools which might run you a bit more. Additionally, if you are self-employed as an independent contractor, a freelancer, or a consultant, you’ll be required to pay a fee of $120 upfront – which isn’t too hefty when you consider the complexities of your write-offs, deductions, and credits.
TurboTax also offers a wonderful 24/7 online and phone support hotline to help walk you through the steps of filing your taxes. If you have a question, you can receive instant support and assistance by whatever means necessary. So, even if it’s 11:30pm on April 14th (or thanks to the extension May 14th at 11:30pm) and you only have 30 minutes left to file your taxes before the IRS deadline, you can still receive support.
Let’s also not forget, TurboTax offers Live Tax Preparation for a fee, where a professional accountant will work with you to help you file your taxes. The software really is quite powerful, and it even offers an option for TurboTax Audit Defense to ensure that your filing is clean and free from potential errors. Check out TurboTax today (*for simple tax returns only” AND “not all taxpayers qualify)
Credit Karma
Now, what about Credit Karma? Well, they might not have as many features as, say, TurboTax or H&R Block, but they still provide you with all of the basics that you’ll need to address your personal finance structure and ensure a seamless tax filing process. Technically, the software is free to use if you’re going to earn a return from the IRS or your respective state, but there is a slight grey area there.
Additionally, their online help center is accessible, but a little more limited than the others. However, they do make it quite simple to track your refund after you’ve filed your taxes. This is a big plus because it helps you plan ahead for the future if you are planning to use that refund for something special.
Lastly, one of the biggest benefits with Credit Karma is that they offer a free Audit Defense process, provided by a third party. This helps to verify your tax filing to ensure that it is free of mistakes and potential audit risk. Check out Credit Karma today.
What About H&R Block?
As the cream of the crop, H&R Block really isn’t all that different from TurboTax – even if it has a stronger and more durable reputation. In fact, the two are nearly identical – although H&R Block’s paid tiered options might come at a cheaper price point.
For instance, the free version is enough to help you file your taxes from scratch. From there, tiered options begin at about $30, and increment increase to $50, and then $85 for self-employed. When compared with the prices that accountants are charging for tax preparation, this really is a steal.
From there, unlimited live chat and phone support is a big benefit. Not only does it ensure that you have assistance whenever you need it, but it gives you an opportunity to breeze through support with simple and easy answers.
Lastly, H&R Block offers you additional audit support for just $19.99. At the end of the day, H&R Block probably gives you the biggest bang for your buck, along with a great reputation as a company that is easy to deal with. Check out H&R Block today.
Rounding It All Out
As you can see, tax preparation always comes with a range of options – especially when you plan to do your taxes on your own. Each of these software applications bring a world of benefits designed to make the process easier for the everyday tax filer.
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Today we're taking a look at some of the best high-interest savings accounts out there right now. I personally have been using an online bank with Capital One 360 since 2011 and can't really go back to traditional banks. Most online banks tend to offer some great interest rates and little to no fees. You can find my YouTube video about this topic below.
Let's get into this list. This list won't be in any particular order and keep in mind that these rates can change at any moment. Last updated: 1/16/2020
Check out these different companies and see which one offers the best overall benefits that fit your personal finance. Start earning more money on your money today and enjoy those higher interest rates!
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. Rates updated as of 11/19/19
Can refinancing help when it comes to paying off student loans?
I believe it can, if done correctly. Just like anything else it will depend on your own situation. Before getting to the top 5 student loan refinance companies I want to mention a few things that I think are important to note. And FYI I have my YouTube video linked below if you prefer to watch. Let's get to the notes.
The first thing you want to be aware of is if you truly are getting a lower rate. It might sound silly but many people don't know what their interest rate is for their current loan. Next up is to understand that going through the full process of refinancing, your credit score will be looked at. You want to be prepared by making sure there are no issues with your overall reports that can be causing a lower score.
Checking out what different companies offer is a good idea so you can be sure you're getting the best rate and deal. You lastly want to pay close attention to the benefits you might be losing when refinancing such as disability and death benefits. Not all companies will offer the same thing, so read what each company offers. Some of these companies also offer a bonus for using the link provided.
Now onto the Top 5 Student Loan refinance companies:
5.Commonbond -Rates starting at Fixed rates from 3.21% APR to 8.16% APR Variable rates from 2.02% APR to 6.30% APR -No early pre-payment penalty -No fees for refinancing -Offers forbearance if needed -Can remove co-signer after 36 on-time payments Sign-up with Commonbond today
4. LendKey -Rates starting at Fixed rates from 3.49% APRVariable rates from 1.90% APR -No early pre-payment penalty -No fees for refinancing -Flexible payment options -Can remove cosigner after 12 on-time payments Sign-up with LendKey today and get a $200 bonus
3. Splash Financial -Rates starting at Fixed rates from 3.48% APRVariable rates from 1.99% APR -They do soft pulls when checking your rates (and a hard inquiry when going through the full process) -No early pre-payment penalty (this is important if you're trying to pay them off early) -No fees for refinancing (also important) -You want a decent credit score to get their low rates Sign-up with Splash Financial today and get a $300 bonus if you refinance $30k or more.
2. SoFi -Rates starting at Fixed rates from 3.49% APR to 6.67% APR (with AutoPay). Variable rates from 3.50% APR to 6.67% APR (with AutoPay) -They will honor the first six months of any grace period (if you're still in one) -No early pre-payment penalty -No fees for refinancing -$5k minimum -Can't remove co-signer -They offer unemployment protection Check out SoFi today
1. Earnest -Rates starting at Fixed rates from 3.45% APRVariable rates from 1.81% APR -Analyzes information beyond your credit score -No early pre-payment penalty -No fees for refinancing -Option to skip one payment a year (and make it up later) -Disability or Death Discharge benefit Sign-up with Earnesttoday
Check out these different companies and see which one would fit your financial situation best.
Keep in mind the rates shown are as of 11.19.19 and can change without notice. Same goes for the sign-up bonus, they can change without notice. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I earn a small commission at no additional expense to you.
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Let's talk about 7 FREE money transfer apps that allow you to send and receive money instantly! Now I put the word ‘free' in all caps because I am a fan of free and don't like paying to send money (Sorry Western Union). Before we continue on I wanted to mention that I also have a video if you'd rather watch right here.
Many people have asked me which app is the best one to go with? Well, in my opinion, I say all of them. Download each one and create your account, first off it's free and second why not have every option available to send and receive money right away and not have to sit there creating the account when someone is trying to send you money. This list isn't in any order of best to worst. With that being said let's jump into the list:
1. Cash App – This one is actually has a $5 bonus for downloading the app (as of this writing) with my referral code here – You get a tagname (user name)- Sends money instantly from one person to another- Offers instant transfer to your bank for a small fee- You can order a free debit card to use the money at physical locations (not just transferring back to your bank)- They have a boost feature with their debit card for awesome discounts at restaurants – Backed by Square inc.
2. Venmo – Offers a debit card to use at physical locations- Has a social aspect (if you want to use it) – Offers instant transfer to your bank for a small fee- Backed by PayPal
3. PayPal – One of the original money transfer apps- Well known to most- They offer discounts at select retail stores- Offers instant transfer to your bank for a small fee
4. Google Pay (Email)– Easy to set up- Widely available to most- No extra accounts if you have a gmail/google account- Backed by Google (duh)
5. Facebook Messenger Pay– Send directly from messenger- Quick set up- Many users are on Facebook
6. Apple Pay– Only available to send to other Apple users- Send directly through text message- Users can receive money before setting up the account- Can use money at shops with Apple Pay
7. Zelle (Check out my tutorial video right here)- Backed by the biggest banks- Sends money quickly- Goes directly into your bank account- Can send based on email or phone number
These are just a few of the details about these 7 free money transfer apps. Check out each app individually to see all the details.
Some of the links are affiliate links. This means if you click on some of the links I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep me making videos and providing value. Thank you for your support!
