- Ascent Authors
- Dan Caplinger
Dan Caplinger
TMFGalagan
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 43 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 05-18-2022
Summary
Dan Caplinger has been a contract writer for the Motley Fool since 2006. As the Fool's Director of Investment Planning, Dan oversees much of the personal-finance and investment-planning content published daily on Fool.com. With a background as an estate-planning attorney and independent financial consultant, Dan's articles are based on more than 20 years of experience from all angles of the financial world.
Dan's Recent Articles
-
FSA vs. HSA: What's the Difference?
May 18, 2022
Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) are both healthcare plans offered to employees. The Ascent takes an in-depth look at this.
Read More -
A Comprehensive Small Business Guide to CARES Act COVID-19 Relief
May 18, 2022
Washington recently passed Coronavirus aid and relief. The Ascent discusses the two primary small business programs created by the CARES Act.
Read More -
COVID-19 and Taxes: Will Small Businesses Get Tax Relief?
May 18, 2022
The federal government is looking at ways to help ailing businesses. The Ascent explains what's already in place for small businesses and what might be …
Read More -
Emergency Stimulus: What's in It for SMBs?
May 18, 2022
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, small businesses are closing and sending employees home. The Ascent explains what monetary options can help small …
Read More -
Everything You Need to Know About the Small Business Tax Rate
May 18, 2022
If you're wondering what small business tax rates are, The Ascent explores the tax rates various businesses have to pay.
Read More -
The Ultimate Small Business Tax Preparation Checklist
May 18, 2022
This small business tax preparation checklist will make doing your taxes as straightforward as possible, so you can get back to what you do best: …
Read More -
Small Business Taxes 101: What You Need to Know
May 18, 2022
Unsure where to start when it comes to filing your small business taxes? The Ascent covers everything you need to know about the taxes you …
Read More -
How to Apply for Unemployment in Montana
Mar 30, 2020
This quick guide will help if you're out of work due to the novel coronavirus and need to claim unemployment benefits in Montana.
Read More -
This Texas-Sized City Lets You Earn Big and Live Cheap
Jan 4, 2020
Houston has higher-than-average salaries and a lower-than-average cost of living, which makes it an attractive place to live.
Read More -
3 Reasons Why a 15 Year Mortgage Might be Your Best Bet
Dec 23, 2019
The standard 30 year mortgage may not be the best option for you. Check out 3 reasons why a 15-year mortgage could work for you.
Read More -
What to Do With Joint Credit Cards When You Get a Divorce
Sep 13, 2019
If you hold credit card accounts jointly with a soon-to-be ex-spouse, you'll want to handle them carefully before you untie the knot for good.
Read More -
What to Look for in an IRA Broker
May 6, 2019
If you're looking to use an IRA to save for retirement effectively, here's what your IRA broker should provide.
Read More -
Read This Before Opening a 529 College Savings Plan
Mar 25, 2019
Done right, a 529 plan can save you a bundle in taxes -- but you'll want to make sure you know the ins and outs …
Read More -
What's the Best College Savings Account?
Mar 22, 2019
Get to know your options for saving for college and then choose the one that gives you the most benefits. You can learn about the …
Read More -
Are Business Credit Card Rewards Taxable?
Mar 12, 2019
Find out if the miles and cash back you get from using your card to pay for business expenses have unintended tax consequences.
Read More -
What Is the UltraFICO™ Score and What Does It Mean for You?
Mar 11, 2019
The next generation of credit scoring is here. Find out how this new credit score works and what you need to know about it to …
Read More -
When Do Money Market Accounts Pay Interest?
Mar 6, 2019
One of the biggest benefits of a money market account is the higher interest rates they tend to pay. Here's how to make sure you …
Read More -
How to Prepare Your Personal Finances for the 2019 Tax Season
Mar 4, 2019
Follow these tips and you'll be ready to file your return and get your refund coming back to you.
Read More -
How to Compare Brokerage Account Costs
Mar 4, 2019
Don't just focus on commissions. Pay attention to all the fees and charges your broker makes you pay, and then find the one that costs …
Read More -
Are Personal Loans Taxable?
Mar 4, 2019
When you take out a loan, it's important to know the potential tax consequences. Find out everything you need to know about personal loans and …
Read More -
Where to Save Your Cash Right Now
Mar 4, 2019
It's not enough just to have a safe place to save. You also need to get the top returns available. Here's where to look.
Read More -
Can You Add a Beneficiary to a Brokerage Account?
Mar 4, 2019
Naming someone who will inherit your brokerage account after you pass away can be a smart estate-planning move. Here's how to do it.
Read More -
5 Things to Look For in an Options Broker
Feb 20, 2019
Trading options can be complicated. That's why you need a brokerage company that'll give you the guidance and support you need to be successful.
Read More -
5 Ways to Get More Yield on Your Cash
Feb 20, 2019
Interest rates are on the rise, and smart savers are getting rewarded with more income. Here's what you need to do to become one of …
Read More -
Online vs. Pro Money Management: Which Is Right for You?
Feb 19, 2019
Online brokers can save you a lot of money, but are they right for you? Learn the differences between online and traditional trading and how …
Read More -
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Money Between Banks?
Feb 19, 2019
Moving money from account to account is a key part of managing your finances. You can't afford to pay high fees just to get access …
Read More -
The Best Ways to Pay for Your Child's College Education
Feb 18, 2019
Go down this list and take maximum advantage of the top sources of funding for your kids.
Read More -
What to Look for in a Managed Broker Account
Feb 5, 2019
Getting professional advice to help you invest your portfolio can be smart for some investors. Follow these steps to get the best managed broker account …
Read More -
Joint Brokerage Accounts: The Pros and Cons
Feb 4, 2019
Putting multiple people on a single brokerage account can be convenient, but there are also some potential pitfalls you need to be aware of. Find …
Read More -
How to Find the Best Certificate of Deposit Rates
Jan 3, 2019
Parking your money in a CD can be a great way to earn some extra income. Here’s now to find the best rates.
Read More -
A Surprisingly Simple Way to Save $100 Per Month -- or More!
Dec 19, 2018
Make this smart move with your credit card, and you could be on the way to big savings.
Read More -
Is It a Bad Idea to Have Multiple Brokerage Accounts?
Dec 19, 2018
Find out whether it makes sense to divide your assets.
Read More -
Is a Roth IRA Considered a Brokerage Account?
Dec 19, 2018
Yes, and, as a matter of fact, you’ll often find brokerage accounts that cater to people opening a traditional or Roth IRA.
Read More -
This Could Be the Best Way to Use Your Credit Card
Dec 17, 2018
Follow this simple set of guidelines to make the most of your cards.
Read More -
The 5 Most Surprising Credit Card Perks
Dec 17, 2018
Everybody knows about cash back or frequent flyer miles, but these perks largely fly under the radar.
Read More -
When Refinancing Your Mortgage Is Not a Good Idea
Dec 14, 2018
Even when it seems tempting, there are often good reasons for staying put.
Read More -
Why Do So Many People End Up With Credit Card Debt?
Dec 13, 2018
Several reasons explain how credit cards become a debt trap for millions.
Read More -
4 Ways to Save on a Mortgage
Dec 6, 2018
Follow these steps and pay less for your home loan.
Read More -
3 Things You Should Do Before You Refinance Your Mortgage
Dec 5, 2018
Don't jump into a new home loan without doing your homework first. Find out what 3 things you should do before you refinance your mortgage.
Read More -
2 Types of People Who Should Always Carry Credit Cards
Dec 4, 2018
Credit cards are tools, and those who can master them shouldn't shy away from them.
Read More -
Is Credit Card Interest Tax Deductible?
Nov 30, 2018
There are a few cases in which people can deduct credit card interest. Do you fall into one of the categories?
Read More -
Why You Should Never Retire
Oct 19, 2018
If you're living life right, why change it?
Read More -
Why Do I Need a Stock Broker?
Oct 18, 2018
Aren't sure if a stock broker is right for you? Your investing success could depend on it.
Read More
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. The Motley Fool has a Disclosure Policy. The Author and/or The Motley Fool may have an interest in companies mentioned.