All Posts By

Tarra Jackson

LexisNexis Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers and Personal Data of 364,000 Americans

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 Your Social Security number, driver’s license, and address might already be in the hands of hackers — even if you’ve never heard of LexisNexis. Here’s what you can do now to protect yourself. 

hacker, cybersecurity
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You may have never shared your personal details with LexisNexis — but they likely have them anyway. And now, a breach at the data broker has exposed Social Security numbers, driver’s license info, and more from 364,000 Americans. Discovered on April 1 but active since December, the hack gave criminals months to exploit the data undetected. If you’re affected — or if you’re unsure — acting…

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Transform Your Backyard Into a Dream Outdoor Kitchen for Under $500

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 Upgrade your outdoor cooking space into a magazine-worthy kitchen for under the cost of a new appliance. 

Outdoor kitchen in a backyard
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Picture this: You’re grilling burgers on a balmy summer evening, cold drink within reach, fresh herbs at your fingertips, and everything you need right there in your backyard oasis. Sounds like a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets? Think again. You don’t need a sprawling backyard or a big budget to enjoy a stylish, functional outdoor kitchen. With a little creativity and elbow grease…

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18 Hidden Tax Perks of Donating Shares Instead of Cash

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 Maximize your charitable impact and unlock surprising financial benefits with this smart way to give. 

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Donating stock might sound complicated, but it can be one of the smartest financial moves you make. If you’ve got appreciated shares sitting in your investments, passing them on to charity instead of selling could bring a host of hidden tax benefits — without touching your cash. This strategy gives you more flexibility, allowing you to make an impact while preserving your cash flow and…

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Why Rising Japanese Bond Yields Could Upend Your Retirement Savings

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 Japan’s rising bond yields are creating a trillion-dollar risk that could trigger higher U.S. interest rates and losses in American retirement accounts. 

Retirement savings
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Japan’s bond market just sent a warning shot that American investors can’t afford to ignore. When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba compared his country’s fiscal outlook to Greece’s, it triggered one of the weakest sovereign bond auctions in decades, according to Inc. This sent yields to their highest levels since the 1990s. With Japan holding over $1.13 trillion in U.S.

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How the GOP Tax Plan Affects Americans Across Income Levels

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 The One Big Beautiful Bill Act would reduce taxes for many, but the size of the benefit varies by income and could be offset by rising prices or future policy changes. How might you be affected? 

Hopeful businesswoman crossing her fingers and watching laptop waiting for good news
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The latest Republican-backed tax proposal, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), has sparked intense debate about which Americans would benefit most if it passes. Beneath the headlines, the legislation would affect households differently depending on income level. Supporters claim the bill would lead to lasting tax relief and bigger paychecks, while critics point to new analyses…

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How 3 Generations Can Lose Family Fortunes: 7 Steps to Breaking the Cycle

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 Family wealth doesn’t just disappear. It unravels. But the pattern isn’t destiny. Follow these steps to preserve your money. 

Grandfather, father and son
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From shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations. This old adage describes a common cycle: the first generation builds wealth, the second maintains it, and the third loses it. Versions of this “rags to riches to rags” saying exist in many cultures, signaling a widespread financial challenge. But why does wealth so often slip away, and how can families break this cycle? The answers lie in…

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