online security

While random chance plays its role in tax audits (sometimes there is just no way to avoid some sort of an audit — no matter what you do), there are some red flags that may prompt a closer review of your paperwork. Here are some tips for avoiding a tax audit.

We all hate the money talk. Whether you are working out the details of your financial lives before you commit, or whether you have been in a committed relationship for years, talking about money always seems to be fraught with the makings of relationship peril. Even if you don’t plan to marry, if you are [...]

Do you efile? If you do then you already know about many of the advantages that efiling has over the “traditional” paper method of filing a tax return. If not, maybe you don’t know about the benefits of electronically filing your tax return. Maybe you’re like a friend of mine who refused to get a [...]

At least once  a year, if not more, you visit the dentist and doctor to make sure everything’s working properly – why not give your finances the same opportunity? As we approach the busy holiday season, it’s easy to let attention slip from personal finance. If you find yourself barreling toward the end of 2009 [...]

Chances are, you are already planning your holiday shopping. You might even be looking ahead toward Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With retailers still trying to lure customers into spending, this year offers the potential for some great deals on the biggest shopping days of the year. Here are some shopping tips that can help [...]

It’s a great feeling to be your own boss and make money at it. At least, until you discover that you are now responsible for paying self-employment tax and may be required to make estimated tax payments. I have been paying self-employment tax over the last few years; however, I have not made an estimated [...]

Welcome to the 76th edition of Money Hacks Carnival. In this edition, I’ll be presenting some interesting and fun facts about money along with the submissions. For editor’s picks, please look for entries noted with (EP).

Money Fact #1: $1 bills wear out in about 17 months. Bills of larger denomination last longer because they are [...]

There are many free budgeting software online today. I even reviewed a few like Mint and Quicken Online. Honestly, it would be impossible for me to review them all because there are just too many. However, I came across BudgetPulse through one of my regular reader, Craig Kessler. I was impressed by the software and [...]

I recently came across a video by FTC that advertise AnnualCreditReport.com in a manner that mocks the more familiar commercials by FreeCreditReport.com. I had mentioned in the past that credit report from FreeCreditReport.com is not free because you have to sign up for one of their paid services to get it.
FTC AnnualCreditReport.com Restaurant Video
If you [...]

Banks secure your money. They do this by offering insurance (FDIC or otherwise), and are liable for any stolen funds. Because of this, they have an intrinsic interest in protecting that money — making sure it doesn’t end up in the hands of some criminal looking for a free lunch. However, they don’t insure your [...]