The Most Googled Money Questions — Answered (2024)

Google really is the place to go if you have burning questions that you’re too ashamed to ask a friend.

Money Etiquette:
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At the end of 2018, Google included money questions as a category in its “Year in Search” list. Here are the biggest money questions people have had — with updated and timely answers from 2020.

Last updated: Sept. 9, 2021

Its popularity and price are nowhere near the highs of late 2017 when it peaked at almost $19,000, but bitcoin still remains a mystery to the public. In simple terms, bitcoin is the world’s first cryptocurrency. Buying bitcoin, or any cryptocurrency, won’t give you physical notes as it’s an all-digital currency that isn’t backed or issued by any bank or government. The price is determined by market supply and demand and bitcoin can be purchased simply using a smartphone app.

Along with the other markets, bitcoin dropped in price in March 2020 to a low of $5,165. It has soared back since then to $13,803 as of Oct. 30.

Checks can be ordered through any commercial bank and are typically connected to the money in your checking account. To write out a check correctly, simply fill in the blank lines with the requested information:

• Fill in the current date.
• Write the name of the person or organization you are paying on the line that reads “pay to the order of.”
• Fill in the numerical form of the amount you are paying in the rectangle to the right of the “pay to the order of” line.
• In the next line, write out the dollar amount in words. For example, if you were writing a check for $150.50, you would write out one hundred and fifty and 50/100. Take up as much of the line as possible to avoid fraud and limit amount confusion.
• In the memo line, write what the money is earmarked for. This could be rent, a birthday present or a utility bill — the possibilities are endless.
• Sign on the line in the bottom right-hand corner.

Keep a record of the check using the check number and the amount in your register and you’re set.

A house is likely one of the most expensive purchases someone will make in their lifetime, so it stands to reason that people are unsure of exactly how much or how big of a house they can afford.

Conventional wisdom suggests abiding by the 28/36 estimation rule. That means your mortgage payment — don’t forget property taxes and homeowners insurance — should be no more than 28 percent of your pre-tax income. Add up all of your debts — meaning student loans, medical bills, credit card debt, auto payments and that mortgage — and the amount shouldn’t more than 36 percent of your pre-tax income.

It should come as little surprise that taxpayers wanted to find out when they can expect their returns. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long once you file.

The IRS issues over 90 percent of tax returns within three weeks of filing, according to its website. However, this time frame could expand if your tax forms include errors. Furthermore, don’t always expect to see your return three weeks to the day. Weekends and holidays might delay processing, which includes returns funded via direct deposit.

The IRS also offers the “Where Is My Refund?” tool that tracks your refund status. To use it you will need:

• Social Security number or ITIN
• Your filing status
• Your exact refund amount

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Mark Evitt contributed to the reporting for this article.