Articles by Kristen


How to Save Money on Easter Celebrations

Posted by Kristen on March 20, 2013

Easter is a fun holiday and especially loved since it usually means spring is around the corner. The trouble with holidays, including Easter, is that as great as they are, they usually mean you are spending more money than you normally would. Between decorations, Easter-themed activities, planning a meal, and of course, adorable Easter outfits […]

Continue reading…





What is the Disability Tax Credit?

Posted by Kristen on March 19, 2013

What is the disability tax credit? The disability tax credit is a tax credit that can be claimed by anyone that has either a physical or mental disability that prevents you from attaining consistent employment. Who qualifies for the disability tax credit? Anyone under 65-years-old on permanent disability. Anyone receiving disability income from an employer. […]

Continue reading…





Extreme Ways to Save Money

Posted by Kristen on March 11, 2013

When I’m looking for inspiration for personal finance tips to write about or want my own tips for myself, sometimes I flip on the television to watch a certain show that gives inspiration on saving. Watching TLC’s Extreme Couponing or Extreme Cheapskates makes me realize just exactly what I would not be willing to do […]

Continue reading…





How to Claim a Medical Expense Tax Deduction

Posted by Kristen on March 6, 2013

Medical bills and health related expenses can really add up throughout the year. Having to pay for medical costs, dental costs, and health insurance is a huge portion of where many people’s income goes, especially for families. And it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that astronomical medical bills are the cause of […]

Continue reading…





You Think You’re Saving Money… But You’re Not

Posted by Kristen on March 5, 2013

Do you feel proud of yourself when you and your family manage to save money on something? I know I do. But here’s the problem: sometimes we get so caught up in finding a good deal, getting a great bargain on something, and saving money, that it actually is costing us more money, and we’re […]

Continue reading…





What is the Child and Dependent Care Credit?

Posted by Kristen on February 27, 2013

What is the Child and Dependent Care Credit? The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a nonrefundable tax credit available to qualifying individuals who have paid costs for child care or care for a dependent within the same year. The payments must be made to a care provider. This cannot include your spouse, other children, […]

Continue reading…





10 Free or Cheap Winter Activities

Posted by Kristen on February 21, 2013

Earlier, I did an article on 11 fun, free or cheap activities to do during winter at home. I mentioned how it’s so easy to find free things in summer to do since the weather is warm and the days are long. Winter is a little more difficult though. And as much as I do […]

Continue reading…





How to File a Schedule E Renters Income Form

Posted by Kristen on February 20, 2013

What is the Schedule E Renters Income Form? The Schedule E Renters Income Form is used to report the income and losses you have received or incurred from renting out a home, condo, apartment, or other property during the year. This is also used for renting out any space in which the home you currently […]

Continue reading…





7 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund as Parents

Posted by Kristen on February 18, 2013

Filing taxes can be stressful. It is even more stressful when you have a baby crying in the background, lunches to pack before the school bus leaves, and costumes to make for the school play. But on the upside, parents filing taxes can get some breaks for having kids (like education credits, dependent care credits […]

Continue reading…





What is Nontaxable Combat Pay?

Posted by Kristen on February 17, 2013

What is nontaxable combat pay? Nontaxable combat pay is any amount of income you have earned while you were an enlisted member, warrant office, or commissioned warrant officer and you were stationed in a combat zone. NonTax Status Nontaxable combat pay is not included in your total gross income and is not taxed. When and […]

Continue reading…