If your employer offers health insurance, check if you can take advantage of an FSA. These accounts let you take a tax deduction on money you put aside for health care. Since you are going to spend the money anyway, this is a great way to cut back on the cost. Plus you can use … [Read more...] about Take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
tip
Watch your fees when you make investments
After you decide what type of investment is right for you, there's still a chance to save money and therefore increase your payout. Always check the fees associated with buying, selling, or holding an investment. If you are going to buy stocks on your own, aim for a low-cost … [Read more...] about Watch your fees when you make investments
Savings bonds often pay more, with less tax, than savings accounts
Savings bonds aren't just for kids; they can provide anyone with a low risk investment alternative to savings accounts, CDs or high-yield checking accounts, and are less restrictive than you might think. Plus, they often pay higher interest rates than savings accounts and offer … [Read more...] about Savings bonds often pay more, with less tax, than savings accounts
Take advantage of new government programs to cut down your mortgage costs
Check the latest interest rates at Bankrate.com to see if you might want to refinance at a lower rate and/or longer term to reduce monthly costs. If you are paying PMI (private mortgage insurance) because you had less than 20% as a down payment, but you have built up that much … [Read more...] about Take advantage of new government programs to cut down your mortgage costs
Claim the tax credits you are entitled to for buying a home
Through April 30, 2010 home buyers can qualify for either an $8,000 "First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit" or $6,500 "Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit" depending on their income and residence status. Tax credits are better than tax deductions because they are dollars straight … [Read more...] about Claim the tax credits you are entitled to for buying a home