Writer Beware Blogs!: Victoria Strauss -- Beware Who's Who Schemes

Weekly Savings Tip: April 12, 2010

April 15th is Fast Approaching!

Your 2009 federal and state tax returns should be submitted by this Thursday— April 15th. Whether you owe no money to the IRS, expect a refund or even if you can't pay your tax bill in full—you must still file a tax return by April 15th. If you don't, you could face a penalty for filing late. Additionally, if you owe taxes, you will be assessed penalties for underpayment.

What if you cannot afford to pay your taxes? If your return is complete but you are unable to pay the full amount due, do not request an extension. File your return on time and pay as much as you can. The IRS will send you a bill or notice for the balance due. You can also apply for an installment payment plan or file Form 9465 with your return.

What if you cannot complete your return in time? If you cannot file your income tax return by April 15th, both the IRS and states allow you to extend your filing deadline by six months. However, this is an extension to file your return, not an extension to pay the taxes that you owe. You are still required to estimate and pay the tax that you will owe, otherwise you could be assessed penalties and monthly interested.

For more information on filing an extension on your tax return, visit the IRS website.

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MirrorMate Love and a GIVEAWAY

MirrorMate Love and a GIVEAWAY

Weekly Savings Tip: March 29, 2010

Keep Some Investments Liquid

Are you planning a major purchase this year? If so, make sure to keep some of your investments liquid. The liquidity of an asset refers to how quickly it can be converted to cash without penalty. So, if you are planning a significant expenditure, is important to have liquid assets to avoid pulling from a long-term investment or a retirement fund at an inopportune time.Most long-term accounts will penalize you for withdrawing your money too early. Some will take away the interest that you have earned; others will actually dip into the principal that you have invested. Utilize a high-yield savings account, a short-term CD or a money market account to have funds accessible when you need them.

Click here for the Six Keys to Successful Investing.

Our Wedding: The BEST Best Man EVER!

Hello Everyone! Please forgive my absence, but life has been hectic! Anywho, we're having work done in our home today, so it's a good opportunity to get a post in.

We had the.best.bestman.EVER at our wedding. (Notice the use of "we". Yes, I know that he was supposed to be Mr. CB's best man, but he literally took care of me, too.)

He ran around the night before in an unfamiliar city to get my last-minutes needs. He made sure I ate before the wedding. He made sure Mr. CB was on time. This was HUGE. I don't think I've ever eluded to this, but my hubby (bless his heart) will be late to the birthing of our first child. I've already accepted and come to grips with it...

I digress...our BM ended up running our reception program, giving the most heartfelt toast, washing dishes (I'm STILL trying to figure this one out...), and keeping the dance floor bumpin!

Enjoy the pics!



I know this is a photo of us, but if you focus over Mr. CB's left shoulder - it takes a real friend to be THAT happy for you :)
And here he is holding me up...4" heels + grass = wobbly bride

Master of Ceremonies
Here, here!
These two have been friends for EONS!

Party over here...

Weekly Savings Tip: March 8, 2010

Happy International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day, an annual celebration that highlights economic, political and social achievements of women. 2009 marked the first year that half of all the U.S. workers are women. Nearly four in ten mothers are primary breadwinners and bring home a majority of the family's income. Additionally, women are more likely than men to graduate from college, although they still typically earn less than men.

Women are also more likely than men to care for children or elderly or disabled family members. These periods of caretaking can provide gaps in a woman's career which can have a huge impact on the amount of retirement funds collected over time. A 2008 report showed that elderly women over 75 are far more likely to be poor than elderly men.

It's important for all women to think about their future and retirement. There are ways to begin now, such as investing in a tax-deferred retirement savings plan at work. These plans can help accumulate funds over time. Other options may include a IRA, such as a Roth IRA which is funded by after-tax contributions. If invested early enough, these accounts can continue to accumulate interest during a gap in a woman's career, whether for caretaking purposes or any other reason.

For more information for women, check out our Section for Women that features articles, calculators, and frequently asked questions. Visit www.feedthepig.org for more money-saving tips.

I Won! I Won!!!

Remember the giveaway I shared with you? Well...guess who won?!?!?!?!?!? (I guess the title kinda gives it away...)

Yep. Me! I am sooooooooooo excited! I never win anything and I won this gorgeous necklace! And just as I was trying to up my game in the jewelry department.