Divorce: Knowledge is Power

Divorce: Knowledge is Power

by | Jan 31, 2024 | Divorce

If you’re contemplating a divorce, it’s really important — even before you go to an attorney — to get your paperwork in order. The best defense is not offense, it’s knowledge. Granted, achieving that knowledge is easier said than done, especially in the...
Pre-Tax Preparation

Pre-Tax Preparation

by | Jan 24, 2024 | Taxes

As January 31 approaches, your mailbox should start filling up with forms like we talked about last week and earlier this month. But we’re not done! Form 1098: Use Form 1098 (Info Copy Only) to report mortgage interest of $600 or more received by you during the year...
Know Your Forms

Know Your Forms

by | Jan 17, 2024 | Taxes

The gig economy — and 2024’s new reporting rules for PayPal, etc. — are going to make 1099s more “popular” than ever. There is a dizzying array of situations that call for 1099s, and it’s on us to know.    For example, there’s a long-standing rule at the IRS which...
Dry January — for Your Wallet

Dry January — for Your Wallet

by | Jan 10, 2024 | Empowerment

If you’ve been following my advice, try something new: No non-fixed spending for the rest of January. Think of it as Dry January for your wallet. The big, post-holiday credit card bills are on their way, and a little cutting back may retroactively make your holiday...
Organization Tips for January

Organization Tips for January

by | Jan 5, 2024 | Consumer Issues

National Get Organized Month is here! Previously I wrote about getting organized, but I neglected to talk about getting your online self organized.  There are more than enough reasons to play close attention to the cybersecurity of your personal or business presence...
End-of-Year Organization Tips

End-of-Year Organization Tips

by | Dec 12, 2023 | Organization

In a couple of weeks, fresh snow falling will not fill us with wonder anymore. Not that I’ve thought about it. It’s also the time when you get to show off your organizational chops. There will be tax forms and all their supporting documents to file and store — for...
January Is National Get Organized Month

January Is National Get Organized Month

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Organization

If your goal this year is to become more organized, experts agree: it’s best to take baby steps. Setting overly ambitious goals and then failing to live up to them leads to a self-defeating mindset that causes some people to abandon their plans to get organized...
Don’t Miss These Facts About Gift Cards

Don’t Miss These Facts About Gift Cards

by | Nov 28, 2023 | Consumer Issues

Gift cards are a double-edged sword to me — the giftee is certain to get something they want, but they also show the exact amount you spent on them. Still, they are indispensable during the holiday season. Most recipients don’t end up having a nightmare experience...
Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2023

Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2023

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Consumer Issues

The holidays are approaching, and all over the nation, people are making their year-end tip lists. I’m not going to lie, some people brag about the size of their list. My favorite strategy is to take a categorical approach. That is, I put my service providers into six...