Whether you're going away for a quick weekend get-away or going on an extended dream vacation, make sure you take care of things at home before you take off. Although you may have a checklist of items to take on your trip, many people forget the things that need to be done at home before you actually leave. Taking care of these items before you leave will help you to be able to relax more when you are at your final destination. Here is a checklist:

Continue reading "Summer Travel Tips" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 11:12 AM | Permalink

Why do people use a payday loan service? Is it mainly used for emergency cash needs or is it used to help pay bills? Actually, it's used for both. Payday loans serve a unique underserved population of people, who may not qualify for a traditional loan, yet these people are trying to be responsible and pay their bills on time. Maybe you have overspent, and the bills are starting to come in and you need some financial help. Or maybe you have a true emergency because the dishwasher, water heater, or car broke down at the last minute and you don't have any money in savings (now that's another story, but we won't get into that here). Does anyone ever plan a "medical emergency"? No they don't. Accidents just happen. Here are some thoughts on why payday loan companies may be able to help you if you use them responsibly.

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Posted by Nickie - Editor at 8:55 AM | Permalink

Was tax time stressful for you this year? Why don't you make things easier for next year's tax filing by getting ready for it now? There are a number of things you can do so that next year you can avoid the last minute race to get it done. Below are a few things that you can start doing now.

Continue reading "Planning Next Year's Tax Return" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 9:35 AM | Permalink

Did you miss the tax filing deadline? The only thing you can do now is to quickly cut your losses by filing now. On the positive side, if you were due a refund you will not have a penalty for filing a late return. If you do owe taxes you should file ASAP and pay as soon as you can to minimize any penalty and interest charges. Here are a few more thoughts to keep in mind as you sit down to file your taxes.

Continue reading "Miss the April 15th Tax Filing Deadline?" »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 11:37 AM | Permalink

Running out of time to pay your taxes? You have a number of options - but not paying your taxes is not one of them. The old adage - "Pay me Now, or Pay me Later" is a very appropriate saying when it comes to paying taxes. You could end up paying a lot more in penalties plus interest. If you have already done some preliminary work and find that you owe tax but don't have the money to pay it all when you file, you have a number of options. Below are some tips that can help you lower the amount of interest and penalties when you don't pay the full amount to pay on time.

Continue reading "Paying Your Taxes On Time" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 1:35 PM | Permalink

Setting aside money for your retirement is a smart thing to do - and tax time is a great time to get started. However choosing which Individual Retirement Account (or IRA), can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. The most popular types of retirement accounts are: Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRA. To qualify for an IRA contribution you must have earned income which is defined as: wages, salaries, tips, commissions, and bonuses but does not include income from dividends, pensions, or annuities. For those selecting a SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension IRA), earned income includes net income from self-employment. Below are a few thoughts to keep in mind when choosing your IRA:

Continue reading "Choosing the Right IRA" »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 1:52 PM | Permalink

Planning a trip soon? Everyone gets excited about the prospect of planning a trip - your ultimate destination, your hotel accommodations, your side trips or excursions, and for the women - what are you going to wear??!!! No one really gives thought to how to stay healthy and comfortable while en route so you can enjoy your vacation. Whether you're driving several hours or flying long distances you should keep the following tips in mind so you can thoroughly enjoy our trip when you get there:

Continue reading "Traveling Tips - Getting There Comfortably" »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 11:46 AM | Permalink

As you all know, identity theft is a serious problem and is something that the IRS has made a top priority especially now during tax season. Identity theft happens when your personal information is lost or stolen. Sometimes you won't even know that you were a victim of identity theft until after you file you tax return. In this case, when you actually file your own personal tax return, the IRS does not accept it and notifies you that a return was already filed using your name and social security number. Below are several things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

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Posted by Nickie - Editor at 8:36 AM | Permalink

While we're enjoying our springtime weather, our thoughts quickly turn to summertime and children's upcoming summertime jobs. Last year we informed you of ING DIRECT's MONEY Teen Checking Account and we wanted to let you know that ING DIRECT was acquired by Capital One and has transitioned their brand to Capital One 360. Although the name Capital One 360 has changed, there has been no change to the MONEY Teen Checking Account product. The MONEY Teen Checking Account continues to be an interest-earning checking account and debit card that parents and teens can manage together. The "bank of mom and dad" is officially closed. Below are the details of the MONEY Teen Checking Account from Capital One 360.

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Posted by Nickie - Editor at 10:00 AM | Permalink

As springtime edges closer, so does the thought of taking a vacation -- possibly a vacation cruise.... One of the best parts of taking a vacation cruise is that typically everything is taken care of for you and all you have to do is show up and enjoy! However, if you're not prepared for the unexpected, your dream cruise could be your vacation disaster. Do some simple planning in advance, so you are ready for anything. Below are some helpful tips:

Continue reading "Tips for your Upcoming Cruise " »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 8:11 AM | Permalink

It's that time of year again! Tax Time! And all of your questions are just beginning. For instance, who needs to file? What are the rules requiring that you file? If the answer is yes you do need to file, have you received your W-2 yet? If not, what can you do? Below are some answers so you can get started.

Continue reading "Do You Need to File? If So, What Should You Do if You Don't Have Your W-2 " »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 9:05 AM | Permalink

This year you have until Monday, April 15, 2013 to file your 2012 tax returns and pay any tax due. If you can not file in time you can request a 6-month extension. Keep in mind that this is an extension to file your return, not to pay any taxes due. If you believe you will owe money, you must complete the estimated payment section and submit your payment. Filing online is the easiest way to go. If you have a simple return you will find that major online tax preparers have a Free edition for Federal returns. Don't know which form you will need to complete? Here are a few IRS tips to guide you:

Continue reading "Things To Keep In Mind When Filing Your 2012 Taxes" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 9:43 AM | Permalink

Are you planning on traveling overseas in the near future? You might assume that knowing a few key phrases of the language for the country you are traveling to might be enough. However, have you ever thought about the need for an emergency physician referral or a much-needed up-to-the minute alert on a local epidemic or a security threat? These are real issues that could happen to you and as the old saying goes: " It's better to be safe than sorry". To ensure a safe trip overseas, take a look at these safety tips.

Continue reading "Overseas Travel Tips" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 12:25 PM | Permalink

Keep your eyes peeled for Monday, Dec. 17th, -- Free Shipping Day! If you think it's much too early to start thinking about Christmas, think again. For those who dread crowded malls, online shopping has become the preferred mode of shopping. Free Shipping Day merchants guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve.

Continue reading "Free Shipping Day Coming Soon" »

Posted by Emma - Editor at 8:28 AM | Permalink

Trying to figure out how to make paying for college expenses less painful? Whether you've just graduated from high school and going on to college or you're a returning college student, trying to stay on top of payment deadlines for tuition and other fees can be stressful. To ease that burden, take a look at these IRS tips about education tax benefits that can help offset some college costs for both students and parents.

Continue reading "How to Make Paying for College Less Stressful" »

Posted by Nickie - Editor at 12:28 PM | Permalink