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Get smart with your money

Taxes

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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refinancingToday’s top story: What you need to know before refinancing your mortgage. Also in the news: Signs you’re about to make a bad financial decision, how to detect a less than stellar 401(k) program, and how to limit your risk of tax identity theft.

4 Big Refinancing Questions Answered
What you need to know before refinancing.

5 Signs You’re About to Make a Bad Financial Decision
Pay attention to the warning signs.

7 Clues That Your 401(k) Plan Sucks
How to detect a less than stellar plan.

Protect yourself from tax identity theft
How to limit your risk.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: The most common mistakes tax filers make. Also in the news: The terms every student loan borrower should know, how to handle early-year medical expenses, and six apps that’ll help manage your money.

The 8 Most Common Mistakes When Filing Annual Taxes
How to avoid making them.

5 Student Loan Terms Every Borrower Should Know
Know what you’re getting into.

5 tips for handling early-year medical expenses
Understanding your coverage.

6 Great Financial Apps That Will Make Managing Your Money Easier
A little help from your smartphone.

How Getting a Car Loan Affects Your Credit Report
What those new wheels mean for your credit.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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taxesToday’s top story: Should you do your own taxes or hire a professional? Also in the news: How to be a frugal foodie, why you should check all three of your credit reports, and what to expect if you get audited.

Tax Preparer Vs. Software: How To Choose
Deciding whether to get help or go it alone.

8 Ways to Be a More Frugal Foodie
Eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Checking All 3 Credit Reports Pays Off
Don’t assume they’re all the same.

What to Expect if Your Tax Return Gets Audited
First, don’t panic.

3 Terrifying Things Cybercriminals Can Hack
It goes way beyond your computer.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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bigstock-U-s-Income-Tax-Return-Form-28476797-e1390508229663Today’s top story: Things to think about before paying your taxes with a credit card. Also in the news: How to collect a bad debt, the essentials for getting a good car deal, and the special tax challenges facing Americans living abroad.

4 Things To Think About Before Paying Your Taxes With A Credit Card
Look out for fees and interest.

5 Simple, Escalating Steps to Collect a Bad Debt
How to get what you’re owed.

5 Essentials for Getting a Good Car Deal
Be prepared to negotiate.

Living Abroad? Expat Taxpayers Face Special Challenges
Taxes are even more complicated for Americans living overseas.

A Guide To The Financial Drawbacks Of Aging
What to expect as you get older.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to live without credit cards. Also in the news: The sad state of American’s emergency funds, what the proposed net neutrality law could mean for your internet, and what you need to know about taxes if you work from home.

4 Tips for Living Without Credit Cards
How to get in touch with exactly what you’re spending.

The Sorry State of Emergency Funds in America
Three out of eight Americans are on the brink of financial disaster.

How Proposed Net Neutrality Law Could Affect You
The access you’ve been paying for could soon be regulated.

Five Things You Need to Know About Taxes If You Work from Home
Finding your wake through the work from home tax maze.

Q&A: Bonus taxing

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Dear Liz: You recently answered a question from someone who wondered whether to pay off tax debt or credit cards with a $10,000 bonus. You asked why the person planned to put only about half the bonus toward debt instead of all of it. I think I know the answer. A bonus is considered taxable income, so someone in a high tax bracket likely would net only about half of the gross amount.

Answer: That’s a good point. Many people fail to factor in the tax bite when they get a windfall or cash in a retirement plan. The more money you make, the more painful that bite can be.