Chuck Bentley
Chuck Bentley
The good news about filing taxes is that this year they’re not due until April 18th. You get 3 extra days! If you want to avoid paying unnecessary taxes you’ll have to do some planning. 1. Keep track of qualified tax credit options – they boost refunds better than deductions. For each credit dollar, your […]
Are you a tax-filing procrastinator? This year you’ve got 3 extra days! With tax season upon us, here are some more tips for filing honestly and accurately, while getting the most out of your deductions. Itemizing may take more time, but it saves you money. Turbo Tax offers the following helpful tips for maximizing possible […]
According to J. Paul Getty, “If you get up early, work late, and pay your taxes, you will get ahead — if you strike oil.” Few of us will strike oil, but most of us file tax returns. To make your tax experience less painful, more productive and hopefully rewarding, I’ve assembled a few tips […]
If you aren’t already there, you will someday face retirement. Want to know a secret shared by the happiest retirees? Author Wes Moss, at TheBalance.com documents the results he found among retirees. When their mortgages are paid off, their happiness levels rise. Quote: “All the successful retirees I know who are living out their dreams […]
Originally posted on the Christian Post on March 23 Dear Chuck, I’m in the market for a car, and I’m trying to decide between owning and leasing. I’m just out of college and want to keep my obligations low, and I’ve heard that leasing can be really cost effective. There are lots of great deals and […]
The consequences of the onset of Social Security benefits are enormous. Recent reports by Sandra Block, at Kiplinger.com and Viewpoints at Fidelity.com confirm this. You are eligible for benefits if you’ve worked a minimum of 10 years in positions covered by Social Security. Benefits are based on two main variables: earning in the 35 highest-paid years […]
Catey Hill at Marketwatch.com recently reported, “Many Americans are filled with regrets – financial regrets.” In fact, 3 out of 4 harbor regrets, according to a recent survey by Bankrate.com. Sadly, the biggest regret is not saving enough for retirement early enough. The other regrets in descending order are: Not saving enough for emergency expenses […]
Emotional triggers cause you to spend money. Maggie McGrath at Forbes made a list of the most common ones. Alcohol or hunger can lower inhibitions and cause people to buy and regret it later. Emotional turmoil causes people to spend in an effort to gain control and feel happy. But the short-term gratification won’t last […]
When you are down to your last few dollars, it may be time you have a No-Spend Weekend. Amanda, creator of CentsiblyRich.com says it’s a super way to save a little cash. Impossible this weekend? Then, aim for another. Recruit friends to do it with you. You will be shocked at the fun you have […]
Originally posted on the Christian Post on March 10 Dear Chuck, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In thinking about going green, I’m wondering if there are any principles to keep in mind and any ways to go green cheaply? An Irish Wish Dear Irish, You’ve come to the right place! The Bible is the original source for […]
