Money and Taxes
Banks, credit, cards, taxes, sending money
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Opening a US bank account without an SSN
What to bring with or without an SSN, checking vs savings, deposit insurance, and banks vs credit unions vs online banks.
4 min
Bank fees, minimum balances and overdraft
The fees US banks charge, how to avoid each one, and how to turn overdraft off so a purchase is declined instead.
3 min
Debit vs credit cards: protection and holds
Why a credit card protects you better, what to do if a card is stolen, and why gas stations and hotels hold extra money.
3 min
Paper checks, money orders and cashier's checks
How to write a check line by line, when landlords want a money order, and the fake-check scam.
4 min
Zelle, Venmo and Cash App: fast, but no undo
How Americans send money to each other, which app does what, and why paying a stranger is risky.
3 min
Credit cards: statement, minimum, APR and autopay
What each line on a credit card bill means, and the habits that make a card free and build your credit.
4 min
How to build US credit with no credit history or SSN
Secured cards, student cards, authorized users, using your credit history from home, ITIN options, and how long it takes.
4 min
Free credit reports, freezes and fraud alerts
Check your credit report for free every week, and freeze your file so no one can open accounts in your name.
3 min
Bringing your money from home
Wires vs money transfer services, the $10,000 cash rule at the border, and why you should keep proof of where money came from.
4 min
Sending money home: the real cost
Compare the total that arrives, not just the fee, plus your rights to cancel and fix errors and the 1% cash tax.
3 min
Payday loans, check cashing and other money traps
Products that target newcomers: payday loans, check cashing stores, rent-to-own and buy now pay later. What they really cost.
3 min
US coins and bills: what is what
Names and sizes of US coins, why the dime is smaller than the nickel, the end of the penny, and which bills shops refuse.
2 min
Cost of living in the US: a real first-month budget
The costs that surprise newcomers, the one-third rent rule, and a simple way to plan your first 30 days.
4 min
Why the price changes at the register: tax and tips
Sales tax is added at checkout and set by states and cities, not the federal government. Plus who expects a tip and how much.
3 min
Your paycheck: gross, net, W-4 and FICA
Why your pay is smaller than your salary, how to fill in Form W-4, and the FICA exemption for many F-1, J-1 and M-1 workers.
4 min
US income taxes 101: forms, deadline, refunds
Who must file, W-2 vs 1099, the April 15 deadline, how refunds work, and free ways to file.
4 min
Resident or nonresident for US tax? F-1, H-1B and more
The substantial presence test, exempt years for F and J visas, the dual-status year, and Form 8843 for every F and J family member.
5 min
Filing as a nonresident: Form 1040-NR
Why most consumer tax software is wrong for nonresidents, where to get free help, and the mistakes that can hurt a visa later.
4 min
Tax treaties: does yours lower your US tax?
What a tax treaty is, common benefits for students, teachers and researchers, and how to check your country.
3 min
Gig and freelance income: self-employment tax
Driving, delivery or freelancing makes you self-employed. Who is allowed, the 15.3% tax, quarterly payments and records.
4 min
Reporting bank accounts at home: FBAR and Form 8938
When US tax residents must report foreign accounts, the $10,000 FBAR rule, Form 8938 limits, and how to file.
4 min
Retirement savings: 401(k), IRA, and leaving the US
The employer match, 2026 limits, Roth vs traditional, and what happens to your savings and Social Security if you move away.
4 min
Tipping beyond restaurants
Who else expects a tip, typical amounts for taxis, delivery, haircuts, hotels and movers, and when tipping is optional.
3 min
Paying bills on time: due dates, autopay and late fees
Statement vs due date, autopay from your bank, minimum vs full payment, late fees, and why 30 days late hurts your credit.
4 min
Free trials, subscriptions and auto-renewal
How free trials turn into charges, gym and app contracts, how to cancel, and what to do about a charge you did not expect.
3 min
Saving money and building an emergency fund
Why you need a cushion, savings accounts with real interest, CDs, FDIC insurance, and simple ways to start saving.
4 min
Types of insurance in the US: what you need
Health, renters, car, life, disability, umbrella, travel and pet insurance explained, and which ones newcomers really need.
5 min
Social Security benefits: how you earn them
Work credits, the 40-credit rule, retirement and disability benefits, Medicare, students exempt from FICA, and checking your record.
4 min
Investing in the US as a newcomer
Brokerage accounts, index funds, 401(k) and IRA, SIPC protection, visa questions, and the tax trap of foreign mutual funds.
4 min
Tax mistakes F-1, J-1 students and new workers make (1040-NR, FICA)
The wrong form, the wrong deduction, FICA taken from exempt pay, a missing Form 8843. How to avoid them and fix them.
4 min
Free tax help: VITA, TCE and IRS Free File
Who can get free help with a tax return, what to bring to a volunteer site, and what to ask first if you file Form 1040-NR.
4 min