To file taxes, the time is now

Welcome to The Money, where we break down financial news and provide the TL;DR version of how decisions by the Federal Reserve, government and companies impact you.

It's beginning to look a lot like - tax season?

I know, I know. You've probably got enough on your plate right now preparing for the holidays, and tax season doesn't officially kick of until late January when the IRS officially begins accepting and processing returns. But if you start prepping your filings now, and send them in as soon as you can, you'll be able to get your refund a lot faster.

Three out of four taxpayers will probably get a refund, and “for most Americans, it’s the single largest payday of the year,” says Mark Steber, chief tax officer at tax preparer Jackson Hewitt.

But an early refund is not the only reward for filing early. USA TODAY reporter Medora Lee breaks down all the reasons why getting started on your taxes now is a good idea.  

Battling over the holiday gift list

The kids may love it, but plenty of moms and dads butt heads with their children's grandparents this time of year. The problem? Grandma and Grandpa buying the little ones way too much stuff.

That's the first dilemma consumer reporter Betty Lin-Fisher addresses in our new feature, Uncomfortable Conversations About Money, a new series that will tackle all those financial topics that are hard to talk about.

DEI under attack

A Supreme Court decision that struck down affirmative action in education is fueling a wave of litigation by conservative activists seeking to stamp out diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (DEI)in corporate America as well.

Stephen Miller, a senior White House adviser during the Trump administration, and his conservative advocacy group America First Legal have filed roughly two dozen complaints against various entities including Macy's, McDonald's and even Nascar.

He and some other activists, individuals and groups of employees are alleging that white workers are being treated unfairly by DEI initiatives aimed at rectifying racial imbalances in the workplace.

USA TODAY reporter Jessica Guynn writes about why a growing number of businesses are facing claims of "reverse discrimination,'' how courts are responding, and whether these efforts will continue to escalate.   

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