Lowes Earthday Freebie. A tree for free to everyone.
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Earthday Free Tree from Lowes
As we all know, Earthday is on 22rd of April 2011. Lowes is celebrating the Earth day on 23rd April by giving away a 1 million tree for free. You will need to go to nearest participating Lowes store to get a free tree.
Find Lowe’s location here. Call to see if they’re participating in this Earth Day promotion.
Other deals for the earth day.
FREE Coffee or Tea from Starbucks: Just bring in a reusable mug to Starbucks on April 22nd for a FREE Coffee or Tea!
What Is Forced Placed Insurance?
Advertisements:In recent leak of BOFA scandal from one of his ex-employee here and here. Its important to know what is “Forced Placed Insurance”?at the first place.
Homeowner’s insurance is a serious issue that must be taken serious by homeowner’s. Never allow yourself to be in the position where a forced-placed insurance policy is placed by the lender which eliminates any claim you may have. It is always better to be safe than sorry. See more detailed information about “Forced Placed Insurance” here.
You may also interested in Forced Placed Flood Insurance? here
Gold Is Just a Rock? Fresh prospective from James Altucher
See full article from DailyFinance about Gold for an investment: http://srph.it/bJWVN4
Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended
Taxpayers who entered into a contract to purchase a home on or before April 30th now have until September 30th to close on the home. According to the IRS, anyone who is attempting to claim the homebuyer credit will need to comply with special filing and documentation requirements. See what other information you need to know if you plan on benefiting from this extension. Learn More
First time home buyer scores $8,000 tax credit
There’s a nice windfall for some homebuyers in the economic stimulus bill signed into law this week by President Obama.
- Who is eligible? Tax credit for First time home buyers only, no exception. Well, actually there is one exception: Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as “first time” buyer. 1 and 2
- Tax Credit Amount - $8,000 or 10% of home’s value: First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 - or 10% of the home’s value, whichever is less - on their 2008 or 2009 taxes.
- Cool factor: The tax credit does not have to be repaid. Credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of witholding they paid during the year plus anything extra they had to pony up when they filed their returns - was less than that amount.
- Time frame of home purchase: The credit is available for homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.
- Income Limits: Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit. However tax filers can receive a proportional tax credit if income is up to $95,000 for an individual ($170,000 for joint filers), in other word credit will phase out if income is above $75000 for single tax payer (or above $150,000 is married and filing jointly)
- Okay, enough good stuff, tell me some fine prints….
- What if I sell my house after purchase? - No penalty if sold beyond 3 years. If sold within 3 years, ENTIRE credit will be owed back to the IRS for the tax year the home was sold.
- You have to be primary resident of your new home purchase. It should not be investment or rental property.
Via: 1. Real estate Yahoo.com 2. federalhousingtaxcredit.com 3. More FAQs about - $8000 Housing Stimulus Tax Credit 4. $8000 Home Tax Credit
What is there for me in Stimulus Bill?
As we all know, today President Obama signed $787 billion stimulus package and converted in law. How to explain in simple words? If you ask Obama, he will say Jobs, Jobs and Jobs! If you ask economist, he will explain in simple word to his son/daughter, government stole his/her kids’ savings from piggy bank. It increases level of country’s debt at unprecedented level. The national debt - the sum of all annual budget deficits - stands at $10.7 trillion. Or about $36,000 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. (1) Do you see this- stimulus package already snatched $36,000 from your child too!
Taxes:
- Most people will receive a tax credit of $400 (or $800 for married couples) However, this tax credit will be phase out if your income is more that $75,000 ($150,000 for couples )
- The $1,000 child tax credit would be extended to more low-income families that don’t make enough money to pay income taxes, and poor families with three or more children will get an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit
- First-time home buyers who purchase their homes before Dec. 1 would be eligible for an $8,000 tax credit.
- Add energy-efficient windows, furnaces and air conditioners can get a tax credit to cover 30 percent of the costs, up to a total of $1,500
- Those who are already receiving unemployment benefits wouldn’t pay any federal income taxes on the first $2,400
- Auto Sale Tax as a deduction: If you’ve an eye on new car, now might be the time to pull the trigger. The stimulus bill lets you count the sales tax as a tax deduction on auto purchases up to $49,500. Again, high income earner would not be able to take full advantage. It phases out for anyone earning more than $125,000 or couples earning over $250,000.)
Health Insurance:
- Most people who lost the job is able to keep their coverage for 18 months under the COBRA program when they lose their job. However, premium will shoot up high, sometime over $1000 per month. Under Stimulus bill, the government will pick up 65 percent of the total cost of that premium for the first nine months.
Don’t Miss:
Eager for your tax money rebate? Make sure you get it without delay
If you are expecting a refund on your federal taxes, ou probably want your money as soon as possible. Why even leave your money with uncle Sam for free? The IRS offers some options for filing your return that can have your refund in bank account as soon as two weeks. Last year, 73 million taxpayers used e-file to speed their tax return processing, almost seven percent more than the year before. This year, the IRS expects a record number of individual returns will be filed electronically.
This MSN Money article says that 62% of Americans pay a professional to do their taxes. Many people event don’t required costly professional help for they tax work if you have just W2s and some interest/miscellaneous income 1099 statements. Using e-file makes sense for all taxpayers who have simply returns with standard deductions or decide to go for itemized deduction. Lots of websites are available for both types of returns, federal and state. And if your income is less than 56,000 that you have verity of options available for FREE filing. In fact, according to Jonathan @mymoneyblog, there are 20 different software companies available from the Free File Alliance at IRS.gov. If you do decide to use speedier option -e-file, for this year tax year, take some steps first to make sure you are filing your return properly.
First, be sure that you are actually getting a refund. Then you will need to get your paperwork in order, you’ll need your all W-2s and any other year-end statement. See comprehensive document checklist on IRS.gov website.
Once you’ve chosen to file using e-file, you can cut down your wait time for your refund by at least a week by choosing direct deposit of your refund. (see Tips from the IRS - Direct Deposit) You can even split your refund between one, two or three bank account. See form 8888. Its worth noting that not all e-file provide such refund splitting. Last year, about 53% of all refunds were directly deposited. The IRS offers the following time frames for receiving your tax refund:
- Mail your paper return and opt for paper check: receive your refund in 4 to 6 weeks
- Mail your paper return and opt for direct deposit: receive your refund in 3 to 4 weeks
- E-file and opt for a paper check: receive your refund in 3 weeks
- E-File and opt for direct deposit: receive your refund in 2 weeks
Don’t Miss:
- 2008 IRS e-file Refund Cycle Chart
- Tips on E-file in Hispanic
- What are the tax changes for this year?
- Where is my refund?
- IRS refund help page on IRS.Gov
- 5 of the Cheapest & Best Ways to E-File your Taxes
True colors: Zecco cancels free trades for small investors
Summary:
- As of March 1st, 2009, to qualify for 10 free stock trades, you must reach a $25,000 minimum balance in your account, or execute 25 trades
- Account balance of $25k or more + 25 or more trades per month = You will get 10 free stock trades per month, $4.50 otherwise
- Account balance of $25k or more + Less than 25 trades per month = You will get 10 free stock trades per month, $4.50 otherwise
- Account balance of less than $25k + 25 or more trades per month = You will get 10 free stock trades per month, $4.50 otherwise
- Account balance of less than $25k + Less than 25 trades per month = $4.50 per trade (No free trade)
Most of investors are falling under forth scenario (having less than $25k in account) as since Zecco’s inception they try to attract students or graduates who wish to start experimenting with investing, small investors show wants to invest something small on monthly basis. This new change is very disappointing. I would say If It’s too good to be true then It’s probably it is- well today, Zecco has shown its TRUE COLORS. As a small investor, there’s no way I can come up with $25,000 for several more years.
New pricing structure really equals the playing field for Zecco and Sharebuilder. $25K account balance includes could be anything including all cash, money market funds, stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and options in your account. However, algorithum to quality for 10 free trades (either by having $25K+ balance or 25 trade qualification) is even more complex and I think new structure made it difficult for small investors to reach/utilize free trades. Based on my first impression, you might have to spend more to get something little for free. You must read below example to understand:
See more FAQs about new Zecco pricing here.
So who to blame for this new structure? Well obviously its economy! Now a days, many CEO is conveniently blame on economy instead of innovative way to cut the cost. And Jeroen Veth (Zecco CEO) is no different. He explained in email: “US and world economies have been hit hard over the past 4 months. As a result, some of the largest corporations in the world have had to cut costs and adjust to new business realities. With reduced retail trading volumes and lower interest rates, we at Zecco Trading simply could no longer provide free trades to as many people as we would like.” Zecco should change its name to “Zero commission with FEE”, sounds weird! Why I am so upset, well they betrayed me.
As a positive note, As of March 1, 2009 the terms of the Zecco Friends Program will be changing. The referral credit will be increased from $65 to $75. If you want to be a Zecco member, please comment this post. I will send you invitation soon.
Save $1,000 in 30 Days Challenge! Are you up for Challenge?
Remit over at iwillteachyoutobereach.com is giving challenge their readers that his tips can save $1000 in month of number. He also promises that none of his tips are nonsense-stupid frugality kinds of tips (like, grow your own vegetable in backyard or go and find cheaper apartment) but they are real money savings tips. Christmas is around the corner so I like to save bunch of money in November to reduce my stress in (gift giving) month of December.
Ramit is going to announce one tip a day, as per CEO model, for first 15 days of November. For rest of the month he is going to accept quality tips from readers. See below video more about his plan and CEO model
What is CEO model? Remit explains…
- C=Cutting Cost (This step revolves around these words: Cut, reduce and stop)
- E=Earn more (This step revolves around creating extra income, like, selling item on eBay that you are not using)
- O=Optimize Spending (This steps revolves around negotiating your rate with insurance, cell phone, cable company etc)
See below video to find out what’s his plan to save your $1000 in one month (in November)
So are you up for the challenge? Subscriber his blog feed and email for special tips (won’t announce on his blog)
30 Days Challence
Don’t Miss: via (iwillteachyoutoberich.com) How I’m saving $25,000+ in 2009
High yield CD Rate and Savings account Rate - Link Roundup
If you have money just sitting in your low rate Checking account, try one of high yield saving account or CDs and let it grow in zero-risk savings accounts or money market account. If you are afraid interest rates may fall, it might be a good time to lock down with a CD.
Don’t forget that all banks listed here are FDIC insured and cover up to $250,000 until December 2009. After December 2009 FDIC insurance limit is revert back to $100,000. See more information here about FDIC Limits and strategy for more coverage.
Also, be sure to check bank rating and Bauer Financial rating of bank or Credit union before you invest money with those banks or credit unions.
Savings Accounts (Can Withdraw Anytime)
- OneUnited - 3.75% APY (min of $1000)
- FNBO Direct - 3.25% (no minimum)
- WT Direct - 3.31% (min of $10000)
- HSBC - 3.00% APY (no minimum)
- Savings Square - 3.05% (no minimum)
- Emigrant Direct - 3.00% APY (no minimum)
- Citibank e-Savings - 3.00% APY (no minimum)
- E-Loan - 2.76%+ APY (no minimum)
- Dollar Savings Direct 4.00% ($1000 minimum)
Certificate of Deposit CD - (Can’t Withdraw Anytime)
If you don’t mind keeping your money in the bank for a fix time period, CD (Certificate of Deposit) would give you a slightly better rate and rates will not change for that time period. However, upon maturity you will get a chance to extend the term at current rate.
- 3 Months - Virtual Bank 3.51% APY (min of $10000)
- 3 Months - Eloan 3.41% APY (min of $10000 )
- 6 Months - Imperial Bank 4.35% APY (min of $1000)
- 6 Months - Corus 4.25% APY (min of $10000)
- 6 Months - HSBC 4.00% APY (min of $1000)
- 9 Months - AmTrust 4.35% (min of $1000 )
- 9 Months - Imperial 4.15% APY (min of $2000)
- 1 Year - Guaranty bank 4.25% APY (Min of $1000)
- 1 Year - Patelco 7.00% (max of $1000)
- 1 Year - Corus 4.60% APY (min of $10000)
- 1 Year - Flagstar 4.50% APY
- 1 Year - TN commerce bank 4.27% (min of $5000)
- 1 Year - Eloan 4.27% APY (min of $10000)
- 1 Year - State Bank of India- NYC branch 4.58% (min of 5000)
- 1.5 Year - Advanta 4.50% APY (min of $10000)
- 1.5 Years - Capital One 4.46% APY (min of $5000)
- 2 Years - National City 4.75% APY (min of $10000)
- 2 Years - Discover 4.5% APY (min of $2500)
- 3 Years - Pentagon 5.0% APY (min $1000)
- 3 Years - National City 5.00% APY (Min 10000)
- 4 Years - National 5.25% APY (min of $10000)
- 5 Years - Advanta 5.25% APY (min $2500)
- 5 Years - Discover 5.21% APY (min of $2500)
- 5 Years - Navy Federal Credit Union 5.25% (Min of 20,000)
Foreign Currency CDs
With the government printing a lot of money lately, fear of inflation is roaming around. You can put money in foreign currency CDs to protect yourself
- EverBank.com Foreign CDs (min $10000, protected by FDIC)
Don’t Miss:-Resources to search for the best rates:
- BankAround.com
- Money-rates.com (short term CD Rates)
- Money-rates.com CD Rates (long term CD Rates)
- BanxCorp - http://www.banxquote.com
- bankdeals.blogspot.com
- Bankrate.com
- BestCashCow.com
- eMoneyCentral
- credituniondeals.com
- rateAPY.com
- bankCD.com
- GOtalkmoney.com
- bankdeals.blogspot.com
