Just the Tip: Every taxpayer chooses each year between the standard deduction, a fixed IRS amount, and itemizing actual expenses like mortgage interest, state taxes, and charitable contributions. Itemize only if your deductible expenses exceed the standard deduction. Most people take the standard amount, but homeowners with big mortgage interest often come out ahead itemizing,…

Relying on a high salary or a hot stock is a dangerous trap. Why the most secure people plan for sudden crisis.

My mother owned an art gallery for nearly 40 years, and I literally grew up surrounded by art. Because of my background in the art world, I was both intrigued and a little wary of this new investment platform. Masterworks allows regular joes to buy shares of art masterpieces as an investment. My personal finance…