Michelle Singletary

The case is still in its early stages but I, ultimately, see this being thrown out. The tax code, in so many words, says a dependent must be a person.

I’m a pet parent, too, but no matter how much I love my dog, he's not a human.

A New York dog-owner wants the IRS to recognize her golden retriever as a dependent. Amanda Reynolds' argument for claiming her dog, Finnegan, broadly aligns with the guidelines for claiming a child:
✅ lives with you for more than half the year
✅ receives most their financial support from you

QOTD: Should you be able to claim your pet as a dependent on your tax return?

I see a lot of strange questions during tax season but this is a new one 🧵

a red air dancer with a face and the word dhl on it ALT: a red air dancer with a face and the word dhl on it

How much is your monthly car payment? And how long is your loan?

New data shows that nearly more than 20% of new-car buyers have monthly payments of $1,000 or more and 7-year loans are becoming more common.

Column | You don’t need Trump to cap your credit card interest. Just use this script. You may have more power than you think to challenge your high interest rate, particularly if you have a strong credit score and payment history.

Trump's 10% cap on credit card interest probably isn't going too happen. But you don't need him to lower your rates. Call your creditors and follow these scripts instead. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

What Are Your 2026 Predictions? | KQED We’ll speak with three journalists about what they expect — and what we’ve learned from 2025. And we’ll hear from you: Whether it’s good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?

🎙️ON AIR:

We're talking to @vox.com's @izzieramirez.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com's @michellesingletary.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's Emma Goldberg about their predictions for 2026 and what we learned from 2025.

❓Whether good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?

📻 Listen:

Column | How to practice financial forgiveness and achieve your money goals Here’s how to stick to your New Year’s financial resolutions in 2026.

Here’s why most resolutions fail: People can’t forgive themselves. You set a goal, mess up, and give up. When it comes to money resolutions, I encourage you to try "financial forgiveness." You can't shame yourself into saving.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

I'm starting 2026 off very concerned about the most vulnerable in our country. And it's not going to be a great year for them if things don't change.

Fewer Americans Expect Financial Improvement In 2026, Survey Finds | Bankrate Bankrate’s Financial Outlook Survey finds fewer Americans expect their finances to improve in 2026, with inflation, income stagnation and debt driving pessimism.

Check out the @bankrate.com survey here www.bankrate.com/banking/fina...

American optimism is down when it comes to money. About a third of Americans think their financial situation will get worse in 2026, according to @bankrate.com.

What is your personal financial outlook for the year?

Column | 6 easy money moves you can accomplish before 2026 Try these realistic year-end financial hacks before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

Good end of year money tips wapo.st/4jbbgXB [gift link] Thank you @michellesingletary.bsky.social

How rude 🤯

Column | 61% of young adults trust social media investing tips. But should they? Here are five things to consider before heeding the advice of a “finfluencer” on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or other platform.

61% of young adults trust social media investing tips. Here's why that worries me. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

Column | Do a $1,100 vacuum and $3,100 purse belong on a gift list? In what economy? Some of the gift requests on peoples’ holiday wish lists are truly outrageous.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about holiday gift wish lists for adults and I was blown away by the response. Readers shared their stories of outrageous gift lists. I wasn’t prepared for such extravagant requests. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

Column | Do you know more about investing than the average American? Take this quiz The more you know, the better you can protect yourself from fraud, scams and money mistakes.

Do you know more about investing than the average American? Take this quiz to find out. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

a red holiday gift box is open with a question inside asking "should adults have holiday gift lists?"

The pleasure of picking out a unique gift you believe someone will appreciate has been replaced by the mandatory wish list. And is it me or are more adults feeling emboldened to ask for extraordinarily expensive items, making the holidays feel more like money grabs than a time for thoughtfulness?

Column | Think stores get the tax break? The truth about checkout donations. Incorrect information about donation requests at store checkouts is proliferating on social media.

Don’t believe what you hear on TikTok, @michellesingletary.bsky.social knows what’s up

Thank you for your research into this, Ruth!

Column | Think stores get the tax break? The truth about checkout donations. Incorrect information about donation requests at store checkouts is proliferating on social media.

Not sure if it's ok to round up for charity? The Washington Post's @michellesingletary.bsky.social used the paper @laurendula.bsky.social & I wrote to help challenge some misconceptions about charitable giving at the checkout. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
#nonprofitsky #academicsky

I want to give back! How do I afford it? - The Washington Post When it comes to giving, it can be challenging figuring out how to make it right for you financially. Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary talks to host Cristina Quinn about how to give base...

When the holidays come around, we may feel more inclined to give to charity. But that help is needed all year long. I joined the Try This podcast to discuss why and how we should make charitable giving part of our regular budget. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/try...

#BuyNothingDay but also @michellesingletary.bsky.social always has smart advice

YouTube video by Washington Post Podcasts You can avoid overspending on the holidays. Here’s how.

You don't have to overspend to enjoy the holidays.
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...

A holiday shopping survey from Wallet Hub says 61% of Americans say they would enjoy the holidays more if people didn’t exchange gifts.

What do you think?

Thanks for dropping in!

Advice | Our kids don’t want our paid-off house — or our ashes While I was initially upset, I’m okay with our three children selling our house after we’re gone.

Two years ago, I wrote about how my kids don't want my house (or my ashes) when I die. It's still one of my favorite columns and they still don't want my house. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

Column | With estate planning, should all kids get an equal share? Thanksgiving means reconnection. It’s a good time to discuss your estate plan with your family.

READ: Thanksgiving means reconnection. It’s a good time to discuss with your family your estate plan. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

It might seems weird but Thanksgiving is a great time to talk about estate planning with your family. It could be one of the few times when everyone is together. I'm not saying you have to bring it up while dessert is being served. But find some time to have the difficult but important conversation.

Sure, just sentence people to mortgage debt for life 🙄

Trump Proposes 50-Year Mortgages: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Homebuyers
www.realtor.com/news/real-es...

Column | If money is tight, is it okay to charge guests for Thanksgiving dinner? The trend of transferring financial responsibility from the host to the guest is turning fellowship into a monetary affair.

Have you ever been charged to attend a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving?

I know money is tight, but there are other ways to afford hosting that don't involve asking for cash from your friends and family.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

Great article (as always) Michelle! Thoughtful and genuine giving, but not at the expense of yourself and your relationship with the other, is absolutely more difficult than it sounds.