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Perform a Spring Financial Audit
Tweet Share on Facebook March 22, 2013 CommentAs you do your spring cleaning this year, consider a simultaneous financial audit. By analyzing where your money goes every month, you can easily start removing the waste and putting the extra money into your savings or retirement accounts. Here are some tips to get your spring financial audit rolling in the right direction:
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10 Ways to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Tweet Share on Facebook March 21, 2013 CommentIt's that wonderful time of year. March madness, the beginning of spring and, of course, tax refunds! Most of us look forward to all three. But, unless you're a big-time gambler, the tax refund will be the one that has the biggest impact on your finances.
There's a reason for that. Last year, 110 million Americans got a tax refund with the average refund being $2,803.
Although the IRS is really just returning your money to you, it feels a little bit like “free” money. And, as free money is prone to do, it often just disappears once you get it. So if you're tired of feeling bad after your tax refund evaporates, consider one of these 10 ways to put that tax refund to work for you:
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The Science Behind Winning Giveaways
Tweet Share on Facebook March 20, 2013 CommentSweepstakes are a huge industry, particularly on the Internet. Visit your favorite blogs or websites and chances are they've hosted a giveaway within the last month. From gift cards to watches and expensive electronics, companies are increasingly looking toward giveaways as a way boost their brands and get a greater share of your attention. The best part about giveaways is that everyone wins-lucky consumers score prizes and companies can boost their image and promote their product.
As a result of this explosion in giveaways and sweepstakes, there are plenty of services out there that offer services (for a fee), to help you win. Some of them provide lists of contests to enter, while others offer software that helps you enter contests more easily. Whatever the service may be, consumers don't need them to be successful-all they need are strategies that give them the greatest chance to win.
There are two key parts to making money from giveaways: winning the prizes and cashing them in. Consider these tips on how to hit the jackpot and redeem your winnings:
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A Guide to Tax Breaks for the Middle Class
Tweet Share on Facebook March 19, 2013 CommentThe past year has been full of events with major economic impact—from the fiscal cliff to the budget sequester—with possible effects on middle class taxpayers. Fortunately, even as Washington lawmakers continue to debate these issues, there are plenty of tax breaks that middle-income earners may be eligible for this tax season. Here are some you should be aware of:
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What’s Your Number? 5 Financial Figures You Need to Know
Tweet Share on Facebook March 18, 2013 CommentWhen we talk about personal finance, we toss around a lot of terms: APRs, credit scores, mortgage principals… you get the idea. It’s easy to get lost in all these numbers, so we’re here to break it down for you.
These five may be the most important. They’re the difference between a healthy bank account and debt collectors knocking at your door.
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How Much Do Americans Spend on St. Patrick’s Day?
Tweet Share on Facebook March 15, 2013 CommentMore than just Irish eyes will be smiling this Sunday. This year’s consumer survey on St. Patrick’s Day, conducted by the National Retail Federation, shows 133 million Americans plan to celebrate the holiday this year. For many, it won’t go beyond putting on a shirt colored in some shade of green. Consumers won’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a budget that compares to Christmas, but no holiday spending should be taken lightly.
In fact, Americans will spend a total of $4.7 billion dollars this Sunday. Of course, not every shopper plans to budget the same way. Who buys and what is bought directly relates to how big—or small—a celebrant’s budget will be.
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15 Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Tweet Share on Facebook March 14, 2013 CommentHallelujah. Spring has arrived. For those of us who’ve been trapped inside our homes to stay out of the cold, we get to rediscover the outside world again. It’s also time for some home maintenance items that will help you avoid big repair bills later on.
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5 Financial Tips to Set You Apart in College
Tweet Share on Facebook March 13, 2013 CommentGoing to college is one of the first times you're given a taste of true independence and responsibility. But here's a secret your place of higher education won't tell you: Responsibility for your newfound freedom starts well before you move to campus.
Here are five steps worth taking before leaving for college. They’ll help to make your time both in school and after graduation more financially stable.
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4 Tips to Ensure You Get Your Security Deposit Back
Tweet Share on Facebook March 13, 2013 CommentGetting your security deposit back shouldn’t be difficult, but according to a recent Rent.com survey of 1,000 renters, roughly a quarter have lost their deposit at some time. Consider these tips to make sure you get your hard-earned money back:
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5 Free Smartphone Apps That Will Earn You Money
Tweet Share on Facebook March 12, 2013 CommentSmartphone applications have the power to make our lives easier and often more enjoyable. Many also facilitate you earning money directly through your smartphone. Here are five free apps that can lend a hand to your bank account:
