Cassie Bottorff
cbottorff.bsky.social
Cassie Bottorff
@cbottorff.bsky.social
Personal Finance Editor | Formerly @ Fortune.com
Advocate for the Oxford Comma
Lover of all things sci-fi and fantasy. Huge SanderFan (iykyk)
The EITC was designed to help low- to moderate-income working Americans, but many don’t even apply for it. Are you missing out on a bigger refund?

fortune.com/article/what...
Over 7 million Americans missed out on this $2,500+ tax credit. Don’t be one of them
The EITC was designed to help low- to moderate-income working Americans, but many don’t even apply for it.
fortune.com
February 27, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Reposted by Cassie Bottorff
How much house you can afford depends not only on income, but also factors such as DTI ratio, down payment amount, and the mortgage rate you're offered. In this @fortune.com piece we walk you through some calculations that can help you determine your target price range when you start home shopping.
Here's how much you need to make to afford a $400,000 house today
We walk you through how to calculate your DTI, what the 28/36 rule is, and why all this matters.
fortune.com
February 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I've used YNAB for over 10 years and now I can't imagine life without it. If you're looking to create some new financial habits this year, I highly recommend signing up for this powerful budgeting platform. Here's why:
I’ve been using YNAB to budget for more than a decade. Here are the biggest pros and cons of this cult favorite budgeting platform
If you’re a fan of zero-based budgeting, there’s no better platform on the market than YNAB—but it’s not perfect. Here are some of the biggest pros and cons.
fortune.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:36 PM
As a millennial, I've seen my generation get blamed for many things. But what I love seeing is that in spite of that, we are pressing forward and working hard to secure a stable financial future. Check out this encouraging study from Piere:
Millennials boost savings by 30% on average despite economic challenges
Survey results show millennials demonstrating a commitment to financial wellness even as they grapple with debt and rising living costs.
fortune.com
February 21, 2025 at 6:57 PM
My husband and I recently took advantage of a balance transfer offer that will save us over $1000 in interest payments. Using new debt to pay off old debt isn't always the right choice, but I'll walk you through the questions you should ask yourself before taking advantage of appealing promo offers.
Carrying high-interest debt? Here’s when to consider a balance transfer—and when you shouldn’t
Just because a credit card offers an attractive introductory promo doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily come out ahead.
fortune.com
February 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
After falling steadily in 2024, inflation is on the rise again. The latest #CPIreport shows how it'll impact your budget.

fortune.com/article/janu...
Which prices were still seeing big gains in January? Which parts of inflation are looking more normal?
The January Consumer Price Index showed that while average price gains are moderating, some everyday prices are seeing big price gains.
fortune.com
February 12, 2025 at 2:20 PM
If you're one of the millions of Americans who are anxiously awaiting their tax refund so you can pay off debt or build your savings, there are a few ways to discover when you'll receive your payout.
Wondering how soon you’ll receive your tax refund? We’ll show you how to check on the status of your refund.
Google search queries for “where is my tax refund” are off the charts. There are multiple ways to check in on the status of your tax refund.
fortune.com
February 7, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Reposted by Cassie Bottorff
Having to fight Elon Musk at DOGE before we’ve even battled Trump feels like having to defeat the forces of Saruman first at Helm’s Deep.
February 7, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Did you open a new bank account last year? Do you think you're safe from paying income taxes once your paycheck hits your bank account? Think again. Here's what you need to know:
Did you earn a bonus on a new bank account last year? That’s taxable income
Don’t get caught off guard. IRS rules say that interest earned on bank accounts is taxable income.
fortune.com
February 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM
If you already have an emergency fund built up, Wells Fargo is offering $525 to new savers. But if you qualify for that reward, you might be better off getting a $900 bonus from Chase by opening both a savings AND checking account. This is a great one to take advantage of!
The best savings account bonuses of February 2025
Savers can earn up to $525 with qualifying activity on new savings accounts, but it’s not always worth it.
fortune.com
February 3, 2025 at 2:55 PM
The Federal Reserve kept its thumb squarely on the pause button at this week’s meeting. That’s good news for your bank accounts, since another rate cut would probably mean a lower return on your money.

Here's what you should know:
How the Federal Reserve impacts your bank accounts
Most people pay little attention to the Federal Reserve and monetary policy. But they have an outsized impact on your bank accounts.
fortune.com
January 31, 2025 at 1:48 PM
It's opening day!!!

...of tax season. Get your game face on and check out my new article to see what's different this year 👀
How to file your taxes online
The IRS has provided some new options for filing taxes online this year. Here’s what you need to know.
fortune.com
January 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
"A tree is known by its fruit. An apple tree doesn’t need a sign to tell you what it is. If it isn’t like Jesus, it isn’t Christianity."

Rarely do I see articles that so perfectly sum up the frustrations I have with the church in America these days. Please read this.
Inauguration week was a collision of two Christianities
(RNS) — Between the Christianity of Trump and the Christianity of Christ, we recognize the widest possible difference.
religionnews.com
January 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM
You may be lured in by "free money" when you open new bank accounts, but there are some risks you should be aware of. Here are some tips to help you maximize rewards.
The best checking account bonuses of January 2025
Here are the best checking account bonuses of January 2025. Savers who are up to the challenge can earn up to $1,550 by stacking rewards—but it’s not easy.
fortune.com
January 14, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Thinking about moving in 2025? Markets might be cooling off, but there are still some tips you can take advantage of to sell your home quickly. Here's my advice:

fortune.com/article/how-...
How to sell your house: 8 steps to help you sell in 2025
Are you a homeowner selling your house for the first time? Follow our guide to understand the steps you need to take.
fortune.com
January 9, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Nearly 40% of Americans wouldn't be able to pay for a $400 emergency in cash, potentially pushing them deeper and deeper into credit card debt.

If you feel like building an emergency fund is an impossible task, I've broken it down into 5 simple steps for you. Check it out:
How to build an emergency fund in 5 easy steps
Setting aside a few months’ worth of expenses may not be as difficult as you think.
fortune.com
January 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM