GE pays no Federal Taxes for 2010 - What about you?

Most people find the fact that one of the largest corporation in the U.S. is paying no corporate income tax unbelievable and frustrating.  Does it make you wonder if there is more that you can do to pay less?  Here is an interesting article that talks about how to do just that!  I can tell you that not all of the information is 100% accurate...(for example, they use the example of a $150,000 income and then talk about some deductions which are actually phased out at that income level)... but, it still makes for an interesting read.  If you really feel ambitious, read some of the over 2000 comments for more entertainment!

Deal of the Day - GROUPON

So... I began telling you about the deal of the day sites before anyone knew what Groupon was.  But, just in case you have not heard about it yet...
Groupon is a daily deal that showcases some store, eatery, or service in your metropolitan area.  This Groupon deal changes daily.  You can check it on their website, or get their daily emails or tweets.  When enough people "purchase" the deal (which is often at 1/2 price) then everyone gets the discounted deal.   You typically have a year to use it before your certificate expires.  They are very well-known and have grown by leaps and bounds in the last year or so.
These are especially great for anyone that likes to eat out and try new places.
If you want to see all of the daily deals that I have featured... click on the daily deals in the word cloud on the left of the screen.

Be Healthy AND Save Money!

How often do you grab something from the snack machine or convenience store because you didn't plan ahead and , dang it, your hungry?!  A little planning is all it takes!  Keep a little storage of snacks available.  It will keep you from buying something unhealthy and it will keep you from spending the excess amounts on convenience.

I keep granola bars and a bottle of water in my handbag most of the time.  I have a little stash in my desk drawer at work.  If you don't have a desk drawer, maybe you have a cubby or a tool box drawer, or keep it in your car or tote bag...   be creative with your solution!  At work, I keep nuts, granola, pretzels, crackers, packets of tea and lemonade, and even oatmeal packets!  If you have a fridge available, you can keep cheese, yogert, and veggies.  The oatmeal has really been handy when I forget my lunch. 

Bringing your lunch every day saves money and helps you eat healthy too!  Don't forget the fresh fruit and veggies!  Just plan ahead when you go grocery shopping.  Another tip: mark it on your calendar - prepare your week of lunches and snacks on the weekend when you have more time.

All of this works for eating healthy on-the-run too.  Just a little planning can really add up to being more healthy, losing weight, and saving lots of money....

If you save even just 4.00 per day by bringing your lunch and/or not buying snacks....  and you take 2 weeks of vacation...  then  5 weekdays x 50 weeks x 4.00 = a savings of OVER $1000. PER YEAR!

Get your financial life in order....

April is financial literacy month.  Getting your financial life in order can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do for yourself!  The sense of accomplishment in knowing that you are on the right path to achieve  security or your financial goals is amazing.  In my opinion, the best way to accomplish a goal is with consistent baby steps.  Here is a website that will help to guide you along the path to financial wellness.  They use 30 steps in 30 days and it will help guide you along your path.  I also found this exercise journal that really gives you a thorough process to securing your financial future.  From budgeting, calculating for retirement, and getting support, this book covers it.

More Crafting Daily Deals!

I have more daily deals for all my Artsy Crafty friends!  Back on February 1, I believe, I wrote about some great daily deal sites and now I've found more!  I will also be having some sporting and general ones coming up.  If you ever want to just see all the Daily Deal postings that I have done, just click on the daily deals link in the topic cloud in the left column.  Also remember when visiting these sites, to right click on the link and then left click on open in new tab, so that you can stay on this page too!
Updated 2/2015 (Some links that no longer work have been removed).

Kindred Creations Deal of the Day

Crazy Scrap's JW Deals

Scrapbook dot com's Featured Deal


Now, how fun is that!?  Enjoy!!

New Tax Deductions for 2009

Make sure that you don't miss out on some of the new tax deductions that you may qualify for.
Here is a good article, summarizing some of the most popular ones.
Some common deductions that are often overlooked.
Just a side note, I did hear that anyone filing the new form 5405 are having their refunds delayed because of processing time.  If you are in a hurry, my recommendation would be to file your return without it, and then file an ammended return with the form.

And just for fun, the five most bizzare tax deductions around the world!

See how well you know your deductions with this quiz!

What is your W-4 saying about you?

How many exemptions are you claiming?
Do you get a large refund at the end of the year?
Do you want the government to use as little of your money as possible?

Many people feel that they would rather be SAFE than sorry and they have large amounts deducted from their earnings and then receive a large refund. These people would rather walk on glass then owe the government any money.

Others feel that they would rather have/use/invest their money all year; they try to MAXIMIZE their exemptions. These people are the risk takers of life, they would rather jump from an airplane then miss out on an opportunity.

You can change your W-4 withholding exemptions at ANY TIME with your human resources department. However, now is the perfect time to contemplate changes. What does your tax refund/debt look like this year? Have you had any major changes: Marriage, Divorce, Births, Adoptions, Children becoming independent, Deceased dependant….? What would you like your tax return’s bottom line to look like next year?