Somehow I got through the last thirty years without ever hearing of Dave Ramsey. Now when I go on YouTube, which I do way too often, there is usually a Dave Ramsey video or a video by one of his critics in my feed, sometimes several. I have also looked at a few of his books. I was once told that because I am an Aquarian I want everybody to get along. So I am going to try to reconcile Ramsey’s recommendations and the significant criticism of them.

2026 Changes to Form 2441 and Dependent Care Benefits
The credit for dependent-care expenses (such as daycare costs) has long been stuck at 20% for “average” taxpayers. It finally gets a permanent boost in 2026 (for returns filed in 2027). Also, the amount of money a taxpayer can put into a dependent care assistance program is increasing by $2,500 for 2026. This change presents a chance for taxpayers and tax pros to reevaluate which is better – claiming the credit or using a flex plan.


