Since 2009, Kevin Mercadante has been sharing his journey from a washed-up mortgage loan officer emerging from the Financial Meltdown as a contract/self-employed “slash worker” – accountant/blogger/freelance blog writer – on OutofYourRut.com. He offers career strategies, from dealing with under-employment to transitioning into self-employment, and provides “Alt-retirement strategies” for the vast majority who won’t retire to the beach as millionaires.
He also frequently discusses the big-picture trends that are putting the squeeze on the bottom 90%, offering workarounds and expense cutting tips to help readers carve out more money to save in their budgets – a.k.a., breaking the “savings barrier” and transitioning from debtor to saver.
Kevin has a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Montclair State University.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
People fail to file tax returns for different reasons. But if you owe back taxes, it's critical that you file as soon as possible. After all, you can't hide from the IRS forever. Besides, you could be missing out on valuable tax credits or even a big refund. Here's how to file back taxes for free.
Many business owners are facing a new federal reporting requirement for 2024. The Beneficial Ownership Information Report applies to certain businesses formed before or after January 1, 2024, and many impacted businesses will be LLCs, S Corps, and C Corps. Here's what you need to know.
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Betterment is one of the original robo-advisor platforms, but in recent years, it's expanded its product lineup to include a High-Yield Cash Reserve account, a no-fee checking account, and access to financial planning advice. How does it compare to other top robo-advisors? Find out in this Betterment review.
With a wide range of small business products and services, Chase is one of the top business banks in the U.S. But can Chase Business Complete Banking compete with lower-cost accounts offered by fintechs and online banks? Learn more.
Many people worry that AI is going to take their job. After all, the technology is already capable of performing thousands of different tasks more quickly and efficiently than any human. But can AI actually help you make money? Learn more.
If you're a small business owner looking for a place to store your excess cash, you may want to consider a business savings account. The best business savings accounts offer attractive APYs, low fees, and flexible withdrawal options. Learn more.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) are valuable employee benefits that not all companies offer. Here's what you need to know about their similarities, differences, tax treatments, and whether or not you should sign up. Learn more.
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An employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, allows employees to purchase company stock at a discount. Unfortunately, not all companies offer ESPPs. Find out how ESPPs work and whether you should join an ESPP if given the opportunity. Learn more.
Thinking of moving to a lower-cost state after you retire? All things being equal, you're better off, financially speaking, moving to a state that doesn't tax retirement income. But which states are those and what other factors should you consider? Here is a list of nine states that don't charge income tax. Learn more.
A Roth IRA is a tax sheltered account that enables you to draw tax-free income in retirement. But there are contribution limits and other rules you must follow to get the most out of the account. Find out how the Roth IRA works, and how it compares to a traditional IRA account. Learn more.
