If you are shopping for a mortgage, you are probably paying close attention to the interest rate and the closing costs. However, if you are failing to compare the annual percentage rate (APR) of the various loans, you may be deceived into believing you are getting a lower-priced loan when in reality, the loan is costing you more when it is amortized over the full term of the loan. The APR is a way to look at each loan offer equally to determine the real cost of the mortgage. For more read, … [Read more...]
Your chances of an IRS audit are lower than ever before
April 17, 2014 by
Most taxpayers fear an IRS audit more than they do their mother-in-law moving in with them for a year. However, there is good news that may reduce the stress and anxiety for those taxpayers. The chances of being audited by the IRS are the lowest they have been in years. Budget cuts and new policies have made it more difficult for the IRS to police tax returns. This is good news for taxpayers with those nagging “red flags” as the IRS may pass right over them this year. For the full article … [Read more...]
What are the biggest turnoffs for potential homebuyers?
April 16, 2014 by
Today’s real estate market remains tough and if you are a seller, you need to make sure your home is prepped for a quick sale. You do not want your home to linger on the market for too long because interest may begin to dwindle and your sales price will soon follow. In order to avoid offending potential homebuyers, you should review the top seven turnoffs for homebuyers. At the top of the list, toys and baby supplies followed by strong cooking smells (think onions and peppers instead of fresh … [Read more...]
Who complains the most about paying taxes?
April 15, 2014 by
Doesn’t everyone complain about paying taxes? According to a Gallup poll, 50% of taxpayers across the country complain that their taxes are too high. However, taxpayers in some states complain more about taxes than taxpayers from other states. Residents in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are more likely to complain about their taxes than taxpayers in the Northern Plains, the Rockies and the South. Local and state taxes vary widely from state to state and region to region with some … [Read more...]
Coldwater Creek files bankruptcy – closing stores
April 14, 2014 by
Coldwater Creek is another huge retailer that is being forced to file bankruptcy as sales continue to decline. Coldwater had hoped to enter bankruptcy with a stalking horse bidder ready to purchase the retail chain. However, it failed to find a buyer in time so the chain filed for Chapter 11 relief and anticipates closing its stores by early summer. Coldwater Creek has several stores in the Chicago area that will affect the livelihood of those employees once the stores close. If you have gift … [Read more...]
Impressing potential homebuyers on a budget
April 11, 2014 by
If you are in the market to sell your home, you already have heard that you must “stage” your home in order to entice potential buyers. Light candles, fresh baked bread and flowers have all been used as part of staging homes to sell. However, in today’s competitive housing market, it takes more than just bread and candles to sell a home but how can you do this if you are on a tight budget. Read “10 Keys to Home Staging on a Budget” to find out how you can get the edge on your competition to … [Read more...]
Will filing bankruptcy get rid of my taxes?
April 10, 2014 by
With April 15 drawing closer, many Americans may be wondering if filing a bankruptcy case will discharge their tax debt. The simple answer is “no, taxes are not discharged in a bankruptcy case;” however, nothing is ever simple in life and certainly not in bankruptcy. As with any rule, there are exceptions and some tax debt may be discharged by filing a bankruptcy case. You must meet certain conditions but if you do, you may be able to wipe out your tax debt in bankruptcy. For a list of … [Read more...]
Discounted Rates for Former Sbarro Employees Affected by Upcoming Closures
April 9, 2014 by
Sbarro is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection citing slower mall traffic as one of the reasons for lost revenues. As part of the current restructuring plan, Sbarro plans to close about 155 locations across North America. This coupon is valid for former Sbarro employees affected by these closures. Thomas W. Lynch & Associates, P.C. is offering the following until 5/15/2015: 20% off legal fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy OR 10% off legal fees for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy To … [Read more...]
Paying your income taxes in installments
April 9, 2014 by
If you owe Uncle Sam this year, you may be eligible for one of several installment plans that the IRS uses to help taxpayers pay their taxes. Most people assume that they will simple file for an extension and have more time to pay their taxes. However, that is not the case. If you fail to pay any taxes owed with the extension request, you may be charged interest and penalties when you do file your tax returns in a few months. If you owe, it is better to file your returns and request an … [Read more...]
How does your financial security stack up against other Americans?
April 8, 2014 by
Do you have a strong sense of financial security or are you living paycheck to paycheck hoping that things will finally “turn around” for you too. Current research revealed that a full 40% of Americans could not come up with $2,000 in an emergency. The survey also asked if respondents had an emergency fund to survive a financial crisis. Almost 60% of the respondents replied they did not have the funds to make it even three months if they lost their income. It is frightening how unstable most … [Read more...]
