Your Money with Michelle Li

Michelle Li explores money topics every week related to COVID via KSDK 5 On Your Side, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis. Expect at least one new podcast every Saturday night.

Where's my 2020 tax return?

Some of you really want to shake down the IRS for your return and for good reasons. We try to tackle the question -- where is my return? And if you want to call the IRS, you can try 1-800-919-9835.

09-19
04:39

Where's my third stimulus payment?

One woman asked us to help track down her third stimulus payment. She said despite the IRS tracker showing she's eligible, she has yet to receive a check. We look at the reasons why there may be a delay and who to call or write to track it down. Most people should have done nothing to receive their stimulus money. https://www.ksdk.com/article/money/money-wheres-my-third-stimulus-check/63-96e46059-4ab3-4d53-b5f4-2237a72f297d

09-12
03:04

Should you take a partial retirement?

Partial retirements are all the rage! They're exactly what they sound like (working less, but still working some.) Apparently, it's what the cool kids are doing in their early 60s, though there are a lot of things to consider--like healthcare. We talk to Jeff Sachs of Sachs Financial with his list of 5 things you should consider before taking on a partial retirement. 

09-05
06:18

Bring on a lawsuit: How Facebook strangers are working to reinstate unemployment

If you're living in a state where federal unemployment benefits have been taken away early, take a cue from some Facebook strangers in Missouri. They rallied support from a labor activist group, Missouri Jobs with Justice, that is now suing the state to reinstate federal unemployment. Their questions -- why leave money on the table when other states are getting these benefits? Will backpay be considered? How can the governor interfere with federal aid? The group goes to court August 30, 2021. This interview is with Richard von Glahn, the policy director with Missouri Jobs with Justice. 

08-29
14:42

'We're gonna be back to a homeless situation' | Missourians fight to reinstate federal unemployment

More people say they need the state of Missouri to reinstate the federal unemployment benefits, and they believe it's their right. Several states have now sued to reinstate benefits claiming states have a duty to provide federal aid to people. The search is on for an attorney who will take the case.

08-08
03:51

Your stimulus questions: How do I know that the debit card I got in the mail is really my stimulus?

At least 8 million stimulus debit cards are being sent out by the IRS and Treasury, and it's catching many people by surprise. 

01-16
02:44

Your stimulus questions: How do I let the IRS know I've moved so I can get my stimulus?

Bruce says: I moved in October. How do I let the IRS know my new address?

01-12
03:01

Your stimulus questions: Will we qualify for a stimulus even though my spouse isn't a citizen?

Many mixed-immigrant households got the cold shoulder during the first stimulus -- even American citizens who normally would have qualified for a stimulus ended up being disqualified because of their spouse's immigration status. This time around, it should be different for those with ITIN numbers.

01-08
02:29

Your stimulus questions: Why did the IRS change my bank account on file?

Ryan writes: Somehow my bank account number changed for my second stimulus. After hours of waiting on hold with the IRS, I got an answer. Apparently, this happened to a lot of people by error.

01-07
02:19

Here's what the Employment Security Department needs to do right now to help people

Working Washington is a workers group that fights to raise wages and improve labor standards, and it's had some big wins in Washington state, including the $15 minimum wage increase. Now the group has four wishes for the Employment Security Department as thousands of residents are waiting on unemployment benefits.

12-09
19:07

Why is my unemployment appeal taking so long?

If you've ever wanted to know how an appeal works in COVID times, there's no better person to explain it than Josh Sundt, the deputy chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings, the independent agency that considers appeals. The OAH is enduring what's likely the peak of appeals requests.

10-20
27:10

The community is on fire and burning to the ground

Season 2: With the first day of fall, comes a new season for the podcast. The Unemployment Law Project is a nonprofit that helps people with their unemployment appeals. The group says tens of thousands of people are not getting due process in the appeals process from the Washington Employment Security Department.

09-23
22:57

Free food for kids under COVID program

Some caregivers are strapped for time, energy and money. If kids were in school, they'd be getting breakfast and lunch. The USDA is providing kids breakfast and lunch, and this is not related to free or reduced lunches. Every caregiver should consider this as a resource.

09-22
04:05

$300 federal unemployment boost now processing in Washington

The $300 federal boost is now being processed in Washington, and you may get an email from the ESD asking if you need it.

09-21
02:29

Your question: How do I know if the IRS withheld my stimulus for child support?

One listener wants to know where the rest of her stimulus is after the IRS withheld $1200 for owed child support.

09-19
03:27

How to talk to a real person at the IRS about your stimulus

Take notes -- this is a step-by-step guide on how to "hack" the IRS' automated phone system and talk to a real person about your stimulus. This was written on a website, then verified by us.

08-19
04:04

Your question: How do you return a deceased person's stimulus check?

Steve's wife Lucy passed away in 2019. Now he has to give back her stimulus check.

08-17
03:20

Should you take a leave of absence from work?

Some parents may not be aware they 're eligible to take 12 weeks of paid leave under the extended FMLA via the CARES Act. We asked Karin Jones, a partner with Stoel Rives in the labor and employment group to explain who's entitled to the benefits and how it impacts employers.

08-17
09:39

Ever notice a random fee tacked on to your bill? Why it's NOT OK

Ever looked closely at your bill to discover a small, random fee tacked on to the tab? Washington attorney general Bob Ferguson noticed, and he said it's illegal. He talks about the Honest Fees Initiative, and how you can get your money back.

08-15
04:50

More educators are leaving their jobs to be nannies -- is it an affordable option for families?

As more educators leave their schools or childcare centers because of COVID concerns and shutdowns, many are choosing to be nannies. Rebecca Dyk, owner of A Nanny For U, says the nanny pool is more educated than ever, and many are now getting hired by families to run pandemic pods for their neighborhoods.

08-12
09:46

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