The IRS estimates that approximately 10 million taxpayers wait until the last days before the deadline and millions more will request an extension. If you haven't filed yet, you may be relieved to hear that this year tax returns are due on April 18th instead of the usual deadline of April 15th due to the observation of Emancipation Day. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts have until April 19th due to the observation of Patriot's Day. The...
Upon creating a budget, things can go one of two ways: • You will do whatever it takes to stick with the budget.• You will soon go back to your old way of doing things. Here is a tip: if you are taking the time to create a budget, you might as well give it a chance to succeed. If you have concerns about staying on track, here are three steps you can take: 1. Be...
It’s rare these days to start and finish your career within the same company. You'll probably change jobs at least once, possibly more. Anytime you're considering a new position, you should also consider the costs of switching jobs. You might lose your 401(k) match and stock options if you leave before you’re fully vested, or allowed to keep these benefits. Leaving the company before your five-year anniversary means losing these perks. You will, however, get to keep any...
You probably encounter upselling with almost every purchase you make. You know, when a salesperson or waiter tries to get you to upgrade your purchase or buy something extra on top of what you're already buying. It's an effective sales tactic because you’re already in a mindset to make a purchase. The salesperson just has to convince you to spend a little more. If you want to avoid upsells and save money, here are a few...
Are you in the process of searching for your first home? If so, you are dealing with many feelings. On one side of things, this is the most exciting time of your life. Conversely, you are sure to have some fears in regards to paying a mortgage. A mortgage payment is a big change for some people, especially those who have lived rent-free in the past. While it may be scary to take on this payment,...
When you’re on vacation, you want to relax, not worry about money. But, you don't want life after vacation to be miserable because you couldn’t practice just a little self-discipline away from home. Sticking to a budget while you’re on vacation can be tough, but here are some ways to make it easier. Know how much spending money you have. Check your budget before you leave so you know how much you’re able to comfortably spend. Break the...
Spending money is a part of life. No matter how much you save, you will always find yourself parting with money from time to time. The problem comes into play when you begin to recognize harmful spending patterns. If you don’t immediately address this issue, it could drag you down over time. While some people identify these patterns right away, others are blind to them. For this reason, they struggle to stay on a positive financial...
Your financial success is directly tied to your career success. The further you go in your career, the more opportunity you have to increase your income and achieve your financial goals. Going to work and performing your job everyday isn't enough. Here are seven other things to do to succeed in your career. Know what you’re good at. Successful people are great at identifying the top things they’re good at. Not only does this skill help you in job...
Have you heard about the benefits of a gas credit card? Are you ready to learn more about this type of offer? If you answer yes to these questions, it may not be long before you are applying for one of these and using it regularly. But before you do anything, remember this: there are hundreds of gas credit card offers to choose from. For this reason, you need to be patient as you search for...
Are you taking a spring road trip? Maybe you are a college student heading for the beach. Or maybe you are taking your family on a long trip during this time of the year. Regardless of your age, destination, or reason for going, it’s important to understand the many ways you can save money. By making a few adjustments to your approach, you can keep more money in your pocket. Subsequently, the funds can be used...
