Have you ever checked your bank account near the end of the month and wond ered: “Where did all my money go?” You’re not alone; many people feel like they should have more money left over each month, especially when they’re working consistently, earning a decent income, and trying to be responsible with their spending. Yet somehow, saving money still feels difficult. In many cases, the issue isn’t necessarily reckless spending. It’s that modern spending habits have become incredibly easy to overlook.

If you use your car for work, you might be able to deduct it on your taxes. But the rules aren’t always straightforward, and misunderstanding them can cost you money.  Let’s break it down so you know what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to make the most of it.

For decades, the answer to “Can I deduct car loan interest?” was simple: No. ... But that changed in 2025. Under the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act , taxpayers may now qualify for a Car Loan Interest Deduction 2025, but the rules are specific, temporary, and not everyone will benefit. If you're considering buying a new vehicle, here’s what you need to know before assuming you qualify for this new car tax deduction 2025.

Many small business owners like the idea of offering a 401(k), but hesitate because it sounds expensive or complicated. What often gets missed is that the IRS actually provides tax credits to help small businesses start retirement plans, and those credits have become much more generous in recent years. In some cases, these credits can cover a large portion of the cost of starting and maintaining a 401(k) during the early years.

Student loans are a reality for many professionals; lawyers, doctors, therapists, and business owners alike. Because these loans are directly tied to education and career growth, a common question we hear is: “Can I deduct my student loan payments on my taxes?” The short answer is: usually no. But the confusion comes from the fact that the IRS has multiple, separate tax rules that involve education and student loans, and they’re often mixed up. Let’s break this down clearly.

California recently expanded its Film & TV Tax Credit Program (Program 4.0), and many small entertainment businesses are wondering whether they can benefit. The program is known for supporting feature films, scripted TV, and animation, but what about small S-corps doing sound, editing, post-production, or small scale production work?  Here’s a simple breakdown of what the new expansion means and how it may (or may not) help smaller businesses in this industry.

If your business has a federal loan (like an SBA, USDA, or other government-backed loan), a government shutdown raises real questions: Will my loan payment still be due? Will a loan I applied for be approved? Can I get help from the agency? The short answers are: keep making payments, expect delays on approvals and some services, and talk to your lender or servicer right away so you’re not surprised.

As the government shutdown nears the record breaking 35-day mark set in 2018–2019, it’s worth revisiting what must happen for the impasse to end.  Congress must approve funding before the government reopens. While leaders negotiate, some services keep running and others slow or stop. No one can give an exact date for when a shutdown will end. But we do know what needs to happen for normal work to resume and how the pause affects everyday people and small businesses.