Do you LOVE keeping your money out of the IRS’ pockets?

Here's our Valentine's Day Special 😍...3 Smart Moves to Keep More of Your Hard-Earned Cash:

Let's be honest, nobody loves writing checks to the IRS. While taxes are a fact of life, how much you pay (and when) is often within your control. Here are three things you can do right now to keep more money in your pocket.

1. Get Your Withholdings Right

If you're a W-2 employee, your withholdings deserve a second look. The goal isn't to maximize your refund. It's to break even.

When your withholdings are set too low, you'll face a surprise balance due at filing time. And if you can't pay in full? Interest and penalties start piling up fast.

Yes, proper withholdings mean less cash in each paycheck. But you're paying your income tax evenly throughout the year instead of scrambling in April. No surprises. No penalties. No interest eating into your hard-earned money.

Action step: Review your Form W-4 with your employer, especially if you've had any life changes: new job, marriage, side income, or a big raise. Check out our withholding calculator to understand how much you are withholding currently, and how much you should be withholding given your tax rate. 

2. Max Out Your Retirement Contributions

Your 401(k) and Traditional IRA aren't just retirement savings vehicles, they're powerful tax deductions.

Every dollar you contribute to these accounts reduces your taxable ordinary income for the year. For 2025, you can contribute up to $23,500 to your 401(k) ($31,000 if you're 50 or older) and $7,000 to a Traditional IRA ($8,000 if you're 50 or older).

That's real money staying in your pocket instead of going to Uncle Sam all while building your future wealth.

Action step: If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match. It's essentially free money you're leaving on the table otherwise. If not, consider contributing money to a traditional IRA through automated monthly contributions that won’t break the bank. 

3. Claim Every Tax Credit You're Entitled To

Tax credits are gold. Unlike deductions (which reduce your taxable income), credits reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

Common credits many taxpayers overlook include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, education credits like the American Opportunity Credit, energy efficiency credits for home improvements, and the Saver's Credit for retirement contributions.

Action step: Before you file, run through the list of available credits with your tax professional. Leaving credits on the table is literally leaving money behind.