Be on the lookout for email scams circulating that fraudulently use the Internal Revenue Service name or logo as a lure - all to trick you into giving up personal and financial information. The scammers can then use your information (such as your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers) to commit identity theft and steal your money.

You know a credit score is important when you apply for a loan or credit card – but do you know exactly what it is and how it can affect your chances in getting the financing you want? Creditors use a credit scoring system to help determine whether to give you credit, and how much

Have you ever sat down and figured out how much you’d need for a comfortable retirement? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! According to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), fewer than half of all Americans have calculated how much they will need to save for retirement.  While it’s important to plan, it’s also

Sometimes the difference between being eternally broke and financially comfortable is just a few simple things you shouldn’t do. Avoid these basic money mistakes: Not tracking your spending – Pay attention to where your money goes. Your credit card statement will help you do this, but don’t forget all the incidentals you pay cash for.

Has this ever happened to you? You go to the store to buy something — like a printer — and you find just the one you want. But right next to it is a printer that’s around the same price but has a rebate that knocks $50 off of it. You buy it, promising yourself

Going green when paying your bills not only helps the environment, it can also greatly simplify your life. According to the Federal Reserve, nearly 50% of the checks written in the U.S. are written by consumers to businesses. American businesses mail about 26 billion bills and statements per year, and consumers mail 9 billion payments

Consumer fraud seems to be everywhere these days, coming in a variety of forms: fake check scams, credit repair, free trip offers and sweepstakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim of consumer fraud: Don’t give out personal information. If someone you don’t know asks for your Social Security number, birthdate,

Financial prudence dictates that we stash away enough cash to cover living expenses for three to six months in case something catastrophic comes our way—a job loss, an unexpected illness or an unpredicted home expense. Some items that also should be covered in such a fund include health and car insurance deductibles, rent or mortgage,

What records and documents should you keep in case the IRS ever decides to audit you—and for how long should you keep them? Here’s some advice to consider: The standard statute of limitations is three years, but the IRS can audit up to six years after a filing if it suspects under-reporting of income by

Coupons are a great way to save money — if you use them correctly. The first obstacle to overcome is forgetting to use them. Keep them in a handy spot, like in your wallet. If you have dry-cleaning coupons, pin them to the dirty-laundry bag. If you have one for a restaurant, tack it onto