Money Talks

It's National Second Hand Wardrobe Week February 9th - 15th!Guests from various types of stores -Thrift: Michelle Hatfield, Community Relations Director for The Salvation Army - Jackson https://salvationarmyalm.org/jackson/family-store-salvation-army/Consignment: Parker Wilkinson, Store Manager for Repeat Street, Jackson https://www.repeatstreet.net/Pawn: Monique Worthy, Store Manager for Plato's Closet, Ridgeland https://www.platoscloset.com/location/ridgeland-ms/Our hosts also talked about the exchange of clothes through Classified Ads such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Did you know your credit score will change this summer because of new metrics? Money Talks experts will explain what a FICO credit score is, how to obtain and understand your credit report, and take your personal finance questions.·To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228. Or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.·UPDATE: Starting in 2020, everyone in the U.S. can get 6 free credit reports per year through 2026 by visiting the Equifax website or by calling 1-866-349-5191. That’s in addition to the one free Equifax report (plus your Experian and TransUnion reports) you can get at AnnualCreditReport.com.Facts discussed in the show can be found:https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reportshttps://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-futureCalls and emails:taxescredit scorebalance transferscredit repairstudent loans

We covered a lot of material on this broadcast!Where does $100,000 in retirement savings last the longest?Mississippi https://money.yahoo.com/retirement-savings-states-165907606.htmlPowerball and Mega Millions lottery tickets go on sale Thursday, February 20th 2020 in Mississippi.https://www.mslotteryhome.com/We did an episode about the lottery in Mississippi (link to come)and an episode about winning the lottery (link to come)Our recent show about getting your taxes done early (link to come)What TO BUY in February:tvs and electronicfurniture and applianceswinter apparel and geartax softwarejewelrychocolate and other valentine's merchandise including flowersWhat NOT TO BUY in February:spring clothestraditional valentine giftsgym membershipstravel - exception cruisesluggage

Our experts from New Perspectives discusses with host, Kevin Farrell, the SECURE Act.Increased the required minimum distribution ageIncreased the maximum contribution age No more stretch IRAsAnnuities in 401(k) plansBirth or adoption of a childStudent loan debtMultiple employer plans for small businessesEncouraging auto-enrollment in retirement plans by employershttps://waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/democrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/files/documents/SECURE%20Act%20section%20by%20section.pdf

January is Financial Wellness Month, Get Organized Month, and Tax Identity Theft Week - January 27 - February 2, 2020Internal Revenue Service announced last week that the official opening day of the 2020 tax season for individuals will be Jan. 27Reasons to file tax returns as soon as possible:Avoid tax identity theft: Tax Identity Theft Week - January 27 - February 2, 2020.This fraud is particularly worrisome because the legitimate taxpayer may have no way of knowing that fraud has been committed. The scam only works for returns that haven't been filed by legitimate consumers, so fraudsters are highly motivated to file as early as possible.Ways to prevent Tax Identity Theft:File earlyReview your credit reports for suspicious activityProtect your personal information – don’t provide a Social Security number at businesses; ask if another form of ID is acceptableCheck your Social Security earnings statement to see if anyone is using your numberInstall antivirus software on your computersChange your passwords on online accounts regularlyMore reasons to file early:Get your refund faster: If you e-file and direct deposit – you could receive your refund in 1 to 3 weeks.Paper file, direct deposit – 3 weeksE-file, paper check – one monthPaper file, paper check – 2 monthsIf you claimed either the earned income tax credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, law requires the IRS to hold these returns’ refunds until February 15.Extra time to pay your taxes: You have until April 15 to pay your tax bill. If you know you owe you’ll have more time to save up.Get filing responsibility out of the way. According to a recent TaxSlayer survey, a majority of taxpayers (52%) are stressed over filing their taxes. Any time you face an unpleasant task, it’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible. Early filers face less competition for access to their tax professional. Some tax pros will charge more to complete your taxes as the filing deadline approaches.How you can get your taxes filed electronically for free?the IRS announced it has signed a new agreement with companies that electronically prepare free returns for eligible taxpayersThis year, taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $69,000 or less can use free commercial software by going to IRS.gov/freefile. Free File opened Jan. 10, although taxpayers won’t actually be able to file their returns until the start of the tax season – January 27th.Before settling on one company, check to see if you can also file your state return. Some companies will prepare your state return and e-file it free through partnerships with participating state programs. Mississippi Department of Revenue’s webpage with the free or low coast electronic filing partners: https://www.dor.ms.gov/Individual/Pages/e-file-Program.aspxNational Consumer League - Tax ID TheftInformation https://www.fraud.org/tax_id_theft

Is your IRA made up of CDs, LLCs, or invested in the NASDAQ? Do you pay PMI on your FHA loan? What do all these acronyms mean?Our CFAs talk about some of these questions and take your personal finance calls.Calls: What affect do recent events have on oil company stock prices?How much of one company's stock to hold in your portfolio?When to take retirement account required minimum distributions (RMD) in light of the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement)Listener wants to decide when to retire and how to change their investment strategyWhat's an Index Fund?