Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Make Your Flexible Spending Account Pay
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to save money on health care expenses by allocating pre-tax dollars into an account that's maintained through your employer.
You typically designate a portion of your paycheck to be deposited into your flexible spending account each pay period. Then, after you incur eligible medical related expenses (like doctor visit co-pays, prescriptions, over-the-counter health products, dental expenses, orthodontics, optical care, etc.) you submit receipts to your account administrator, and your expenses are reimbursed with the pre-tax dollars from your flexible spending account. Since contributions for an FSA are taken out of your pay before taxes are applied, using your FSA reduces your gross salary and your taxable income. You save the tax you would otherwise pay on the income you earn that you use for eligible medical expenses, and the savings can really add up.
However, be careful not to allocate more than you will spend to an FSA, as any funds not claimed via eligible expenses during the calendar year will be forfeited.
While it's true that you can take a deduction on your income tax for medical expenses, according to the IRS only medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income can be deducted from your income taxes. Most people don't have expenses high enough to qualify for this deduction, so being able to use a flexible spending account is advantageous.
If you've deposited funds into your FSA for this year and you haven't had enough eligible expenses yet to add up to the total amount you've allocated, you've got about a month left to do so. Don't forfeit that money!
Remember that FSA eligible expenses include over the counter products such as band-aids, aspirin, cold and allergy medicine, and so on. If you have no planned eligible medical expenses for the remainder of the year and still have some money in your FSA account, rather than forfeit the FSA money, I recommend you stock up on over the counter products you and your family use. If you have any questions regarding which products are FSA eligible, search for the products on the Walgreens.com web site, as their web site indicates whether each product is FSA eligible, and double-check with your plan administrator since they are the ultimate authority on eligible expenses.
Make your Flexible Spending Account work to save you money!
You typically designate a portion of your paycheck to be deposited into your flexible spending account each pay period. Then, after you incur eligible medical related expenses (like doctor visit co-pays, prescriptions, over-the-counter health products, dental expenses, orthodontics, optical care, etc.) you submit receipts to your account administrator, and your expenses are reimbursed with the pre-tax dollars from your flexible spending account. Since contributions for an FSA are taken out of your pay before taxes are applied, using your FSA reduces your gross salary and your taxable income. You save the tax you would otherwise pay on the income you earn that you use for eligible medical expenses, and the savings can really add up.
However, be careful not to allocate more than you will spend to an FSA, as any funds not claimed via eligible expenses during the calendar year will be forfeited.
While it's true that you can take a deduction on your income tax for medical expenses, according to the IRS only medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income can be deducted from your income taxes. Most people don't have expenses high enough to qualify for this deduction, so being able to use a flexible spending account is advantageous.
If you've deposited funds into your FSA for this year and you haven't had enough eligible expenses yet to add up to the total amount you've allocated, you've got about a month left to do so. Don't forfeit that money!
Remember that FSA eligible expenses include over the counter products such as band-aids, aspirin, cold and allergy medicine, and so on. If you have no planned eligible medical expenses for the remainder of the year and still have some money in your FSA account, rather than forfeit the FSA money, I recommend you stock up on over the counter products you and your family use. If you have any questions regarding which products are FSA eligible, search for the products on the Walgreens.com web site, as their web site indicates whether each product is FSA eligible, and double-check with your plan administrator since they are the ultimate authority on eligible expenses.
Make your Flexible Spending Account work to save you money!
Labels: Flexible-Spending-Account, FSA
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Make Money With An Online Garage Sale
Have an online garage sale and turn items you no longer want into cash.
Putting your unwanted items for sale online is a great way to de-clutter your life and increase your savings.
However, beware of scammers that have no intention of buying but seek to rip you off, or worse, steal your identity. Scams take many forms but the most popular one is to send you a check for more than an item is worth and ask for the balance to be paid back as a Western Union or some other type of direct money transfer. In such a case you never really know who you're dealing with. Many people operate such scams from foreign countries, and give themselves away by using mispelled words in their communication with you.
We found a free Online Garage Sale site that includes a page where you can get garage sale pricing tips by searching through the prices on the items that are currently listed.
Hold an online garage sale and turn your unwanted items into cash today!
Putting your unwanted items for sale online is a great way to de-clutter your life and increase your savings.
However, beware of scammers that have no intention of buying but seek to rip you off, or worse, steal your identity. Scams take many forms but the most popular one is to send you a check for more than an item is worth and ask for the balance to be paid back as a Western Union or some other type of direct money transfer. In such a case you never really know who you're dealing with. Many people operate such scams from foreign countries, and give themselves away by using mispelled words in their communication with you.
We found a free Online Garage Sale site that includes a page where you can get garage sale pricing tips by searching through the prices on the items that are currently listed.
Hold an online garage sale and turn your unwanted items into cash today!
Labels: Make-Money, Online-Garage-Sale
Monday, November 26, 2007
Overstock Huge Cyber Monday Promotion With PayPal
Today only Overstock is providing 20% cash back if you pay with PayPal.
Maximum discount for this promotion is $50.
The coupon is available at the top of the Overstock Coupons & Promotions page.
Maximum discount for this promotion is $50.
The coupon is available at the top of the Overstock Coupons & Promotions page.
Labels: Cyber-Monday, PayPal
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Comparison Shop Your Way To Savings
Comparison shopping saves money.
Americans are embracing online shopping more and more every year, and online competition is intense. You can use the power of the internet to put hundreds or even thousands of stores in competition for your hard-earned cash.
I've spent many hours researching prices on the internet, and for electronics I find that the retailers listed on our new Cheap iPod Classic MP3 Players page consistently rank high for offering the best online deals. Some of the retailers like Amazon.com are well known, but others are not. Comparison shopping engines such as Shopzilla.com level the playing field and help you get the absolute best deal possible from highly-rated merchants. More information on comparison shopping and protecting yourself when shopping online can be found on our Online Shopping page.
Below I've provided the Shopzilla comparison shopping engine data for the new 6th Generation Apple iPod Classic 80GB MP3 player. You can use the links below and to the left to see what items people are searching for in the Top Categories--great information around the holiday season, or any time you're looking for a gift-giving idea.
Use Shopzilla to comparison shop and save money today!
Americans are embracing online shopping more and more every year, and online competition is intense. You can use the power of the internet to put hundreds or even thousands of stores in competition for your hard-earned cash.
I've spent many hours researching prices on the internet, and for electronics I find that the retailers listed on our new Cheap iPod Classic MP3 Players page consistently rank high for offering the best online deals. Some of the retailers like Amazon.com are well known, but others are not. Comparison shopping engines such as Shopzilla.com level the playing field and help you get the absolute best deal possible from highly-rated merchants. More information on comparison shopping and protecting yourself when shopping online can be found on our Online Shopping page.
Below I've provided the Shopzilla comparison shopping engine data for the new 6th Generation Apple iPod Classic 80GB MP3 player. You can use the links below and to the left to see what items people are searching for in the Top Categories--great information around the holiday season, or any time you're looking for a gift-giving idea.
Use Shopzilla to comparison shop and save money today!
Labels: Comparison-Shopping, Online-Shopping, Shopzilla
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Protect Your Collectibles
If you have collectibles such as coins, stamps, or other items, you probably put a lot of time, money, and energy into it. Here are things you can do to help protect your collection against damage and loss:
1. Review your homeowner or rental insurance policy and make sure your collections are included in the coverage. Don't wait until damage happens to find out you're underinsured.
2. Make a complete list of your collection and store it in a safe place away from the possibility of water or fire damage, and preferably away from your home. You should also have detailed lists of all your other insured items safely stored in this manner, along with all your other important documents like vehicle titles, the deed to your home, insurance policies, etc. This way, if your home or property is ever damaged, you'll have your detailed lists and insurance papers easily available to help you make the necessary claims.
3. Water damage is harmful to just about any type of collection. If you don't display your collection out in the open, keep it protected from water damage by storing it in your attic or a dry area of your home (NOT your basement). Use plastic water-proof containers--they'll cost more than cardboard but offer more protection.
If you have a US coin or military coin collection you can help protect your investment with quality custom coin display cases. We personally know someone that builds custom wood coin cases to order and now they've got a web site up. Cases can be made to order and to specification for US coins as well as military coins. They can use either standard or exotic woods for the cases, with either Lexan or glass covers, depending on your preference. They even provide free American coin values and paper money values on their site.
NumisPrice's Custom Coin Display Cases
1. Review your homeowner or rental insurance policy and make sure your collections are included in the coverage. Don't wait until damage happens to find out you're underinsured.
2. Make a complete list of your collection and store it in a safe place away from the possibility of water or fire damage, and preferably away from your home. You should also have detailed lists of all your other insured items safely stored in this manner, along with all your other important documents like vehicle titles, the deed to your home, insurance policies, etc. This way, if your home or property is ever damaged, you'll have your detailed lists and insurance papers easily available to help you make the necessary claims.
3. Water damage is harmful to just about any type of collection. If you don't display your collection out in the open, keep it protected from water damage by storing it in your attic or a dry area of your home (NOT your basement). Use plastic water-proof containers--they'll cost more than cardboard but offer more protection.
If you have a US coin or military coin collection you can help protect your investment with quality custom coin display cases. We personally know someone that builds custom wood coin cases to order and now they've got a web site up. Cases can be made to order and to specification for US coins as well as military coins. They can use either standard or exotic woods for the cases, with either Lexan or glass covers, depending on your preference. They even provide free American coin values and paper money values on their site.
NumisPrice's Custom Coin Display Cases
Labels: Coin-Collection, Coin-Display-Cases, Collectibles, Insurance, Protect
Save Money With ChefsCorner
Now through Sunday November 25th at Midnight PST you can get 10% off and Free Shipping at ChefsCorner on orders over $100. The discount will be given at checkout, and you'll pay no sales tax on your order unless you live in New Jersey.
Last year we bought a 5 1/2 Qt. Le Creuset dutch oven online and we use it all the time. It's enameled cast iron and is incredibly durable. It's great for making pot roast, soups, braised chicken, etc. and has a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Le Creuset cookware is made in France and they've been making them since 1925. To find out what "Le Creuset" means and to read a short history about them, check out the short Wikipedia article on Le Creuset.
You can save money buying your own Le Creuset dutch oven right now, or hundreds of other products at ChefsCorner. Here's the link:
Last year we bought a 5 1/2 Qt. Le Creuset dutch oven online and we use it all the time. It's enameled cast iron and is incredibly durable. It's great for making pot roast, soups, braised chicken, etc. and has a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Le Creuset cookware is made in France and they've been making them since 1925. To find out what "Le Creuset" means and to read a short history about them, check out the short Wikipedia article on Le Creuset.
You can save money buying your own Le Creuset dutch oven right now, or hundreds of other products at ChefsCorner. Here's the link:
Labels: Chefs-Corner, Discount, Free-Shipping
Save Money With Cooking.com Coupons
Cooking.com
is running their annual Super Saver sale and they just provided us with their latest coupons.
Cooking.com has a very wide selection of brand name products, and also has a Wedding Registry
that is very popular. They have Holiday Gift Giving Ideas where they've grouped gifts into categories to make your online shopping easier. They also have Gift Certificates available in amounts from $10 to $500 that are emailed to the recipient on the date you specify. You can view a sample Gift Certificate on their web site.
Currently, Cooking.com ships to addresses in the United States, Canada, US Territories served by the US Postal Service and to APO/FPO addresses.
Without further adieu, here are the coupons. Restrictions are detailed on their site. Note that the $10 off $100 coupon is currently activating as a $15 off $100 coupon:
Happy Shopping!
Cooking.com has a very wide selection of brand name products, and also has a Wedding Registry
Currently, Cooking.com ships to addresses in the United States, Canada, US Territories served by the US Postal Service and to APO/FPO addresses.
Without further adieu, here are the coupons. Restrictions are detailed on their site. Note that the $10 off $100 coupon is currently activating as a $15 off $100 coupon:
Happy Shopping!
Labels: Cooking.com, Coupons, Gift-Certificate, Le-Creuset, Online-Coupon, Online-Shopping
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, ushers in the biggest shopping time of the year. Cyber Monday is the Monday that follows, when a lot of online shopping is done. Here are some Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions:
Amazon.com
Get all the great Black Friday deals without all the hassle. Choose from thousands of gifts eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping (Minimum order of $25 is required. Restrictions apply. Super Saver Shipping details
). Check out the Amazon.com Electronics Bestsellers and More.
Bare Necessities
Over the next 5 days, BareNecessities.com is having their first ever Thanksgiving Weekend Sale. Shoppers will get an extra 20% off clearance items, plus free shipping on US orders over $100. From high-end designer lingerie to everyday basics, shoppers will find more than 250 clearance styles including bras, panties, shapewear, hosiery, pajamas, men's underwear and more! The sale starts on Thursday, 11/22/07, at 12:01 a.m. EST. See Bare Necessities Coupons & Promotions for details.
MacMall
MacMall, the #1 Apple Direct Reseller, is having their biggest Apple products sale of the year. Save up to 22% off Apple's prices on Apple Products from MacMall.com. MacBook starting at $974 after discount & mail-in savings. iMac starting at $1,135 after discount & mail-in savings. MacBook Pro starting at $1,779 after discount & mail-in savings. Mac mini starting at $544 after discount & mail-in savings.
Also save up to 10% on Apple iPods. Get FREE Engraving*, FREE FM Transmitter* and FREE Case. *after rebate. PLUS FREE Shipping for most orders over $99 after rebate.
Overstock.com
Starting Black Friday, Overstock is running a 10% off Coupon plus Free Shipping through 11/28/07. The 10% off Coupon plus Free Shipping promotion will provide some extra incentive to get your Christmas shopping done early! Also, some specific Black Friday deals will be available November 22-25. See Overstock Coupons & Promotions for details.
The Sharper Image
The Sharper Image is running a 4 Day Weekend Sale from Black Friday through Cyber Monday with products up to 70% off. They're also having 8 "fantastic web-buster" deals on Friday only with limited quantities, running Friday, November 23rd from 6:00 a.m. to 12 Noon only. See Sharper Image Coupons & Promotions for details.
SmartBargains
SmartBargains is running general product promotions now through Cyber Monday, plus 7 different individual product promotions each day. See SmartBargains Coupons & Promotions for details.
Happy Shopping!
Amazon.com
Get all the great Black Friday deals without all the hassle. Choose from thousands of gifts eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping (Minimum order of $25 is required. Restrictions apply. Super Saver Shipping details
). Check out the Amazon.com Electronics Bestsellers and More.Bare Necessities
Over the next 5 days, BareNecessities.com is having their first ever Thanksgiving Weekend Sale. Shoppers will get an extra 20% off clearance items, plus free shipping on US orders over $100. From high-end designer lingerie to everyday basics, shoppers will find more than 250 clearance styles including bras, panties, shapewear, hosiery, pajamas, men's underwear and more! The sale starts on Thursday, 11/22/07, at 12:01 a.m. EST. See Bare Necessities Coupons & Promotions for details.
MacMall
MacMall, the #1 Apple Direct Reseller, is having their biggest Apple products sale of the year. Save up to 22% off Apple's prices on Apple Products from MacMall.com. MacBook starting at $974 after discount & mail-in savings. iMac starting at $1,135 after discount & mail-in savings. MacBook Pro starting at $1,779 after discount & mail-in savings. Mac mini starting at $544 after discount & mail-in savings.
Also save up to 10% on Apple iPods. Get FREE Engraving*, FREE FM Transmitter* and FREE Case. *after rebate. PLUS FREE Shipping for most orders over $99 after rebate.
Overstock.com
Starting Black Friday, Overstock is running a 10% off Coupon plus Free Shipping through 11/28/07. The 10% off Coupon plus Free Shipping promotion will provide some extra incentive to get your Christmas shopping done early! Also, some specific Black Friday deals will be available November 22-25. See Overstock Coupons & Promotions for details.
The Sharper Image
The Sharper Image is running a 4 Day Weekend Sale from Black Friday through Cyber Monday with products up to 70% off. They're also having 8 "fantastic web-buster" deals on Friday only with limited quantities, running Friday, November 23rd from 6:00 a.m. to 12 Noon only. See Sharper Image Coupons & Promotions for details.
SmartBargains
SmartBargains is running general product promotions now through Cyber Monday, plus 7 different individual product promotions each day. See SmartBargains Coupons & Promotions for details.
Happy Shopping!
Labels: Black-Friday, Cyber-Monday, Deals, Discounts, Promotions
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Save Money on Designer Women's & Men's Fragrances
Designer fragrances make great gifts for just about any occassion.
FragranceNet.com has discount prices on designer womens fragrances and mens fragrances like Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and more. All of the products showcased throughout FragranceNet.com are 100% original brand names. They only carry genuine brand name perfumes and colognes--absolutely NO imitations or knock-offs. They have 100% genuine designer fragrances at up to 70% off retail, and you can save even more with their online coupons. They even ship internationally.
Today we added a page dedicated to FragranceNet.com, where we've posted the latest coupon and listed the Top 10 Holiday Fragrance Best Sellers. Online shopping for perfume and cologne couldn't be easier.
Save money on designer fragrances with FragranceNet.com Coupons!
FragranceNet.com has discount prices on designer womens fragrances and mens fragrances like Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and more. All of the products showcased throughout FragranceNet.com are 100% original brand names. They only carry genuine brand name perfumes and colognes--absolutely NO imitations or knock-offs. They have 100% genuine designer fragrances at up to 70% off retail, and you can save even more with their online coupons. They even ship internationally.
Today we added a page dedicated to FragranceNet.com, where we've posted the latest coupon and listed the Top 10 Holiday Fragrance Best Sellers. Online shopping for perfume and cologne couldn't be easier.
Save money on designer fragrances with FragranceNet.com Coupons!
Labels: Coupons, Discount, Mens-Fragrances, Online-Shopping, Save-Money, Womens-Fragrances
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Make Money With Google AdSense Ads
If you have a website or blog, you can make money providing targeted ads on your site. Google AdSense provides a contextual advertising solution, delivering text-based Google ads that are relevant to each page of your site. You earn revenue when visitors to your site click the ads.
How It Works:
You apply for the Google AdSense Online Program, agreeing to accept the Terms & Conditions, comply with the Program Policies, etc. Google reviews your application and if approved, you obtain access to the AdSense site. You then log on, decide which ad formats to use, create code for the ads, paste the code into your web pages and upload them.
When your pages are displayed, the Google software reads the contents of your page and determines which ads to display. When a user clicks on an ad, you make money.
The AdSense website is easy to use and contains resources to help you get started fast, including a Help Center and the AdSense Help Forum. The Demos & Guides area of the Help Center contains step-by-step instructions for beginners on topics such as implementing your ad code, getting paid, and so on.
Start making money with AdSense ads on your website or blog today!
How It Works:
You apply for the Google AdSense Online Program, agreeing to accept the Terms & Conditions, comply with the Program Policies, etc. Google reviews your application and if approved, you obtain access to the AdSense site. You then log on, decide which ad formats to use, create code for the ads, paste the code into your web pages and upload them.
When your pages are displayed, the Google software reads the contents of your page and determines which ads to display. When a user clicks on an ad, you make money.
The AdSense website is easy to use and contains resources to help you get started fast, including a Help Center and the AdSense Help Forum. The Demos & Guides area of the Help Center contains step-by-step instructions for beginners on topics such as implementing your ad code, getting paid, and so on.
Start making money with AdSense ads on your website or blog today!
Labels: AdSense, Google, Make-Money-On-The-Internet, Making-Money
Monday, November 19, 2007
Save Money With Free Printable Grocery Coupons
Use free printable grocery coupons to save money on groceries you buy regularly.
If you scan your local Sunday newspaper for grocery coupons, there might be an easier way. Use the technology of the internet to locate and print your own grocery coupons online. No need to buy the Sunday paper just to get the best coupons. You can often even get special savings for the area where you live.
Start saving money with free printable grocery coupons today!
If you scan your local Sunday newspaper for grocery coupons, there might be an easier way. Use the technology of the internet to locate and print your own grocery coupons online. No need to buy the Sunday paper just to get the best coupons. You can often even get special savings for the area where you live.
Start saving money with free printable grocery coupons today!
Labels: Coupons, Free, Grocery, Printable, Save-Money
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Make Money Baking Cookies & Cakes
Do you like to bake? If you're looking for a way to make money at home or supplement your existing income, creating and selling baked goods like cakes and cookies from home might be for you (just be sure to check local health laws before you get started).
Many families today are too busy to bake their own cookies and cakes, but need them for family get-togethers like birthdays and anniversaries. They might also need a home-baked cake for a baby shower, school bake sale, or party. You can provide baked goods for special occasions like these and also sell them at local farmers' markets. Write up a creative, professional looking one-page flyer with sample baked goods and prices, and give it out to people you know. If you do a good job baking cakes for a few parties or baby showers, you'll probably get some new business from people that were there, and your enterprise will grow with word-of-mouth advertising.
Be sure to check out the great recipes and advice in the Cake Bible, the Cooky Book, Crazy About Cupcakes, and On Food And Cooking.
Bake your way to a second income!
Many families today are too busy to bake their own cookies and cakes, but need them for family get-togethers like birthdays and anniversaries. They might also need a home-baked cake for a baby shower, school bake sale, or party. You can provide baked goods for special occasions like these and also sell them at local farmers' markets. Write up a creative, professional looking one-page flyer with sample baked goods and prices, and give it out to people you know. If you do a good job baking cakes for a few parties or baby showers, you'll probably get some new business from people that were there, and your enterprise will grow with word-of-mouth advertising.
Be sure to check out the great recipes and advice in the Cake Bible
, the Cooky Book, Crazy About Cupcakes, and On Food And Cooking.Bake your way to a second income!
Labels: Baking, Making-Money-At-Home, Money-Making-Idea
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Sharper Image Prize-A-Day Holiday Sweepstakes
Recently we got word from The Sharper Image about their Prize-A-Day Holiday Sweepstakes. They're giving away a great prize each day through December 20th, and you can even win a $10,000 Gift Card! Would that make your Holiday shopping a little bit easier? You can enter the sweepstakes using the link we've added at the top of our Sharper Image Coupons & Promotions page.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Labels: Sweepstakes, The-Sharper-Image
Friday, November 16, 2007
SecondSpin.com Turns Your Used Video Games, DVDs, CDs Into Cash or Credit
Do you have used video games, DVDs or CDs you no longer want? You can turn them into cash, or credit to buy ones you DO want at SecondSpin.com.
SecondSpin.com is the internet's largest buyer & seller of used video games, DVDs and CDs, including very popular Wii and PS2 games. They have more than 800,000 items in their warehouse, in stock and ready to ship. They've been in business since 1996 and actually have several brick and mortar stores in California and Colorado. Their online transactions are secure, and all items are 100% guaranteed against defects.
SecondSpin has been declared "Best of the Web" by U.S. News & World Report, and Time Magazine stated "SecondSpin.com is an audio- and videophile's dream."
We've obtained some promotional coupons from Second Spin and are providing them here. Just click one of the links below and use the coupon code at checkout to get the discount.
20% off all video games at SecondSpin.com! Use code gamesale at checkout.
Free Shipping at SecondSpin.com! Use code freeholiday at checkout.
SecondSpin.com is the internet's largest buyer & seller of used video games, DVDs and CDs, including very popular Wii and PS2 games. They have more than 800,000 items in their warehouse, in stock and ready to ship. They've been in business since 1996 and actually have several brick and mortar stores in California and Colorado. Their online transactions are secure, and all items are 100% guaranteed against defects.
SecondSpin has been declared "Best of the Web" by U.S. News & World Report, and Time Magazine stated "SecondSpin.com is an audio- and videophile's dream."
We've obtained some promotional coupons from Second Spin and are providing them here. Just click one of the links below and use the coupon code at checkout to get the discount.
20% off all video games at SecondSpin.com! Use code gamesale at checkout.
Free Shipping at SecondSpin.com! Use code freeholiday at checkout.
Labels: Coupon-Code, Second-Spin, Used-CDs, Used-DVDs, Used-PS2-Games, Used-Video-Games, Used-Wii-Games
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Get The Most From Education-Related Tax Breaks
If you have any tax-advantaged education expenses in 2007, be sure to save your receipts so you don't miss a credit or deduction when you file your 2007 taxes. Are you paying for any post-secondary (college) education for you or your dependents? The tuition and fees deduction, the Hope credit and the lifetime learning credit are all available regardless of whether or not you itemize. Check out the IRS article on Education-Related Tax Breaks for some great information on the topic.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Eliminate Your Tax Refund And Pocket The Savings
It's a good time of year to use the free IRS Withholding Calculator to ensure that you don't have too much or too little income tax withheld from your pay this year, especially if you expect to get a refund. If you expect a refund, going through this exercise will put money in your pocket between now and the end of the year, rather than having to wait until you file your taxes to receive the refund. This activity should take you about 20-30 minutes to complete.
To use the calculator, you'll need information from your most recent pay stub. Enter the information in the calculator as requested, and the output will provide guidance as to whether you should change your Federal allowances and tax withheld from each paycheck for the rest of the year using a new W-4 form.
If you typically have a good sized refund each year, the benefit to this exercise is you'll get the money in your pocket sooner and can invest it in a High Yield Savings Account and make money in interest.
Rather than letting the Government earn free interest on your money, put your hard-earned money to work for you!
To use the calculator, you'll need information from your most recent pay stub. Enter the information in the calculator as requested, and the output will provide guidance as to whether you should change your Federal allowances and tax withheld from each paycheck for the rest of the year using a new W-4 form.
If you typically have a good sized refund each year, the benefit to this exercise is you'll get the money in your pocket sooner and can invest it in a High Yield Savings Account and make money in interest.
Rather than letting the Government earn free interest on your money, put your hard-earned money to work for you!
Labels: Federal-Withholding, High-Yield-Savings-Account, Tax-Refund, Tax-Withholding-Calculator, W-4
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
First Post
This is the first MoneyJibe Blog post.
Seems like retailers are getting out the Christmas decorations earlier and earlier every year. Or is it me?
We were at our local Sears store last weekend and Christmas trees were already on display. Even after living in the Phoenix valley for several years now, it's still a bit strange to see all the Christmas displays go up when it's so nice and warm out (OK, OK, almost RECORD-SETTING HOT this year). Retailers don't appear to be waiting for Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, to offer great discounts this year (by the way, the Wikipedia article on Black Friday is an interesting read).
Keep your eyes out for money-saving deals on Cyber Monday, November 26th. For example, we got advance notice last week that Overstock.com will be discontinuing their monthly coupons early in the month on November 25th because they're having a HUGE promotion on Cyber Monday the 26th. Details will be made available as we get them on our Overstock Coupons & Promotions page.
Happy Shopping!
Seems like retailers are getting out the Christmas decorations earlier and earlier every year. Or is it me?
We were at our local Sears store last weekend and Christmas trees were already on display. Even after living in the Phoenix valley for several years now, it's still a bit strange to see all the Christmas displays go up when it's so nice and warm out (OK, OK, almost RECORD-SETTING HOT this year). Retailers don't appear to be waiting for Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, to offer great discounts this year (by the way, the Wikipedia article on Black Friday is an interesting read).
Keep your eyes out for money-saving deals on Cyber Monday, November 26th. For example, we got advance notice last week that Overstock.com will be discontinuing their monthly coupons early in the month on November 25th because they're having a HUGE promotion on Cyber Monday the 26th. Details will be made available as we get them on our Overstock Coupons & Promotions page.
Happy Shopping!
Labels: Black-Friday, Christmas, Cyber-Monday, First-Post
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