Lifestyle & Trends - Money & Finance

Slash college bills with tax benefits

Other than buying a home and automobile, a college education is one of the biggest investments Americans typically make. On average, in-state tuition and fees at a four-year public college increased by more than 8 percent to $8,244 for the 2011-2012 academic year, and room and board now averages more than $17,000 per year. Fortunately, you may be able to cut your college costs at income tax time with a variety of credits, deductions and savings plans.

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In retirement, how will you use your nest egg?

Determining how to manage your nest egg during retirement can seem daunting without proper guidance. Here are some tips to get you thinking about your retirement income strategy.

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Car shopping? How to protect yourself from online fraud

You work hard to make your money, and the last thing you want is for someone to steal it from you. If you are going to buy a car you find in an online ad, make sure you take the proper precautions to safeguard your cash.

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DIY insulation projects make for a more comfortable home year round

Do-it-yourself home improvement projects are more popular than ever, as homeowners are looking for simple, low cost ways to update their household and increase overall home efficiency. Kitchen upgrades and a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference aesthetically, but sometimes the most effective DIY projects happen in areas not always visible.

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Your money: Last-minute tax tips

Are you among the millions of Americans who scramble every year to meet Uncle Sam's income tax filing deadline? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimates that one-third of Americans wait until the last minute to file their personal income tax returns (for 2011 income tax returns, the deadline has been extended to April 17). If you count yourself among that group, it's important to realize the costs could be adding up - from missing important deductions that could affect the amount of your refund to incurring penalties from the IRS for not filing on time.

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