Financial Focus - The New Citizens Press

Jill on Money: Ten home buying mistakes

Rina Risper11 years ago08 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

After that nasty weather in the first quarter of the year, the much hoped for housing recovery never quite took hold during the normally vibrant spring buying/selling season. Despite the Polar Vortex, there were other factors that kept a lid on housing buyers, including the fact that tentative buyers were spooked by rising prices, especially in certain hot housing markets.

TAX SOLUTIONS: Negotiate IRS Taxes

Rina Risper11 years ago05 mins

By A.J. Gross, C.P.A., E.A.

Can I really negotiate with the IRS? Does getting pennies on a dollar happen? There is no way the government would reduce my tax bill. It is the government. The government does whatever they want.

Jill on Money: How to talk to your parents about money

Rina Risper11 years ago08 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

”How can I talk to my parents about money? Every time I try to bring up the topic, my mother gets paranoid and the conversation deteriorates quickly.” It is hard to balance being a responsible adult child, while not seeming like you are prying. Even if your loved ones appear to be financially self-sufficient, neurologists say that cognitive ability starts sliding as early as 60.

Jill on Money: College is still worth it

Rina Risper11 years ago07 mins

By Jill Schlesinger

Tribune Media Services

As the Class of 2014 throws their caps into the air during this graduation season, many families are facing the stark reality of a mound of education debt. Given the still-tough job market, is college worth it? The answer is yes, with a caveat.

TAX SOLUTIONS 13-10: Tax Refund was Seized

Rina Risper11 years ago04 mins

2013 taxes are done and you expected a tax refund. You checked your bank account for the bank deposit. You checked your mailbox for a check. No refund. What is going on? You finally receive a letter from the IRS or State. Your tax refund was seized.

By A.J. Gross, C.P.A., E.A.

Kiplinger on Travel: How to save money on vacation rental properties?

Rina Risper11 years ago09 mins

When I travel with my family, we tend to stay in vacation rental properties rather than hotels. Why? They offer more space and a kitchen to cook our own meals at a price that’s typically lower than a hotel room.

Your Other 8 Hours: Why it’s okay to lie on your resume

Rina Risper11 years ago06 mins

I’m a big fan of lying on a resume. In fact, I think everyone should do it. It’s beneficial for your career and nobody needs to know about it. Ideally, if you do it correctly, you’ll land your dream job and nobody will ever know you completely fabricated your education, skills and experience. With a record number of people out of work, a little (or big!) white lie or two can be just what this country needs to get back on track.

Jill on Money: Long term care update; “Is 90 the new 70?”

Rina Risper11 years ago07 mins

Americans are getting older. A new U.S. Census Bureau report projects that roughly one in five Americans (about 21 percent) will be 65 years old and up by 2050, compared with just 13 percent in 2010 and less than 10 percent in 1970. Taking a longer view, the numbers are startling.