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Your Money with Michelle Li

Your Money with Michelle Li

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

Your Money with Michelle LiAug 08, 2021

00:00
03:51
Where's my 2020 tax return?

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.
Sep 19, 202104:39
Where's my third stimulus payment?

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

Sep 12, 202103:04
Should you take a partial retirement?

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. 

Sep 05, 202106:18
Bring on a lawsuit: How Facebook strangers are working to reinstate unemployment

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. 

Aug 29, 202114:42
Learn about the group taking on unemployment problems head-on in Missouri

Learn about the group taking on unemployment problems head-on in Missouri

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.

Legal Services in Missouri provides free civil legal services for those who cannot afford an attorney -- during the pandemic, the group has also been taking on basic unemployment issues from applying for benefits to appealing rejections and dealing with evictions.

Aug 08, 202115:35
'We're gonna be back to a homeless situation' | Missourians fight to reinstate federal unemployment

'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.

Aug 08, 202103:51
Understanding the Child Tax Credit now that it's here

Understanding the Child Tax Credit now that it's here

Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
The Child Tax Credit rolled out July 15. Most American families were supposed to get some kind of break, yet many are will wondering if their check is in the mail. Other families already want to opt-out. Parents who share custody of children are also wondering what to do. We asked a tax expert for some guidance on some of the more tricky issues.
Jul 26, 202111:23
Your stimulus questions: How do I know that the debit card I got in the mail is really my stimulus?

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. 

Jan 16, 202102:45
Your stimulus questions: How do I let the IRS know I've moved so I can get my stimulus?

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?
Jan 12, 202103:01
Your stimulus questions: Will we qualify for a stimulus even though my spouse isn't a citizen?

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.
Jan 08, 202102:29
Your stimulus questions: Why did the IRS change my bank account on file?

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.
Jan 07, 202102:19
Here's what the Employment Security Department needs to do right now to help people

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.
Dec 09, 202019:08
Why is my unemployment appeal taking so long?

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.
Oct 20, 202027:10
The community is on fire and burning to the ground

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.
Sep 23, 202022:56
Free food for kids under COVID program

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.
Sep 22, 202004:05
$300 federal unemployment boost now processing in Washington

$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.
Sep 21, 202002:30
Your question: How do I know if the IRS withheld my stimulus for child support?

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.
Sep 19, 202003:27
How to talk to a real person at the IRS about your stimulus

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.
Aug 19, 202004:02
Your question: How do you return a deceased person's stimulus check?

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.
Aug 17, 202003:20
Should you take a leave of absence from work?

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.
Aug 17, 202009:39
Ever notice a random fee tacked on to your bill? Why it's NOT OK

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.
Aug 15, 202004:50
More educators are leaving their jobs to be nannies -- is it an affordable option for families?

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.
Aug 12, 202009:47
Your question: Why haven't I received a stimulus for an adult dependent?

Your question: Why haven't I received a stimulus for an adult dependent?

Even if you didn't qualify for the first stimulus, there's a chance you might be eligible for the second check.
Jul 29, 202001:51
Real unemployment questions

Real unemployment questions

We asked real people Steve, Melaina, Dawn and Tim from last episode to answer real unemployment questions.
Jul 20, 202006:03
Real people, real unemployment problems, and maybe real solutions

Real people, real unemployment problems, and maybe real solutions

As thousands of people struggle with getting unemployment benefits, a few have become fierce advocates to help resolve claims as they endure very real challenges, like homelessness.
Jul 17, 202016:19
The $1k Project

The $1k Project

Struggling families can get $1,000 a month for three months through The $1k Project. And it opens a conversation about direct giving.
Jul 15, 202004:17
The Unemployment Law Project

The Unemployment Law Project

The Unemployment Law Project is a non-profit that helps people appeal their unemployment claims once denied. The group has also been a place for people to turn to when they have gone weeks without receiving benefits.
Jul 12, 202013:28
July 11, 2020

July 11, 2020

Jul 11, 202000:54