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FreeTaxUSA I’ve been using FreeTaxUSA for a few years now. Despite having the scammiest-sounding name in the world, their software has been great to me. Their business model is pretty straight forward. 100% free federal, $15 for state. Because I’m notoriously stingy, I use FreeTaxUSA for my federal return and use my state’s free self-serve … Read more

In my late twenties, I had a quarter life crisis in which I: Quit my engineering job twice after only 4 years (I earned ~$90k/year when I left) Went to grad school for 7 years, earning no more than $30k/year as an intern, TA, or RA Changed careers entirely When I look at my current … Read more

A colleague of mine recently got a 2% 15Y mortgage from Better. Since I have a 2.25% 15Y mortgage, it piqued my curiosity. Here’s how interest rates have been behaving lately: My last refi was about 9 months ago, but I applied last month to Better. Their rates were not competitive relative to my current … Read more

Intro Well, thanks to the $1.9B Coronavirus stimulus bill (#3), there are some pretty major changes to the tax code this year: Child tax credit (temporary changes for 2021 only): Fully refundable this year Phases out at 5% above $150k of income for MFJ, $112.5 for HoH $3,600/kid for ages 0-6 $3,000/kid for ages 7-17 … Read more

Giant Disclaimer While I pretend to vaguely understand some aspects of frugality and the US tax code, I don’t pretend to be an investing guru. In fact, I’m pretty ignorant on the topic. So please take this post with a gain of salt.   Introduction I’ve given some thought recently on the role of international … Read more

Well, the politicians are at it again. They are currently busy figuring out how to dole out the third round of stimulus — $1.9T this time. We should thank our unborn (great)grandchildren for their generosity. It’s my understanding that the bill passed the House and is being debated in the Senate right now. The issue … Read more