Jill on Money Radio Show: Mortgage or No Mortgage?

Semi-retired and looking to buy a new house. The big question is whether or not to take out a mortgage or pay cash? That’s the gist of our call this week as we chat with Ryan from Seattle.

The rest of hour one was trying to clean out the inbox. Haha, yeah right. We’ve got thousands of emails, and all I can say folks is that we’re doing the best we can.

What could be more basic than preparing your taxes? After a tumultuous 2020, tax season is officially open, a few weeks later than years in the past. The deadline to file and pay any tax owed reverts to April 15th, after last year’s COVID-19 related extension.

By now, you should have received most of your tax preparation documents (W-2s, 1099s, as well as bank, investment, mutual fund and mortgage company documents).

If you didn’t learn the lesson of electronic filing last year, this is the year to dump the paper. After all, those who had electronic files with the IRS got those stimulus checks faster than those who had to wait weeks and sometimes months for their money.

Additionally, be sure to choose direct deposit, which is “the safest, most accurate and fastest way to get a refund,” according to the IRS.

Because of all the various changes that went into effect last year as the pandemic unfolded, this tax season could be a tricky one.

To help us break it down, we're joined by the one and only Ed Slott, the ultimate tax guru and founder of IRA Help.

Have a money question? Email me here.

"Jill on Money" theme music is by Joel Goodman, www.joelgoodman.com.