Email FacebookTwitterMenu burgerClose thin

Jane Thier

Jane Thier writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SmartAsset. Her expertise includes banking and mortgage. Jane is currently studying at Washington University in St. Louis and serves as editor-in-chief of Armour Magazine. Jane aims to receive her Master's Degree in Journalism.

Posts by Jane Thier

SmartAsset: Are Closing Costs Tax-Deductible?
Taxes

Are Closing Costs Tax-Deductible?

When you’re filing your taxes, there’s a whole lot to consider. From figuring out who counts as a dependent to organizing your income streams, you may find the process a bit overwhelming. And if you’re a new homeowner tackling mortgage… read more…

401(k) Contribution Limits
Retirement

401(k) Contribution Limits for 2023

Contributing to your 401(k) is a great way to prepare for retirement, allowing for tax-deferred growth and, in some cases, employer matching contributions. If you really want to boost your savings, you might even contribute the maximum to the account. For… read more…

missouri retirement system
Retirement

Missouri Retirement System

The state retirement system of Missouri covers the multiple types of employees working on behalf of the state. The Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) was established in 1957. Under the management of a board of trustees, it currently provides retirement benefits to most state public employees. MOSERS delivers those retirement benefits through pension trust funds.… read more…

mississippi retirement system
Retirement

Mississippi Retirement System

The state retirement system of Mississippi consists of seven different retirement plans to account for the multiple types of employees working for the state. It’s important to understand how your pension plan works and what you can count on for… read more…

south dakota retirement system
Retirement

South Dakota Retirement System

The state retirement system of South Dakota covers the multiple types of employees working on behalf of the state. The South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) is a cost-sharing, multi-employer retirement system for public employees, and it supports over 200,000 participants.… read more…

Maryland Retirement System
Retirement

Maryland Retirement System

The state retirement system of Maryland consists of seven different retirement plans to cover the multiple types of state employees. Before we dive deep into the intricacies of each system, take the time to brush up on pensions. If you… read more…

Indiana Retirement System
Retirement

Indiana Retirement System

The state retirement system of Indiana comprises several different retirement plans to cover the wide range of public employees working on behalf of the state. As pension systems can be complex, you may value some extra assistance in understanding the… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is Perpetuity and Can You Buy One?
Retirement

Perpetuity: What Is It and Can You Buy One?

Simply put, a perpetuity in the financial world is the present value of a stream of cash that goes on into the future, forever. Though cash payments are infinite, it’s possible to calculate their present total value because the value… read more…

backdoor ira
Retirement

What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA, and Is It Right for You?

If you’re looking to get ahead on planning for retirement, individual retirement accounts, or IRAs are great tool. An IRA is a tax-advantaged vehicle that helps you grow your retirement savings over time. Roth IRAs are particularly attractive, because you don’t pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. There’s one problem: you can’t contribute to a… read more…

ea vs. CPA
Retirement

EA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to accounting and tax planning, you may get easily confused amid the sea of acronyms. But a solid understanding of certain accreditations is key if you’re looking for a licensed tax professional to guide you through your… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is a Mortgage Prepayment Penalty?
Mortgage

What Is a Mortgage Prepayment Penalty?

When you take on a mortgage loan, you may be so laser-focused on reducing your debt load that you get overeager and make payments ahead of schedule. But your exuberance and diligence can actually have a negative effect. If you… read more…

Bank of America vs. Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Which Is Right for You?
Checking Account

Bank of America vs. Chase vs. Wells Fargo: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for the best bank account to meet your needs, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase are all going to be excellent options. But how are you supposed to pick a winner? We make it easier with an… read more…

U.S. Bank vs. Bank of America: Which Is Better for You?
Checking Account

U.S. Bank vs. Bank of America: Which Is Better for You?

Picking the right bank to work with is an integral part of managing your financial life. Two of the largest banks in the country, U.S. Bank and Bank of America, are both excellent options if you prioritize accessibility. Whether you… read more…

gift letter for mortgage
Mortgage

What Are Gift Letters for a Mortgage?

When it comes to owning a home, shouldering the burden of a hefty down payment and paying off your mortgage over many years can be daunting. For that reason, it would be pretty hard to turn down a generous cash gift a few months prior to securing your mortgage. But how do you take this cash and… read more…

SmartAsset: Requirements for a Construction Loan
Mortgage

What Are the Requirements for a Construction Loan?

If you’re looking to build your dream house or tackle a renovation, you may want to secure a construction loan. This describes a sum of money you receive to help finance your building costs. But borrowing money in this way… read more…

U.S. Bank vs. Wells Fargo
Checking Account

U.S. Bank vs. Wells Fargo: Which One Is Best?

Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp, better known as U.S. Bank, are ranked third and seventh as biggest banks in America, so if you’re looking for prestige and confidence in opening a reliable checking account, you can’t go wrong either way.… read more…

td bank vs wells fargo
Checking Account

TD Bank vs. Wells Fargo: Where Should You Bank?

When it comes to choosing a bank, TD Bank and Wells Fargo are two excellent picks. Both boast competitive benefits and accessibility. But before you choose to open a checking account or savings account with either bank, it’s best to compare TD… read more…

Jumbo Loan Limits 2021
Mortgage

Jumbo Loan Limits for 2023

When you’re securing a loan for a particularly expensive house, a regular mortgage may not suffice. For 2023, if your required loan amount surpasses the $726,200 conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in most counties, then… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is a Balloon Loan?
Mortgage

What Is a Balloon Loan?

Typically when you buy a home and can’t afford to pay the full price up front, you get a mortgage. You make a down payment first, and then you’ll make loan payments every month over a number of years based… read more…

US Bank vs Chase
Checking Account

U.S. Bank vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Better for You?

JPMorgan Chase is the largest and most powerful bank in America, holding nearly $4 trillion in assets. Its competitor, U.S. Bancorp, takes fifth place. But bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to where you’re looking to open an… read more…

TD Bank vs. Bank of America: Which Is Better for You?
Checking Account

TD Bank vs. Bank of America: Which Is Better for You?

Finding the best bank in America to fit your specific needs is crucial for building a solid foundation in your financial life. But with dozens of different banks operating in the U.S., how can you know which one is best suited… read more…

Construction Loans
Mortgage

How Do Construction Loans Work?

Buying a home is no small decision, but when it comes to building a home, the stakes are even higher. Between finding the right contracting company, meeting building codes and figuring out your mortgage payments, building your home can quickly become a… read more…