March 1, 2010
The Olympics are over and the U.S. won a record 37 medals! Now that we’re done spending our weekends watching the Olympics, it’s time to think about filing our taxes. At least, in my house it is.
As it happens each year, there are several new tax provisions in California, and probably in other States as well. Here are some of the new provisions for you to be aware of:
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February 11, 2010
Every Sunday when I get the newspaper, I sit down with my scissors and start browsing the grocery coupons. I usually find at least a few that I can actually use and happily set them aside for my next shopping trip. But I always wish there were more that I could choose from – every penny counts these days, right?
Fellow coupon-clippers, I have good news! I just stumbled across this site – Shortcuts.com – where you can choose electronic coupons! Here’s how it works:
- Find out first if they support your local grocery store. They do support many including Ralphs, Vons and Pavillions.
- Register for the site (it’s free but you’ll need your rewards card number)
- Enter your shopping preferences under ‘Profile’
Now they will list available coupons for you. All you do is click on the ones you want and the next time you go shopping and swipe your rewards card, the coupons, and the savings, will be automatically deducted from your bill! It’s really that simple.
It’s important in this economy to save as much as you can, and to take advantage of any money-saving opportunities like this one.
Check it out and let me know how you liked it!
Questions or Comments? E-mail me at blogger@matadorsmoneymatters.com.
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January 19, 2010
Grabbing the attention of teens today can be quite a challenge, especially since they want easy-to-find information quick and in most cases – online. The DMV wants to keep young drivers informed and safe on the roads, so it’s encouraging teens to obtain educational information through mediums they are regularly visiting anyway – popular social networking Web sites like YouTube, My Space, Facebook and Twitter. By creating a presence on Web sites that teens are familiar with and routinely use, the DMV is ensuring that they are getting all the information they need to be successful and skilled drivers. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 12, 2010
A credit union has reported a new malicious banking application it discovered that apparently is designed to steal online banking account details on Google’s new Android cellphones.
The credit union says the rogue Android application “creates a shell of mobile banking apps that tries to gain access to a consumer’s financial information.”
The malware, developed by “Droid09,” has been removed from the market but the safest best for those that have downloaded it is to remove it from your phone and take it to your mobile provider to ensure it’s completely removed.
Questions or comments? E-mail me at blogger@matadorsmoneymatters.com.
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January 11, 2010
I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the “Move Your Money” campaign first started by Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post.
Basically, they’re saying that “Too-big-to-fail banks are profiting from bailout dollars and government guarantees, and growing bigger.” And, much like It’s a Wonderful Life, they are urging consumers to move their money from the big banks to smaller community banks. Initially, there was no mention of credit unions. However, after several readers wrote in (myself included) suggesting Huffington steer consumers to credit unions as well, they are now doing just that.
The “Move Your Money” campaign has gained national popularity in such a way that I really wish we could measure how many people actually do move their money to community banks and credit unions. Read the rest of this entry »
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December 15, 2009
For all you California drivers – the following article from the Department of Motor Vehicles is a good one. Enjoy and please pass on to loved ones.
It is the leading cause of distracted driving collisions in California, increasing one’s risk of a crash by 23 times. It causes an estimated six percent of traffic collisions, resulting in approximately 2,600 deaths and as many as 330,000 injuries a year in the U.S. It’s even more dangerous than drunk driving and driving under the influence of marijuana. Read the rest of this entry »
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December 7, 2009
I just received a text message from 270-495-0189, saying “customer issue, visa service frozen, please call 270 495 0189.”
Do not text them or call them back! This is a scam. Think about it, does your Visa Credit Card Carrier have your cell phone number? Are you signed up to get text alerts? If you answered no, don’t call.
Please let everyone you can know about this. They will ask you for your credit card number, and probably your social security number. This is a complete phishing scam.
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November 10, 2009
The passage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit Extension with the addition of existing home owners being able to participate too has many people asking questions.
Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit.
What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?
The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (long-time resident) as a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Loans, Tips 3 Comments »
November 4, 2009
A few months ago I wrote about advantages for first-time homebuyers. Now there is even more good news, with lowered mortgage rates and home prices still on the low side.
Daily reports of doom and gloom surrounding this housing market seem endless with numerous foreclosures and increased government regulations, making a home purchase seem even more difficult and your dream of home ownership just that, a dream. However, there are ways to improve your chances of purchasing a home utilizing the criteria of lenders to your benefit. Read the rest of this entry »
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October 8, 2009
In the past year or so, we’ve all seen several banks and credit unions failing and either closing their doors completely, or being swept up by a larger financial institution.
A good way to check on your financial institution’s well-being, besides looking at annual reports, is to check their rating on Bauer Financial. Bauer has been analyzing and reporting on the financial condition of the nation’s banking industry since 1983. They analyze bank and credit union’s quarterly financial data, and base their ratings (ZERO is the lowest and 5 is the highest) on factors such as liquidity, delinquencies, and net worth. Read the rest of this entry »
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