MELONI MONEY

There’s no such thing as a quick and easy run through the grocery store anymore.

The State of Michigan offers a 52 page downloadable collection of forms and information to help you plan ahead financially.

Many people do their own taxes, using software like TurboTax, but some may want to find help filing for any number of reasons.

Today’s Money Minute is about a too-often-ignored and under utilized tax credit for lower income earners. It could mean thousands of dollars in tax refunds -- but it’s complicated.

You could have unclaimed cash sitting in the hands of the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Michigan residents waiting for their tax forms from the Michigan Unemployment Agency can now get them online.

Michigan residents waiting for their tax forms from the Michigan Unemployment Agency can now get them online.

Need help with your 2020 taxes? Here are two guides from Finder:

Here’s what to know about MiABLE accounts. For more help, go here.

Here’s what you should know about open enrollment season. For more information, follow these links:

Understanding ROI could help you answer questions like: Is refinancing your mortgage worth the cost? For more on the subject, go here. More: Money Monday section

There are some questions for a financial planner that you might have been avoiding. More: 7 Questions to Ask a Potential Financial Advisor

Here’s what you need to know about group disability insurance. Read more on the subject at these websites:For more Money Monday segments, go here.

Do you know what the financial difference is between a business and a hobby? Read more: Can you turn your hobby into a business? 9 things to knowFor more Money Monday segments, go here.

For more information: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-unveils-dirty-dozen-list-of-tax-scams-for-2020-americans-urged-to-be-vigilant-to-these-threats-during-the-pandemic-and-its-aftermathIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Heres a look at what the contract between you and the insurance company means. For more, check out these links:

Annuities can be useful tools. But I dont recommend them, for the most part, especially for senior investors. These are the two annuities seniors should avoid at all costs:Variable life contracts Equity indexed or fixed annuitiesHere is why:They are complicated and confusing. They often come with nose-bleed fees and surrender charges usually built into the early contract years. They are meant for long-term investors -- sometimes up to 15 years -- meaning not for seniors.

Heres a look at how this free tool can help you with your personal finances. Watch the video above. For on 360 Financial Literacy, go to the website here. For Money Monday package and financial tips, go here.

The American Institute Of CPSs is offering financial advice for troubled times. Recession-proof your investmentsSet financial goals, stay diversified and revisit asset allocation regularly to manage market fluctuations. Create a crisis budget in troubled timesExamine current income against current living expenses. Pay with money you havedo not use credit and make matters worse. READ MORE: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 can help Americans Recession-Proof their Finances: AICPA Survey

Asset allocation: What you need to knowPublished: April 20, 2020, 7:03 amIf you were all in on stocks, then you’ve lost at least 30% if you didn’t pull out already.

If you’re still looking to invest amid the current craziness of the stock market right now, defensive stocks might be a strong option to consider. Defensive stocks are stocks that provide consistent dividends and stable earnings, regardless of the state of the stock market. These include recession-resistant sectors like necessities, utilities, consumer staple and packaging companies. Most of these companies offer dividends that strengthen your portfolio without adding to your risk. More reading on the subject:

If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Copyright © 2020 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

Phone scammers are targeting seniors, threatening to shut off their gas or power unless paid, often demanding payments in gift cards or Bitcoin. People are advised to use caution as these scammers are using public utility companies as their caller ID. Remember, companies do not call customers demanding payment and do not accept payments in the form of gift cards or Bitcoin. For more information from the state of Michigan, go here. Watch above for more information.

Reminder: Companies do not call customers demanding paymentIf you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

The IRS will not make phone calls like this. Here’s what you need to know.

The IRS will not make phone calls like this. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

This option is less expensive than mutual funds or individual stock. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

Plan intended to encourage saving for education. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.