Last year, 100 million Americans chose to file their taxes in what the IRS deems the safest, fastest and easiest way to submit returns — electronically. If you’re thinking about e-filing your taxes, it’s never been easier to do so.
Ask anyone who has bought a car lately what their least favorite part of the process was and they’ll likely say, “Negotiating with the salesperson.” No matter how nice your salesperson is, or appears to be, it may still be hard to shake the feeling that you’re being had. But with a little education, you can turn the game more in your favor.
The road trip is a rite of passage for college students all over the country. When it’s time to unwind, nothing beats a week somewhere far away from the dorm or apartment – not to mention books, tests and term papers. And with spring break coming soon, it’s time to start planning.
Getting from place to place is a necessity, and driving certainly carries its risks. But are certain times more dangerous than others? The answer is yes, it can be more dangerous to be on the road during certain times of year – and also certain times of day.the answer is yes, it can be more dangerous to be on the road during certain times of year – and also certain times of day.
Whatever the reason the remodeling itch has settled into your brain, before you bring in a contractor – or pick up a hammer – you should consider two important questions: How will you fund your project? And will it be worth it in the end?
Spring is just around the corner, so it’s not too early to start thinking about preparing your garden tools and lawn equipment for the warm weather months. Taking the time to do simple maintenance can eliminate the hassle of a piece of lawn equipment failing to start.
Tax season is approaching, and while you’re wondering how your tax return will affect your bank account, you might also want to consider how it could influence another aspect of your financial well-being – your credit score. If you better understand your credit, you may be better equipped to deal with your tax situation if you end up owing, and to better take advantage of your windfall if you’ll be getting a refund.
For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions. To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, here are a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end.
Whether you are starting a new company, or refreshing your existing business, one of the most important items on your list should be to develop an eye-catching and effective corporate logo. Why? Just think of the thousands of businesses worldwide that are easily identifiable by people of all ages just based on the logo that they see on a marquee, awning or sign.
Do your address, job and interests make you more likely to be a victim of identity theft? Recent research shows that may, indeed, be the case.
When your youngest child packs up his room, loads all his belongings into the car, and drives away – to college, a new job or his first apartment – the quiet in the house can be unsettling at first. Then it hits you, your ’empty nest’ is a remodeling opportunity. You now have the time to redo that guest bathroom and design the ultimate bath retreat for the friends and family you are eager to invite over and renew old ties with.
Public perception often turns negative when a city, county or state does not have enough plows, salt and workers to make its roads clear and safe. This winter’s headlines have made many people aware that snowstorm snafus can symbolize a government’s ability, or inability, to take care of its citizens.
The 2010 Tax Relief Act that Congress was signed into law at the end of last year. What many Americans probably missed, however, is how the act will affect them as they prepare to file their 2010 tax returns this April 15.
If you’re thinking of buying a house – whether it’s new or existing, your first home or your fifth – you can help ensure you get the best possible deal by doing a few things before you get down to serious shopping.
Wondering where that small increase in your paychecks came from? Take a closer look at your pay stub and you’ll see that your Social Security taxes are 2 percent lower this year. The employee and self-employed portion of the FICA-OASDI Social Security taxes has been reduced to 4.2 percent for employees and 10.4 percent for self-employed.
Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.
Just as improving dietary, exercise and financial habits can improve your overall wellbeing and security, resolving to do more to protect your identity in 2011 can reduce your risk of falling prey to one of the fastest growing and costly types of crime. The good news is that making lifestyle changes to protect your identity can be a lot easier – and quicker – than dropping a few pounds, working out more or spending less.
Americans split their attention in 2010 between the antics of their favorite celebrities and sports heroes with news-making events like the BP oil spill and corporate recalls. Sites like Bing.com saw a shake-up in search rankings with a rash of new names or brands that cracked the top 10 in various categories for the first time. Here’s a look at how the pop culture landscape shifted based on the votes people cast with their clicks.
Today’s TVs can do more than most of us could have ever imagined, from displaying 3D images to connecting to the Internet. But those advances in technology have also made it more complicated for the average person shopping for a new television. Are you having trouble telling the difference between LED and Plasma TVs? Perhaps you could use help with some of the technical terms used to describe the TVs right now.
Put on your garden gloves and join in the fun because “gardening with a purpose” is taking root. The purpose may be to grow your own food or create urban sanctuaries, but planting for a greener good is changing neighborhoods and communities – one garden at a time.
With real estate sales still sluggish across the country, curb appeal is taking on a new meaning for many homeowners. While an attractive home exterior can still boost potential resale value, homeowners are also looking at curb appeal as a way to enhance the enjoyment of their homes. Fortunately, many curb appeal-enhancing projects can be cost-effective too, yielding significant improvements for a modest investment.
Do you ever worry about where the money is going to come from to pay off the latest charges on your credit card? If this sounds familiar, you are likely among the 43 percent of U.S. families who spend more than they earn, according to a Federal Reserve study.
Small business operators know that every second and every dollar is valuable. While large corporations have the ability to allocate plenty of time and money to marketing efforts, small business owners don’t always have the same resources.
You’ve heard for years about the importance of going green, but with all the information you receive, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin. The good news is that making your home more energy efficient is not something that needs to be done all at once.
As the weather warms, gardeners are gearing up to shape this year’s outdoor utopia. But spring also brings opportunity for a common garden pest – voles. Also known as field mice or meadow mice, voles can foil a gardener’s plans by snatching up bulbs before they have a chance to sprout, or by gnawing on roots and stems during a plant’s developmental stage.
Handy tool belt, equipped with all the essentials? Check. A vision of what the end result will look like? Check. A sense of adventure and determination? Check. Sounds like you’re ready to tackle your do-it-yourself project. Or are you? There’s one more tool you need to have a handle on before you begin – your credit.
As spring approaches and the winter snow begins to melt from your roof and lawn, now is a great time to step back and survey what you can do to improve the look of your home for the warm summer months, and for years to come.
When spring finally rolls around this year, families everywhere will be ready to embrace the season and all it has to offer: sunny days, higher temperatures and finally getting back outside. But a long winter means your home has some serious spring cleaning needs. If you share the responsibility for chores, they’ll not only get done faster, but there will be less stress for the whole family.
It is best to make useful improvements that will appeal to a wide range of buyers down the road, say experts. Proceeding cautiously, homeowners are therefore thinking twice before undertaking major projects. When they do decide to remodel, they are sticking with smaller, tried-and-true improvements – like adding a bathroom.
Nothing beats relaxing in the shade or entertaining a group of guests on your own private deck. When you take the time to plan your deck for the way you live, the result can be a versatile living space and a value-boosting addition to your home.