Personal Finance 17 February 2026 - 4 March 2026

Why Intuit stock is up again: TurboTax momentum meets Direct File bill risk
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Why Intuit stock is up again: TurboTax momentum meets Direct File bill risk

Intuit shares rose 1.6% to $440.24 in early afternoon trading Wednesday, extending a six-day rally. CEO Sasan Goodarzi reported strong TurboTax growth and dismissed chatbot disruption concerns. Democrats introduced a bill to revive the IRS “Direct File” program, posing potential competition for paid tax software. Trading volume in Intuit stock topped its 50-day average for two straight sessions.
March 4, 2026
VA Debt Relief Program for Veterans? Here’s Why Credit Card Debt Usually Won’t Be Forgiven
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VA Debt Relief Program for Veterans? Here’s Why Credit Card Debt Usually Won’t Be Forgiven

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not offer general debt relief for veterans’ credit cards or private loans, CBS News reported. Relief from the VA applies mainly to debts owed to the agency itself, such as benefit overpayments. Military families are more likely than civilians to carry high credit card balances, according to Armed Forces Bank. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps interest on pre-service debts at 6% for active-duty members.
March 4, 2026
Hargreaves Lansdown’s new fees go live as UK investors eye switching — and couples chase a £1,260 tax break
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Hargreaves Lansdown’s new fees go live as UK investors eye switching — and couples chase a £1,260 tax break

Hargreaves Lansdown’s new fee structure took effect March 1, cutting ISA and SIPP account charges to 0.35% and lowering online share dealing to £6.95 per trade, while adding a £1.95 fee for online fund deals and raising the annual cap on some account charges to £150. Analysts say most customers will benefit, but some, including frequent fund traders and large share portfolio holders, could pay more. An April 5 deadline also approaches for some couples to backdate UK tax relief.
March 2, 2026
IRS reopens after Presidents Day — here’s how to check your refund and dodge long hold times
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IRS reopens after Presidents Day — here’s how to check your refund and dodge long hold times

IRS offices and phone lines reopened Tuesday after closing for Presidents Day, with officials warning of heavy call volume during the busy filing season. The agency urged taxpayers to use its online refund tracker, which updates daily, and reminded filers to have all tax records before submitting returns. Scammers often target taxpayers during this period, the IRS said.
February 17, 2026