MMI honors journalists across the United States through the Financial Literacy and Education Communities (FLEC) Awards for their contributions to financial empowerment and reducing social barriers. The awards, launched in 2021, recognize outstanding consumer financial journalism that addresses financial wellness issues. Honorees are selected based on the quality of their reporting, which has been shown to significantly increase community engagement in financial counseling.

Saving for retirement can be simplified by automating transfers into a 401(k) plan or IRA. Experts advise saving 10% to 15% of income, focusing on long-term, diversified investments. Employer 401(k) matches and tax advantages make these plans valuable, and IRAs offer flexibility and broader investment options. Early withdrawals from retirement accounts are discouraged due to penalties and lost compounding. Millennials and Gen Zers are advised to roll over 401(k)s into IRAs when job hopping to consolidate and reduce fees.

Your home equity increases as you pay off your mortgage. The article provides guidance on calculating home equity, emphasizing the importance of accurate and unbiased information. It also explains the editorial guidelines and the separation between editorial content and advertisements.

Taxpayers can reduce their tax liability or increase their refund by claiming various deductions and credits. The article lists 15 common tax write-offs, including property taxes, mortgage interest, state taxes paid, charitable contributions, medical expenses, education credits, retirement credits, IRA contributions, self-employed health care premiums, student loan interest, adoption tax credit, home office deduction, and solar tax credit. It also provides tips for record-keeping and avoiding common mistakes when claiming these deductions and credits.

At the Intel Innovation Taipei 2023 forum, CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted Taiwan's strong semiconductor foundry capabilities and the importance of a balanced global supply chain. Intel is expanding its manufacturing presence in the Americas and Europe to maintain supply resilience. Gelsinger acknowledged past perceptions of Intel's arrogance in the foundry business but noted changes in corporate culture to prioritize customer-centric thinking. He also discussed the evolution of AI from training to deployment, with AI becoming central to various platforms, and Intel's focus on AI in the PC market. Additionally, Gelsinger commented on the stability of chip production despite conflicts in the Middle East and expressed hope for peace in the region. Asus Chairman Shih Chong-Tang supported Intel's AI PC platform at the event.

A blanket mortgage is a loan that covers multiple properties, simplifying the process for real estate developers and investors by grouping purchases under a single loan. It is not suitable for ordinary homeowners or first-time investors but is beneficial for experienced investors and developers. The article outlines the pros and cons of blanket mortgages, including lower closing costs and easier administration, but also higher down payments and the risk of foreclosure. It provides guidance on how to obtain a blanket mortgage, emphasizing the need to find a suitable lender and meet stringent borrower requirements.

The article outlines five methods to ensure timely mortgage payments: online payments, automated withdrawals, credit card payments, phone payments, and in-person or mail payments. It emphasizes the importance of paying on time to build equity, improve credit scores, and avoid late fees. Expert Greg McBride highlights the pros and cons of each method, advising on the best practices for managing mortgage payments effectively. The article also provides tips for setting up autopay, prepaying the mortgage, and handling late payments through communication with the lender.