Dear Dave, My husband and I are following your plan, and we’re on Baby Step 2. We just learned that the person who has done our taxes for the last three years made mistakes on all our returns. They were really nice and did our taxes for free, but now we owe back taxes in the amount of $18,000. Since we’re still paying off debt, the only savings we have is the $1,000 in our beginner emergency fund. Should we take out a personal loan to take care of this, or set up payments with the IRS? Laura Dear Laura, Take out a personal loan. Period. Let this sink in for a minute. How often does Dave Ramse ..read more

  Dear Dave,  My wife and I have three young daughters. Is there a Baby Step for weddings? We didn’t see one in your plan, but I was wondering if it was included in any of the other Baby Steps.  Cedric  Dear Cedric,  This is a really good question. I’m glad you’re thinking about the future and planning accordingly. I don’t have a specific Baby Step for weddings. If I did, it would probably come after Baby Step 5, which is setting aside a college—or trade school fund—for your kids. Maybe you could look at it as Baby Step 5b. Once you have retirement, education savings ..read more

  123rf Ever found yourself staring down a tip screen at your local coffee spot, halfway through typing your PIN, when it boldly asks for a 20% gratuity? Yep, we’ve all been there. These digital tip requests are popping up everywhere, turning the once-simple act of tipping into a high-tech guilt trip. But should you really be tipping just because a screen winks an eye at you? Let’s dive into why you might want to hold onto your coins, at least until you’ve had a chance to sip that latte and decide if it’s worth the extra change. 1. Presumption of Service Quality DALL-E The fundamental pre ..read more

In 2013, Russian-born Anna Sorokin posed as an art socialite and German heiress in the New York City art scene.  Using her connections, Sorokin set up a fake studio and manufactured false documents to substantiate her claims of having a $67 million trust fund.  All in all, Sorkin defrauded members of the New York art and social scene of more than $275,000 between 2013 and 2017.  She is a classic example of a fake rich person – or someone claiming wealth to manipulate or deceive others.  Unfortunately, there are many more people like her out there. So that you won’t get foo ..read more

There are a lot of great reasons to have a dog, but if you want to take your furbaby with you to run errands, you might wonder which stores welcome pets, and which ones prohibit them. Check our list of 25 dog-friendly stores – beyond service animals – before you head out with your pup. More Dog Friendly Stores Than You Think It wasn’t long ago that dogs weren’t allowed in a retail setting unless they were service animals. The times are changing, and today, many mainstream retail stores welcome your dog to come inside and shop with you. This relaxed pet policy has dog owners everywhere rejoicin ..read more

Vehicle maintenance is crucial, yet navigating the waters of car service can be daunting, especially with the complexity of modern vehicles. Some service departments exploit consumer trust and lack of automotive knowledge, manipulating situations to increase their profits unfairly. Let’s take a look at ten ways your car service department might be overcharging you and provides insight into avoiding these common pitfalls. 1. Excessive Diagnostic Fees Car service departments often charge diagnostic fees to identify issues with your vehicle. While paying for diagnostics is standard, the cost c ..read more

When it’s time to renovate your home, you may start immediately thinking about who you can hire to get the job done at a reasonable price. While there will always be some costs involved with renovations, most are negotiable. Before you prepare to tackle your next home reno project ; Here are 10 minor home renovations you should never pay full price for. 1. Painting Interior painting is a quick refresh that can transform any space, but it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Painting requires relatively low-cost materials and labor, making it a prime candidate for cost reduction. Get ..read more

The silver tsunami is upon us. Baby boomers, once the backbone of the workforce, are now grappling with a harsh reality: their lifelong toil doesn’t guarantee a roof over their heads in their twilight years. Shockingly, older adults constitute the fastest-growing segment of America’s homeless population according to the American Society on Aging. This unsettling trend, reminiscent of the Great Depression, demands urgent attention. Here are 12 reasons why some baby boomers find themselves without a home and explore potential solutions. 1. Economic Downturns and Recessions Economic downturns ..read more

Dear Dave, My husband and I are in a bad situation, and we’re thinking about taking my parents up on their offer to move in with them. We both work two jobs. I’m a medical transcriptionist with a small business on the side, and he’s a warehouse clerk who is also trying to get a business off the ground. Combined, we bring home about $70,000 a year, plus we have $80,000 in debt between credit cards and a car loan. On top of all this, our rent went up 18% at the first of the year, and we can’t afford the increase. Should we move in with my folks? Melissa Dear Melissa, I’m not opposed to families ..read more

Divorce often comes as a shock, but it rarely happens without warning. Among the most telling signs are shifts in financial behavior. Understanding these signs is not just about bracing for a personal storm; it’s about protecting your financial future. 1. Sudden Secrecy Surrounding Finances Suddenly, conversations about money become taboo. Your spouse starts to hide their financial statements, or you notice a change in how they discuss money. This secretive behavior is often the first clue in a changing marital landscape. The reasoning can vary, from hiding assets to preparing for an indepen ..read more