US-Japan Lifehacker

Money

2026 Form 1099 Changes Explained: The New $2,000 Threshold, W-9s, Backup Withholding, 1099-K, and More

Businesses and self-employed individuals in the United States need to be aware of an important information-reporting cha...
Miscellaneous

Trees of the Month (August 2026)

PrefaceAugust is here, and summer is in full swing. I hope everyone is enjoying the season.It is hard to believe that we...
Money

Saver’s Match 2027 Explained: What Japanese Expats and U.S. Families Need to Know

If you are saving for retirement through a 401(k), IRA, or another retirement plan in the United States, an important ne...
Money

Trump Account and Gift Tax: Is Form 709 Really Unnecessary? What Japanese Families Need to Know in 2026

“Will I owe gift tax if I contribute money to my child’s Trump Account?”For parents and grandparents who want to help bu...
Money

Trump Account vs. 529 Plan: Which One Should Families Choose?

“Should I choose a Trump Account or a 529 plan?”That is a question many parents are beginning to ask.Trump Accounts—crea...
Money

Trump Accounts Explained: What Families in the U.S.—Including Japanese Expats—Need to Know

A major U.S. tax law enacted on July 4, 2025—Public Law 119-21—created a new investment account for children known as a ...
Lifehack

The Reality of a Japanese-American Marriage: Getting Married in Manhattan and Having a Baby in New Jersey

When people hear the phrase “Japanese-American international marriage,” it probably sounds romantic.Two people raised in...
Miscellaneous

Trees of the Month (June 2026)

PrefaceIt has been a little while since my last update again, but I hope everyone has been doing well.As the weather has...
Money

If You Live in the U.S., Here’s Where to Safely Park ¥10 Million (Realistic Options Worth Knowing)

Is “Openbank” Worth It?A New Name Showing Up Everywhere in High-Yield Savings Accounts — My Take as Someone Living in th...
Miscellaneous

Trees of the Month (March 2026)

PrefaceIt’s been a while since my last post, so first off, let me apologize for the gap—and wish you all a wonderful yea...