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When Is the Best Time to File Your Tax Return?
Tweet Share on Facebook January 31, 2012 Comment (5)The tax law sets deadlines for filing income tax returns. However, there is room to maneuver, and the time you choose to file depends on your personal situation. Here are some guidelines to help you decide on the best time for you to file your return.
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4 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Tweet Share on Facebook January 31, 2012 Comment (5)As we enter the heart of tax season, many taxpayers will soon find themselves with a large chunk of money. The average tax refund last year was more than $3,000. That's a lot of money, and it's easy to spend but not have much to show for it. Here are four ways your tax refund can make a big impact in your financial life.
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Drugstore vs Designer Makeup: When to Save and When to Splurge
Tweet Share on Facebook January 30, 2012 Comment (3)When shopping for cosmetics, it’s easy to be swayed by flashy displays and alluring designer-brand advertising. More and more cosmetics are being introduced into drugstores, which are aimed at helping consumers save money and claim to produce results comparable to designer lines.
Despite the variety of options lining drugstore and supermarket makeup aisles, many women are still reluctant to break away from pricey designer cosmetics. According to a 2011 study conducted by market-research firm Mintel, 50 percent of women earning an annual income of $50,000 to $74,000 said they do not intend on abandoning their designer cosmetics routine.
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6 Things You Should Always Buy at the Grocery Store
Tweet Share on Facebook January 30, 2012 Comment (1)Most grocery stores are a haven for shoppers on the hunt for basic ingredients, household supplies, and some great deals on brand-name products. However, there are a number of things that are always overpriced at the grocery store. Hardware, cookware, toys, and even some basic household supplies are usually marked up because supermarkets consider these to be specialty goods; they’re hard to sell, so the stores typically carry a very low inventory.
[See 9 Things You Shouldn't Buy at the Grocery Store.]
Still, there are a handful of items that you'll usually find at your local grocery chain priced at their lowest. If you want to save money on your grocery bill and stretch your grocery budget, make sure you always buy these six items from the local supermarket:
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How to Get Discounts on Almost Everything
Tweet Share on Facebook January 27, 2012 Comment (4)Whatever product you are in the market to buy, you can likely get it at a discount. By doing just a little research, you can score significant savings on a wide variety of items. Here are a few of the most popular sources for finding bargains.
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4 Tax Breaks of Homeownership
Tweet Share on Facebook January 27, 2012 CommentThere are two things you can count on when you become a homeowner: You get more tax breaks, and your taxes get more complicated. Whether you’ve purchased a single-family home, town house, or condominium, there are tax breaks available to you. It’s time to get familiar with the Form 1040 and Schedule A because that’s where you will have to provide all the details about your new tax-deductible expenses.
[See 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2012.]
To take advantage of these tax breaks, you have to itemize your deductions. If this is the best choice for you, here some of the expenses you can deduct.
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How Credit Unions Support Community Development
Tweet Share on Facebook January 26, 2012 Comment (1)In many ways, credit unions are just like regular banks. They offer checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and all the other financial products you’d expect, but there’s one characteristic that really sets them apart: the people who profit. Credit unions are not-for-profit, and every member is also an owner. Consequently, it’s the members, not bank executives or shareholders, who reap the benefits of a credit union’s investments.
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The Best and Worst Investments for 2012
Tweet Share on Facebook January 25, 2012 Comment (7)Now that we are a few weeks into 2012, you've likely given your finances an in-depth review and have set a goal or two to improve them. Maybe you're finally going to start saving more money, or maybe you need to update your retirement portfolio. Whatever the case, a heads up on which investments are expected to perform well this year (and which aren't) can help you accomplish these goals and more.
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5 Ways to Double Your Hourly Rate
Tweet Share on Facebook January 24, 2012 Comment (1)What if I told you that there are proven methods for raising your rates that will boost your bank account and won't scare clients away?
It doesn't matter whether you're a consultant, coach, or freelancer--asking people to pay you more money for the same services can be a scary proposition. Most people are afraid that if they raise their rates, clients will run screaming out the door.
In reality, this mental block is the biggest barrier to raising your rates. Here are five ways to overcome it.
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7 Things That Turn Off Employers During an Interview
Tweet Share on Facebook January 23, 2012 Comment (12)First impressions still count when it comes to nailing the interview for that new position, but there are several other things you need to think about as you settle into the hot seat. It only takes a few minutes for a prospective employer to size you up and decide whether you’ll be a good fit for the position. A single quip, remark, or even a facial expression could send the wrong message and knock you out of line for the job. Polishing your interviewing skills can help you communicate better and ensure the interview is smooth sailing.
Here are seven things that will turn off any prospective employer during the interview process:
