Ask Madison: Reader Mail Volume 3

Posted by Madison on February 17, 2009

It’s time for another round of reader questions! I often get similar questions from readers, so it helps to share the answers with everyone. If you want to check out previous questions, see: Reader Mail Volume 1 Reader Mail Volume 2   How do you open an ING account for children? I would like to […]

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The Ultimate Tax Resource Guide

Posted by Madison on February 16, 2009

It’s tax time! It’s hard to remember everything about taxes, so here is a comprehensive tax guide to get you through tax season! From important tax dates to planning for next year, and just about everything in between, we’ve got you covered! Tax Numbers 2008 Tax Information. Reference sheet for 2008 tax limits, credits, exemptions, […]

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Keeping Tabs on the Economic Stimulus Plan

Posted by Madison on February 12, 2009

Congress was able to put together a compromised plan of the economic stimulus plan yesterday. The final price tag is $789.5 billion. Trying to follow the stimulus plan is like following a moving target these days… but here’s what we know today! Home Buyer Tax Credit Many of you were waiting with high hopes for […]

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2008 Tax Information: All in One Place

Posted by Madison on February 10, 2009

Here’s the 2008 tax limits, credits, exemptions, deductions, phase-out and exclusion numbers all in one place! It is a good reference and will come in handy at tax time. Last year, the list was a popular reference sheet, so I thought it would be good to publish it again. Exemptions $ 3,500 Standard Deduction Single […]

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Our Family is Expanding…

Posted by Madison on February 9, 2009

I’ve been dropping hints here and there, and if you’ve been following me on Twitter you knew something was up! We’re having another baby!!! We just got our clearance from the doctor that they believe the baby is healthy. (My pregnancies are high risk, so to get that news brings a lot of relief.) We […]

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American Express $100 Gift Card

Posted by Madison on February 6, 2009

UPDATE: This offer has expired but check out the $250 bonus offer on the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card. It’s Friday! So let’s get right to our Free Money offer for the week! American Express is offering a $100 gift card for using the American Express Gold Card. How to Get Your Gift Card […]

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$15,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit Possible!

Posted by Madison on February 5, 2009

Update: The $15,000 home buyer tax credit was eliminated in the compromised bill. It’s now an $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. A reader, Keith, left the following comment about the $7500 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit: I just read that the $7500 home buyer tax credit is going to be jumping up […]

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Changes Ahead: Zecco, First Time Home Buyer Credit

Posted by Madison on February 4, 2009

Zecco Price Changes Just as I was exploring my options for a new brokerage, including TradeKing and Sharebuilder, Zecco changed the rules. I was excited to try out Zecco because they used to offer free trades. However, I got this email from Zecco last week: As of March 1st, 2009, we’re increasing the minimum level […]

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Gettin’ Out of Debt: Part II

Posted by Madison on February 3, 2009

Five years have passed since I helped my brother-in-law on the path to get out of debt. He’s learned to only spend what his paycheck brings in and is considering buying a house. Because his credit report was trashed from late payments, collections, and settlements, he wanted me to check into the statute of limitations […]

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How Much Money Do I Have to Make to File Taxes in 2008?

Posted by Madison on February 2, 2009

How much money do I have to make in 2008 to file taxes? Looking for the 2008 income tax filing requirements? Here they are! 2008 Income Requirements For the 2008 tax year, you need to file taxes if your gross income meets the minimum income for your filing status and age:   Filing Status Minimum […]

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