Tax season rolls around every year, but for many it never feels any easier . The stress associated with this time of year (particularly if you’re not anticipating a huge return) can really mess up your groove. Whether you’re managing multiple income streams , juggling business responsibilities or just trying to keep up with life, things can get messy fast. Getting your taxes filed on time can feel overwhelming and like a chore. And let’s face it, when deadlines sneak up and your plate is already full, taxes typically take a back seat. No matter how busy you are, it’s worth noting that missing the filing deadline can lead to some avoidable penalties and much more unnecessary stress. If you’re not ready to file by the due date, requesting a tax extension so time is on your side again might be the next best choice. For those wondering how to take advantage of the option, there are a few things to remember . Firstly, filing an extension is a normal thing (and it is an IRS-approved...

If there’s nothing else that the GameStop stock drama taught us, it’s that the stock market is there for, literally, everyone to get a piece of, regardless of how much — or little — money they have. For FinTech rock star Rosetta Bryson, however, investment in the stock market isn’t wise unless there’s sufficient education, and intent to build generational wealth, behind it. “Thanks to recent events, of course, we’re under the impression that we can day-trade our way into riches,” she told AfroTech exclusively. “And, yes, that’s true. But for those of us that think in the long-term — in terms of generational wealth — there are other ways to get into the ‘game’ of the stock market, mutual funds, and other investments.” Thus, Bryson created Simple Trader Pro. Unlike other apps, Simple Trader Pro prides itself on providing accessibility — specifically, by providing access to knowledgeable traders. Rather than casting people to the proverbial wind when it comes to investing, Bryson says...

Looking for new investment opportunities, have some disposable cash, and possess a healthy risk tolerance? Well, currency and currency derivatives trading may be a good fit for you. Investors, large and small, trade currencies and derivatives in a massive global marketplace known as the foreign exchange market (also known as forex or FX). To understand forex and the opportunities it may present for you, you need first to understand a bit about currency trading. Currency Trading Say you travel to Japan and need to pay for your food, hotel, and other items while there. You’ll need to exchange your dollars for Japanese yen at a ratio known as the exchange rate. Exchange rates change relative to one another due to central bank manipulation of interest rates, deficits in a country’s current accounts, national debt, and a host of other factors. Institutions and individual investors speculate on the variations in currency prices by buying (or selling) a currency pair — in this case,...

The financial struggles and needs facing Black and brown Americans have significantly increased in the wake of COVID-19. Outside of health concerns, financial shocks have altered life and our economy as we know it. In an April survey conducted by the Pew Research Center , 73 percent of Black adults and 70 percent of Hispanic adults said they did not have emergency funds to cover three months of expenses. In turn, it made it even more difficult to pay their monthly bills. To help alleviate the financial burdens of Black and brown Americans, Black-owned fintech company MoCaFi has announced the launch of an upgraded banking platform with “features and services designed to address financial inequality in Black, Hispanic, and historically disenfranchised communities,” a press release said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MoCaFi (@mocafiapp) MoCaFi — which stands for Mobility Capital Finance, Inc. — serves American residents who exist between the economic margins as either...

One way to get consumers to become more financially literate? Add a little hip hop. Inspired by the pandemic, financial educator Ash “Ash Cash” Exantus launched “ The Ash Cash Show ,” a daily digital finance show that empowers people to achieve financial freedom and build wealth, reports Black News . The culturally relevant feature also focuses on business news. In each episode, Exantus uses a culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship. “I once heard, when the country catches a cold, black folks get pneumonia and with the current coronavirus pandemic, this has been nothing but facts,” Exantus, also known as the Hip Hop Financial Motivator, said. The aggressive spread of COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black communities. Despite the overall drop in the unemployment rate, the rate for Black workers has increased . Exantus—who has been featured on “Sway in the Morning,” CNNMoney and The New York Times — wants to be the financial voice...