If you have a 401(k) account, that money is earmarked for your future retirement. But if you need money now, you might be wondering if it’s worth withdrawing from your 401(k) to get it.

IRS audits are one of the most stressful events you can go through as a taxpayer, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. According to a recent survey, 32 percent of Americans would prefer to break their arm, 13 percent would gladly spend a night in jail, and 6 percent would sell a kidney rather than doing their taxes. You have to wonder what they would do to avoid a tax audit! Although audits are never fun, they don’t have to be a traumatic experience.

The IRS collections machine seizes $54 billion every year from delinquent taxpayers through its enforcement activities. That sounds like a lot until you realize taxpayers underpay the IRS $458 billion in taxes every year. That leaves a tax gap of $406 billion in the United States annually. When you look at it that way, it’s no surprise the IRS is such an aggressive debt collector.

Credit card debt interest payments can get expensive fast. If you’re not careful, credit cards can claim a significant portion of your monthly income and create a boatload of stress.

Amount the IRS collected via installment agreements in FY 2024 — a 12% increase from the prior year

Shopping around and comparing mortgage rates from multiple lenders can save you a lot of money over the life of a loan. Last year’s range of interest rates, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, went from 3.89% to 4.30%. That is a particularly narrow spread when compared to other years. However, it represents a $25,678 difference over the life of a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term.

When you cannot meet your financial obligations and your lender agrees to adjust the terms of your loan, they may offer a loan modification package. Some people call it restructuring or a workout plan. Regardless of the name, the intent is to make your loan more affordable. Although nobody plans to need a loan modification when purchasing a home, sometimes homeowners just need a little help to get back on track. Mortgage delinquency rates are actually higher than for credit cards and consumer loans.

Down payment assistance programs help homebuyers cover some or all of their required down payment and closing costs. These programs include grants, forgivable loans, deferred-payment loans, and second mortgages offered by state agencies, cities, counties, nonprofits, and employers. Understanding how DPA programs work—and how they pair with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans—can help buyers overcome the biggest barrier to homeownership.

Many people believe that staying out of debt should be their ultimate financial goal. While avoiding debt is a good idea, making it  your primary financial goal is like heading for a destination without having drawn yourself a map. How do you draw yourself a roadmap for financial success? Simple: through responsible budgeting.

The definition of retirement continues to evolve. The FIRE Movement has some people focused on retiring early, while traditional retirees are living longer than ever.