The Deal Tracker

  If you're an H1B visa holder in California , you know how high state and federal taxes can eat into your hard-earned money. But the good news? There are legal ways to minimize your tax liability and even claim refunds if you've overpaid. Whether you're looking to lower taxable income, claim deductions, or maximize credits , this guide will walk you through the best strategies to save thousands of dollars in taxes. 1. Maximize Pre-Tax Contributions to Reduce Taxable Income One of the best ways to pay less in taxes is to reduce your taxable income . Here’s how: 401(k) Contributions (Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan) ✅ Contribution limit for 2024: $23,000 (or $30,500 if you're 50+). ✅ Every dollar contributed reduces your taxable income and saves both federal and state taxes . ✅ If your employer offers a match, contribute at least up to the match —this is free money! Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) ✅ Contribution limit for 2024: $7,000 ...

  Investing is one of the best ways to grow your wealth over time, but getting started can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options available. This blog provides a beginner-friendly plan for setting up a $200 monthly investment portfolio that balances stability with high-risk, high-reward opportunities. We’ll also cover how to set up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), key taxation factors, and important tips to succeed as a new investor. Why Set Up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)? A SIP allows you to automate your investments, contributing a fixed amount regularly—monthly, in this case. Here's why it’s a great idea: Consistency Wins: Automating removes the guesswork and ensures you stay committed. Mitigates Market Volatility: By investing regularly, you take advantage of dollar-cost averaging, reducing the impact of market ups and downs. Grows Over Time: Regular contributions and reinvested earnings build wealth through compounding. Our $200 Monthly Portfolio Plan T...

  As the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, many investors are seeking ways to generate passive income by leveraging their digital assets. One of the most popular and rewarding methods is crypto staking . If you're based in the USA and looking to maximize your returns while securing your assets, this guide will help you explore the best staking options available, what platforms to use, and the coins that can offer you the highest yields. What is Crypto Staking? Crypto staking involves participating in a proof-of-stake (PoS) network by holding and "staking" your cryptocurrency to help secure the network and validate transactions. In return, stakers are rewarded with additional cryptocurrency—often referred to as staking rewards. By staking your coins, you’re effectively locking them up for a period to help the blockchain function more efficiently. The longer you stake your coins, the higher your potential rewards. Top Platforms for Staking in the USA As a USA-bas...

  Margin trading allows investors to leverage their positions and amplify their returns. One effective way to meet the margin requirements for such trades is by pledging securities as collateral. Whether it’s cash or non-cash collateral, pledging enables investors to access funds for trading without having to sell their assets. In this blog, we will explain how pledging works, the difference between cash and non-cash collateral , how to use pledging effectively, and how brokers handle charges for pledging, unpledging, and margin shortfalls. We will also discuss how investors can benefit from pledging and outline various platforms that offer this service. What is Pledging in Margin Trading? Pledging is when an investor offers their securities (stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual funds) as collateral to a broker or exchange to secure a loan for margin trading. This allows the investor to trade with more capital than they have on hand, while still maintaining ownership of the securit...

Cryptocurrency can be an exciting yet volatile investment option, especially for new investors. It’s crucial to approach this market with caution and a well-thought-out strategy. This guide will help Indian investors build a diversified crypto portfolio within a ₹2000 monthly budget, while keeping in mind the risks, tax obligations, and suitable platforms for Indian users. 1. Why Diversification is Crucial for New Crypto Investors Diversification is one of the most effective ways to manage risk in the volatile cryptocurrency market. By spreading your investments across various types of assets, you reduce the risk of losing all your capital due to the sudden price fluctuations of a single coin. A balanced portfolio should include: Low-Risk : Established cryptocurrencies with stability. Moderate-Risk : Established coins with higher growth potential but some volatility. High-Risk : Smaller altcoins that may offer higher returns but come with significant risks. 2. Suggested Cryptocurrencie...

Cryptocurrency is a thrilling but volatile market, especially for new investors. Navigating this space can be intimidating, but the key to success lies in building a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. This guide will walk you through creating a well-rounded portfolio with a balanced approach to risk, suggest top platforms to get started, offer tips for managing tax obligations, and include specific guidance for investors in USA . 1. Why Diversification is Crucial for New Crypto Investors In the unpredictable world of crypto, diversification is a powerful strategy to manage risk. By investing across different types of assets, you lower the chances of your entire portfolio being impacted by the volatility of any single coin. A balanced approach lets you tap into both the stability of established cryptocurrencies and the growth potential of emerging altcoins. For a new investor, consider dividing your budget into three categories based on r...