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One swallow does not make a summer, but one skein of geese, cleaving the murk of March thaw, is the Spring.
Aldo Leopold Categories
Author Archives: Eileen AJ Connelly
Homeownership can translate into tax savings
Mortgage interest is just the beginning. Owning a home can provide some significant advantages when it’s time to file your federal tax return. From green energy credits to deductions for damage from natural disasters, there are a number of items homeowners may be able to claim that could reduce a tax bill. Read More
The most basic tax question: To itemize or not?
The most basic question many taxpayers face when filling out their returns is whether to itemize or claim the standard deduction. It’s not always an easy question to answer. If your financial life is uncomplicated — no dependents, no mortgage, few work-related or medical expenses and few charitable donations — in most cases you can fill out the simplest tax return form. Read More
Resolutions: Still time to get organized for 2012
With one month down in 2012, have you started on any of your New Year’s resolutions? If not, it may be because you’re disorganized. It’s all well and good to promise yourself you’ll make some changes, but putting a pledge into action requires mapping out the steps you need to take. Read More
Earned income tax credit is often overlooked
One out of five taxpayers eligible for a key tax credit don’t claim it on their federal returns. More than 26 million workers received earned income tax credits averaging $2,240 last year — but roughly 6.5 million left potentially thousands of dollars on the table by skipping the credit. Read More
Family Finance: Claiming those who depend on you
Is your unemployed college graduate “occupying” your couch? Has your elderly parent moved in with you, or are you paying for an assisted living facility? If so, these issues likely have stirred up a host of emotional and financial issues in your home. They may also impact your taxes. Read More
Resolutions: 3 steps to get started paying debt
Americans have been working hard to pay off their debt in the last few years. The average total owed on major credit cards dropped to $4,699 toward the end of last year, from $5,776 in early 2009, according to credit reporting agency TransUnion. Read More
Resolutions: Steps to help you save more money
Saving more money is often near the top of the New Year’s resolution list. But while that’s a laudable goal, it’s one that many won’t accomplish. One reason is that it’s too vague. It’s easier to follow through on a resolution that’s specific and has a reason attached to it. Read More
Resolutions: Use these 3 steps to set up a budget
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get on a budget and stay there. Yet many people don’t accomplish even the first step. Just 58 percent of Americans track their spending against a monthly budget, according to a Bankrate.com survey. Read More
Start with these steps to improve finances in 2012
Every January, it’s the same drill. This is the year you will cut your debt, save money and spend more wisely. And you, like millions of others, will fail again for no good reason. Want to break the cycle of broken New Year’s resolutions? Read More
End-of-the-year taxes: 8 tips to help you save
The decorations are up, the shopping is underway and holiday parties line the calendar. That means it’s time to think about your tax bill. A little effort now could add to the list of what you have to celebrate. Read More
Layaway programs have benefits, but pitfalls too
Should savvy shoppers cheer the widespread return of layaway programs for the holidays? Retailers are running advertising blitzes touting their layaway programs as the holiday shopping season kicks-off. Read More
Myths, misperceptions about credit scores rampant
A poor credit score can make it hard to get a mortgage, a new car or a decent interest rate on a credit card. Yet 42 percent of those polled in a recent Visa Inc. survey never bother to check their score. Read More
Family Finance: Revisiting financial advice of old
As hard times grind on, many Americans are taking a fresh look at the money lessons they learned from their families. But while some of the personal finance advice from prior generations holds up, some no longer applies — and sometimes it wasn’t on target to begin with. Read More
FBI warns online shoppers of auto sale scams
It’s another case of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Read More
Today’s homeowners face a world of modern concerns
The American dream can keep you up at night. Read More
