Money Monday: Taxes and the military -- what you should know before filingPublished: February 22, 2021, 7:32 am

Here’s what you need to know this year about the earned income tax credit. Watch the video above. Helpful links:More: Money Monday section

Do you know what to look for when choosing the right tax preparer for you? Here’s what you need to know -- watch the video above. More: Money Monday section

The W-2 tax form is due to employees by Feb. 1. Here’s what you need to know -- watch the video above. Further reading and resources on earned income tax credits:More: Money Monday section

There are specific ways to help you pay off a 30-year mortgage sooner than later. Watch the video above. More: Money Monday section

Annuities can be useful tools. But I dont recommend them, for the most part, especially for senior investors. These are the two annuities seniors should avoid at all costs:Variable life contracts Equity indexed or fixed annuitiesHere is why:They are complicated and confusing. They often come with nose-bleed fees and surrender charges usually built into the early contract years. They are meant for long-term investors -- sometimes up to 15 years -- meaning not for seniors.

Heres a look at how this free tool can help you with your personal finances. Watch the video above. For on 360 Financial Literacy, go to the website here. For Money Monday package and financial tips, go here.

The American Institute Of CPSs is offering financial advice for troubled times. Recession-proof your investmentsSet financial goals, stay diversified and revisit asset allocation regularly to manage market fluctuations. Create a crisis budget in troubled timesExamine current income against current living expenses. Pay with money you havedo not use credit and make matters worse. READ MORE: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 can help Americans Recession-Proof their Finances: AICPA Survey