If you filed your taxes this year and chose to have your fees taken out of your refund, you’re probably wondering: where’s my money? For millions of people who used tax professionals offering Refund Transfer services, that refund first passes through Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) before hitting your bank account. And yes—it can…
If you’ve been feeling the pinch of rising prices or still trying to catch up from the financial hits of the past few years, relief may finally be on the way. Millions of Americans are set to receive not one but two stimulus payments in May 2025—totaling up to $3,400. Yes, you read that right….
Starting in 2025, filing a Social Security claim by phone will look a little different—and safer. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out new anti-fraud measures designed to keep scammers out and make sure real people get the benefits they’ve earned. The SSA confirmed this week that they are not doing away with phone…
If you were born anytime between 1960 and 1970, your retirement journey is about to take a major step forward. For many Americans in this age group, the long-anticipated moment of qualifying for Social Security is finally arriving. But before you apply, there are a few key updates and numbers you’ll want to know—because how…
If you’re planning to retire soon—or even just thinking about it—there’s an important change you need to know about. Starting in 2025, the official full retirement age for Social Security will increase to 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. While that number may sound small, it has big implications for when you can…
If you’re on Social Security or SSI, you might notice something unusual happening with your bank account in May 2025: two payments instead of one. It might feel like a surprise windfall, but it’s actually the result of how the Social Security Administration handles its calendar—not a bonus or a stimulus. Still, that extra payment…
For millions of Americans who rely on Social Security to keep food on the table and lights on in their homes, knowing exactly when their next payment will arrive matters. Whether you’re a retiree, a disabled worker, or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the timing of your check is often the difference between stability and…
If you missed out on the third round of stimulus checks during the pandemic—or you’re not sure whether you ever received it—there’s still a window of opportunity to get that money. But the clock is ticking. The IRS has announced that the final deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus check from 2021 is April 15,…
If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching headlines lately, you might’ve seen people talking about Elon Musk sending out $5,000 checks to every American taxpayer. Some call it a “DOGE Dividend,” others call it a game-changer. But here’s the real question: is any of it actually happening? Spoiler alert—it’s not. At least not…
It’s been a few years since the pandemic brought stimulus checks into most Americans’ lives. But what many people don’t realize is that a large number of those payments—worth thousands of dollars—are still sitting unclaimed. And now, the IRS is urging about 600,000 people to take one simple step to get their share. The amount…