If you just turned 65 and retirement has been a part of your plan for the longest time, taxes could also be a cause of concern for you. However, this may be just because you are not aware of the tax breaks for retirees and seniors. Read on to know three tax benefits that you can avail of after the age of 65: You can take advantage of larger standard deductions Once you turn 65, there is a provision for you to opt for additional standard deduction. Depending on your income and other expenses, you are eligible for a certain standard deduction, but you can add another $1,650 to it (in case you are a single filer or head of household) once you turn 65. If you are married and are filing a joint return, you are eligible for $1,300 for each spouse who is 65 years or older. Even if one of you turns 65, you are eligible for claiming the additional deductions instead of waiting for both partners to become eligible. You may enjoy exemption from taxes on your social security income Depending on your expenditures and income, the social security benefits that you earn may be eligible for tax exemptions.

If you have a credit card, you may fear making a mistake that could cost you. Digressing even by a step in your financial planning could see you run into heavy credit card debt. Once this debt accumulates, it becomes a daunting task to pay it off. If you are an avid credit card user, taking a little precaution and keeping some things in mind can help prevent such a situation. Here are the top three tips to avoid credit card debt: Consider keeping an emergency fund First things first, know what an emergency fund entails. It is a fund that acts as a financial safety net for potential mishaps and takes care of unforeseen circumstances. Most financial planners recommend that an emergency fund should have about 3 to 6 months’ worth of your expenditure available in the form of liquid assets. You may face a financial emergency at any time. In such situations, many people use their credit cards to clear off these expenses, but you could fall into major credit card debt by doing so. These situations can range from an unexpected medical bill to a significant repair to your house. At such times, if no savings are available, the first option you will resort to is a credit card.

Buying a stock means you are buying a share of the organization you are investing in. Every stock that you buy gives you a claim over the assets and earnings of that company. However, you must understand that making money through equities takes a lot of research, patience, and a good amount of knowledge about the dos and don’ts of investing in stocks. In addition, the volatility of the stock market is also to be considered to ensure that you don’t lose your money. There is no single formula applicable for everyone to ace the stock market game. At the same time, there are certain basic yet important tips for stock investors to keep in mind to ensure that they get good returns. Here are some of them listed for you: Know your finances Before you decide that you want to invest in stocks, ensure that you have the funds required. It is advisable for you to get into investing in stocks only if you have very little or no debt at all. Besides, having an emergency saving fund is necessary to help you last for at least six months. So, assessing your financial situation is extremely important before you start investing in stocks.

It is no secret that a mortgage is the biggest financial liability people carry. A mortgage lasts through one’s active working years and maybe even a few years beyond that. As a result, it is essential to manage this debt well. The first step to a successful mortgage management is to know what mistakes should be avoided. To help you out, here is a list of 4 common mistakes made when getting a mortgage. Not shopping around Studies show that most mortgage applicants forget to compare lenders before applying for a mortgage. This is mainly due to the tedious process of inquiring. Most buyers get eager when they finalize a home and want to end the financial process before it can start. They may often go with the first mortgage lender they get without taking a look at other options. Always remember to shop around for the best rates. This may sound like a lot of trouble but will actually save you from money and regret later. Becoming cash-strapped due to mortgage It is a sad fact that most people opt for homes and mortgages that are way beyond their means. This leaves them with little to no money for other important expenses, such as car repairs or their children’s college fund.

There are several instances in life when you may urgently need funds. For instance, you have to pay a huge sum on your credit card bill or have a major home repair to take care of. One of the options by which you can acquire funds in needs like these, is a 401(k) loan. But, before you rush to get a 401(k) loan, why not first get down to understanding some essential 401(k) loan basics? Understanding how this loan type works would let you reap benefits rather than cost you. Essential 401 (k) loan basics What is a 401(k) loan? A 401(k) loan is an arrangement that helps deal with unplanned expenses, while at the same time saving a considerable amount of money for retirement. A 401(k) loan is when you borrow funds from your 401(k) retirement savings account. A timely repayment of this loaned money with interest is the only way to safeguard savings and keep them on track. What is the repayment like? In the case of a 401(k) loan, the repayments are taken from the paycheck automatically after taxes and other payroll deductions. In most cases, repayments are taken on a monthly or quarterly basis. The longest repayment term that is allowed is five years.