Taxing decisions: Finding the right tax preparer
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008
April 15 may seem like a long way off, but for those who don't won't actually enjoy waiting until the last minute to file their 2007 tax return, it'll be here before you know it. And if you dread the prospect of tackling a 1040 on your own, you might want to consider enlisting the assistance of a certified public accountant.
Uncle Sam matches some 401(k) deposits
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008
Many workers get excited when their employers kick in a matching contribution to spur them to save in a 401(k). What few people realize is that Uncle Sam will kick back up to $1,000 to reward low-income taxpayers who save for retirement, too.
Your risk of an audit 'is way up'
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008
Based on the amount of income that Americans fail to report every year - $345 billion, according to one government report - millions of Americans have little fear of a government audit. But tax pros and government reports suggest the Internal Revenue Service is gradually shedding its "kinder and gentler" attitude in favor of more and stricter audits. In short, an audit could be like a truck in your side-view mirror: closer than it appears.
Giving's a joy, but get a receipt
Monday, Feb. 18, 2008
Donors need more than a kind heart to get a tax deduction. Starting in 2007, donors need receipts or canceled checks if they drop money into the collection plate at church or the Salvation Army kettle, or dig into their pocket to help out charities.
The year of filing dangerously
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008
Filing your taxes has never been fun. But this tax-filing season is shaping up as one to dread because of extraordinarily late changes in tax laws, outdated or erroneous instructions and forms, increasing complexity and the widening gulf between federal and state tax rules.
Penny-pinching with panache
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008
It's a tough time to be an optimist. The economy teeters on the brink of a recession. Global markets are topsy-turvy. Consumer confidence is plunging like Pamela Anderson's neckline, and the Fed would have us spend our way out of this pickle.
More seniors take out loans that dip into the equity in their homes
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008
Reverse mortgages remain relatively rare, but their popularity is rising across the country. The loans, available only to seniors, enable borrowers to transform their homes into a source of cash. However, the cash withdrawn eats into the equity built up in a home over the years. With the first wave of baby boomers hitting retirement age this year, the rapid growth is projected to continue.
How healthy is your medical credit score?
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008
Mortgage lenders aren't the only ones showing more interest in your credit score these days - the health industry is creating its own score to judge your ability to pay.
Do research before leaving group health insurance
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008
If you are too young for Medicare but considering leaving a job that offers group health insurance, it pays to do some research.
Make 2008 the best financial year yet
Monday, Jan. 7, 2008
The new year is upon us, and with it comes the potential to improve your financial situation. While that goal may seem easier said than done, there are steps consumers can take to make 2008 a better financial year than 2007 - steps that will help you save money, improve your credit score and pay down your debts.
Debt: From disgrace to entitlement
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007
Much of the traditional social and cultural views of good debt vs. bad debt have been influenced by mass marketing to baby boomers and their children and grandchildren, many of whom expect or feel pressured to pursue immediate gratification over traditional values like saving for a rainy day.
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