As a reminder, tax season is also tax scam season for savvy criminals. As you prepare to file your tax return, here are some things to know to reduce your risk of having your valuable personal information stolen. These tips are provided by the IRS and other experts.

Tax Surprises for the Newly Retired

You’ve got it all planned out. Your retirement savings accounts are full, you have started receiving Social Security benefits and your pension is ready to go. Everything is planned. What could go wrong? Here are five surprises that can turn your plan on a dime.

No matter what your income is, building a budget is the first step to creating a workable spending plan. Seeing where your money is going every month can help you feel more in control and make it easier to achieve your financial goals. 

You can create your budget using a paper worksheet, a digital app, or a combination, but commit to writing everything down. Writing down your goals can help make them more tangible and likely to achieve. 

While the beginning of the year is a great time to review your finances, learning the basics of financial wellness can happen any time. And it’s easy to get started. Here’s a step-by-step approach to building a budget that can work for you.