What Do Moms Want for Mother’s Day?
Who knew most moms prefer flowers and plants to jewelry for Mother’s Day? Or that more than half of Mother’s Day gifts come from non-family members? This fantastic infographic from FTD breaks it down by the numbers. So all you dads and husbands out there, order those flowers! Read Related: Fragrances for Mom: Editor’s Picks Mother’s [...]
Home Improvement Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
April is Home Improvement Month! While it’s great to feel empowered by finishing up a big project at home—whether it’s putting up bookshelves or redecorating the living room—don’t make these common mistakes that can have even the craftiest, most competent DIYers wishing they’d never picked up that power saw. “I DON’T NEED THE INSTRUCTIONS” Yes, [...]
6 Tips for Home Improvement on a Budget
When someone told me April is National Home Improvement Month, I thought they were joking. A month for home improvement? Really? I figured the idea must have been concocted by Home Depot or Lowe’s. But it’s a real holiday, started by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Back during the real estate boom, [...]
7 Tax Blunders to Avoid
Spring is finally here! That means longer days, nicer weather…and tax time. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid this fiscal year that will help you prevent everything from paperwork overload to the dreaded tax audit. BLUNDER #1: FILING LATE So the idea of sitting down and getting your taxes in order is inducing one [...]
Tips for Filing Your Tax Return Last Minute
If you haven’t yet filed your 2012 federal income tax return, you are probably starting to feel the pressure; perhaps you’re even starting to panic a little. After all, the filing deadline of April 15 is only days away. Hopefully, we can help alleviate some of your anxiety with these step-by-step directions to get you [...]
Getting the Most Bang From Your Tax Refund Buck
With tax season just about wrapped up, many of us are about to receive, if we haven’t already, a big fat refund from the IRS. Perhaps you’ve even spent it. If not, here are some ways to put your newfound money to good use. Pay off debt. Focus first on loans that charge the highest [...]
Retirement Plans for Freelancers & the Self-Employed
If you’re a freelancer, an independent contractor, a sole proprietor, an independent consultant, or self-employed in any other way, saving for retirement can be a challenge. Since you don’t have an employer to motivate you, or match any personal contributions you make to a company-sponsored retirement savings plan, you’ll need to step up to the [...]
Tax Breaks for Parents
Diapers, clothes, food, toys, braces, college…raising a child can cost a small fortune. So it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to save money come tax time. Here’s a list of tax breaks every parent should know about. Dependency Exemption For each child you list as a dependent on your 2012 return, you’ll reduce [...]
The Low-Down on Hand-Me-Downs: How to Get Your Kids’ Clothes to Last Longer
My friends often call me frugal, especially when it comes to my kids’ clothes. My son was born when my daughter was 15 months old, as was my quest for figuring ways to pass clothes between them. As soon as I learned that baby #2 would be a boy, I began purchasing gender-neutral pajamas, socks [...]
5 Steps to Keep Your New Year’s Retirement Plan Resolution
Are you one of the many people who promised to start, or improve upon, your retirement savings this year? New Year’s resolutions are often nixed before they even start, because we don’t have a plan. Here are five things you can do to help keep yourself moving toward your retirement goal. 1. Maximize your retirement [...]
