Stories

  1. Earned Income Tax Credit basics for CaliforniansThe earned income tax credit (EITC) is a federal US tax credit for people who work and have modest income. It can reduce federal tax and, if the credit exceeds…
  2. Opening a California ABLE account for disability savingsA California ABLE account is a U.S. savings vehicle for a person with a qualifying disability. It holds money for disability-related needs under federal tax…
  3. How to track your net worth with simple spreadsheetsNet worth is what you own minus what you owe. In spreadsheet terms, it is a personal balance sheet: add cash, investments, superannuation and property, then…
  4. Online banks versus traditional banks: a California guideCalifornia households can bank through apps, ATMs and staffed branches, so the choice between online and traditional banks is less clear-cut than the labels…
  5. Cash-back apps without overspendingCash-back apps can make a routine purchase feel like a bargain, especially when a supermarket, pharmacy or online order triggers a bonus. The rebate is useful,…
  6. Financial Steps After a California WildfireWildfire recovery often begins with urgent decisions: where to sleep, how to replace essential belongings, and which bills can wait. The California Fire…
  7. Money lessons for California high school studentsTeaching high school students about money in California works best when lessons follow decisions teenagers already face: a part-time shift, a phone bill, a…
  8. A Tenant's Guide to California Rent IncreasesWhen a California landlord raises the rent, it may feel automatic, but the rules depend on the property, lease and city. Some apartments are covered by…
  9. Build a Financial Vision Board That Drives Real ProgressCreating a vision board for your financial goals turns abstract intentions into something you can see. Rather than pinning a generic picture of a house or…
  10. Understanding California advance child tax credit paymentsCalifornia’s advance child tax credit payment is an early payment against the California Child Tax Credit (CCTC), a state income-tax credit. It is separate…