Tax Refunds
Saving for Retirement Could Earn You a Tax Credit
If you put money into a 401(k) or IRA, the Saver's Credit may lower your tax bill. It rewards people with modest incomes for setting aside even a small amount.
Today's edition · Saturday, October 31, 2026
Your money. Your benefits. Your next step.
Plain-English guides to unclaimed money, benefits, and refunds, with official sources, every day.
Government Benefits
More Money for School Meals: What It Means for Your Kids
USDA just announced new funding to put fresh, local food in school cafeterias. Here is how to make sure your kids get free or low-cost meals.
Today's lineup
Debt Relief
You Can Fix Credit Report Errors Yourself, for Free
Credit repair companies cannot do anything you cannot do on your own at no cost. Here is how to spot the sales pitch and fix mistakes yourself.
Debt Relief
Heating Help Is Landing This Winter: Apply Free to Lower Your Energy Bill
LIHEAP heating season funds are reaching states now. The official way to apply is always free, and no paid middleman is needed.
Unclaimed Money
That Finder Letter Wants a Cut. Your Unclaimed Money Is Free to Claim Yourself
A letter offering to recover 'money owed to you' for a fee is selling you something you can do for free. Here is how to claim it directly through your state.
Housing Assistance
Minnesota Buyers: Your State May Help Cover Your Down Payment
If saving for a down payment feels out of reach, Minnesota Housing may offer help. And that help is free to look into.
Unclaimed Money
Unclaimed Money
That Finder Letter Wants a Cut. Your Unclaimed Money Is Free to Claim Yourself
A letter offering to recover 'money owed to you' for a fee is selling you something you can do for free. Here is how to claim it directly through your state.
Unclaimed Money
Were You Ever in a Bankruptcy Case? Money May Be Waiting for You
A free federal tool lets you search for bankruptcy payouts that never reached the right person. The search costs nothing.
Unclaimed Money
Had an FHA Loan? HUD May Owe You a Refund
If you ever had an FHA-insured mortgage, you can check for free whether the government owes you a mortgage insurance refund.
Housing Assistance
Housing Assistance
Minnesota Buyers: Your State May Help Cover Your Down Payment
If saving for a down payment feels out of reach, Minnesota Housing may offer help. And that help is free to look into.
Housing Assistance
How to Apply for a Housing Choice Voucher (and Stay on the Waitlist) for Free
Rent help is real, and applying never costs a dime. Here is a clear, step by step way to get on the list and stay active.
Housing Assistance
Free Home Upgrades That Can Lower Your Heating Bill This Winter
The Weatherization Assistance Program fixes and insulates homes for income-eligible families at no cost. Here is how to apply, step by step.
Government Benefits
Government Benefits
More Money for School Meals: What It Means for Your Kids
USDA just announced new funding to put fresh, local food in school cafeterias. Here is how to make sure your kids get free or low-cost meals.
Government Benefits
More Food Is Headed to Food Banks: Here Is How to Find Free Groceries Near You
A new USDA food purchase means more stock for food banks and pantries across the country. Here is how to find free food in your area, at no cost to you.
Government Benefits
SSI vs SSDI: Which Disability Benefit Fits You, and How to Apply for Free
Two Social Security disability programs get mixed up all the time. Here is who each one is for and how to apply at no cost.
Debt Relief
Debt Relief
Heating Help Is Landing This Winter: Apply Free to Lower Your Energy Bill
LIHEAP heating season funds are reaching states now. The official way to apply is always free, and no paid middleman is needed.
Debt Relief
You Can Fix Credit Report Errors Yourself, for Free
Credit repair companies cannot do anything you cannot do on your own at no cost. Here is how to spot the sales pitch and fix mistakes yourself.
Debt Relief
The Myth That Help With Debt Always Costs a Lot of Money
Many people think the only way to tackle debt is to pay a company big fees. But real nonprofit credit counseling is low cost or free, and the first talk often costs nothing.
Tax Refunds
Tax Refunds
Saving for Retirement Could Earn You a Tax Credit
If you put money into a 401(k) or IRA, the Saver's Credit may lower your tax bill. It rewards people with modest incomes for setting aside even a small amount.
Tax Refunds
Your Kids May Mean Money Back at Tax Time: The Child Tax Credit Explained
If you have children at home, the federal Child Tax Credit could lower your tax bill or put money back in your pocket. Here is who qualifies and how to claim it for free.
Tax Refunds
Four Free Ways to File Your Taxes and Keep More of Your Refund
You may not need to pay anyone to file. The IRS and trusted volunteers offer four free paths, and your refund stays yours.
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