Healthy Financial Habits

Are you looking for a solid investment to protect your investments against future inflation? Right now would be a good time to invest in gold as a hedge against inflation. The American Eagle one ounce gold coin has long been ranked highest among other gold coins because its weight and purity is guaranteed by the United States Government to be accurate. This guarantee has made the American Eagle gold coin one of the most sought after gold coins.


Gold has more than tripled in value in the past 10 years. Each day, with more bad news, the United States economy struggles when it comes to competing with other countries currencies. Every the dollar is losing its value. As we see it, there really is no better way to hedge against inflation other than purchasing gold. Gold can be purchased in many different forms but as we said, the most popular form that it is purchased in is the American eagle.

Where can you get your hands on some of these gold eagles? Well, there are plenty of websites out there that sell the American Eagle coin, but perhaps the best place to find the coin is on Ebay. Ebay, an online auction website, offers bidders a chance to purchase their gold coins at a discounted price. Just how much of a discount are we talking? Well, right now gold coins are a hot commodity so don’t expect to save that much. If you walk away with a coin slightly less then the current price of an ounce of gold then you are doing okay.

If you choose to purchase your American Eagle Gold coin on Ebay be sure to look out for a few things. Check to see how long the seller has been on EBay. Also, check their rating. Anything less than a 99 is unacceptable. Also, ask what proof they have to offer that shows that their coins are authentic.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Abdullah Patel

Do you or someone you love have a difficult time getting around in your home and around town? You have probably seen the commercials for limited mobility lightweight scooters before but have never looked into getting one until now.


Electric mobile scooters are a great way for individuals with limited mobility to get around. There are a variety of manufactures out there that produce these wonderful devices that can help you or your loved one regain their mobility once again. You can pay several hundred or thousands of dollars for one of these chairs or you may be eligible to receive a free chair if you receive Medicare.

When shopping for a mobile electric scooter, you want to carefully examine each device for different features. After all, you will probably spend several hours in your chair so you want to make sure that it is right for you. An important feature that you want to examine is the maneuverability of your chair. It is pointless to own a mobility chair if you are unable to get around your home in tight corners easily.

Another important feature to look at is how comfortable your chair is. Does it sit too high or low? Does it provide adequate support for your back? Also, what is the battery life of this device? The last thing that you want to happen is becoming stuck at the grocery store and end up having the bag boy push you back to your car.

Purchasing a mobility scooter is a major decision because this chair is actually a medical device. This is why some insurance and Medicare will pay for your scooter. Don’t settle for anything less than what is comfortable for you.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Carla Kessler

Occasionally, we like to review products that we find to be useful here at Healthy Financial Habits. Today we are going to talk about a popular tax preparation service from H&R block. H&R block has been a leader in the tax preparation industry long before the popularity of the internet today. Millions of Americans have used Block over the years and they are just as popular today as they were yesterday.


E-filing your taxes is also a growing trend. In fact, last year nearly 95 million Americans filed their taxes online using e-filing software according to the Internal Revenue Service website. I would like to remind you that there are several excellent tax services in the tax industry; however, today we are going to review the service that H&R block offers.

There are four basic packages that Block has to offer on their website. Prices range from Free all the way up to $79.95. The packages accommodate the most simple tax filers all the way up to those with complicated taxes. Here is a brief rundown of the four services:

Free service: Just as it says, this is offered free to those whose tax situation is not complicated at all. The package will not accommodate you if you have investments, rental property, are self employed, had stock transactions, etc. This is as simple as it gets. Just plug in your name, address, your w2 information and BAM! You’re done. No bells and whistles here – just plain, simple and to the point.

The next step up is the deluxe edition for $29.95. With the deluxe edition you can file if you were self employed, had stock transactions, mutual funds, interest received, etc. This edition gives you everything that the free edition offers plus Audit support.

For $49.95 you can enjoy the premium edition for the self employed and rental property owners. This is en excellent all around package that guides you through your schedule C and allows you to account for your rental property income. It also comes with an advanced tax calculator.

The final package that Block offers is the Best of Both package. With this package you get everything that the premium package has in addition to having a tax professional review your returns. You will also receive unlimited email and phone tax advice. This is a great package if you want to make sure that you have no errors in your return. With this package you will not have to worry about the IRS not accepting your return.

I have used this software personally and have found it to be very helpful and easy to understand. One thing that you have to remember when filing your taxes using any of these services is that you will have to pay extra to file your state returns.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.
Author: John Zinsky

While preparing your taxes this year you may want to consider some additional tax credits that president Obama created with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The AARA featured an energy tax credit if you made certain energy star improvements to your home last year. While many people believe that these credits are available on all energy star appliances, this could be further from the truth.


Only select items are eligible for the energy tax credit. A complete list of eligible tax credits is available on the energy star website. Here are a few highlights of some items that are eligible for the tax credit.

Windows, doors and skylights that were purchased and installed last year may be eligible for a tax credit depending on their energy rating. Check to make sure that they fall within the specifications before claiming this credit. Remember that if you paid to have your new windows, doors, or skylights installed you are not able to take credit for the installation cost.

A new roof will not only save you money on your cooling bill but it will also increase the amount that you receive back from Uncle Sam. By replacing your roof with an asphalt composite or metal roof made of an approved material you can put up to $1,500 back into your pocket thanks to the credit available.

Did you replace that old rusted hot water heater last year? If you did, know what you put in your home. If you picked an energy star hot water heater with an energy rating greater than or equal to the guidelines set by the tax credit, you may be well on your way to writing off up to $1,500 of the cost of your heater.

There are several other energy star tax credits available for the 2009 tax year. If you would like more information on the topic, check out the energy star website for a complete list. It is important to remember that you can only claim up to $1,500 for all of the energy star eligible products that you purchased.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Mike Smitt

Are you hunting for great tax preparation software to do your 2009 taxes? Well you are not the only one. The Internal Revenue Service reported that nearly 95 million American tax payers took advantage of online tax preparation software, giving many of them back a large tax refund. There are several advantages of using an online tax filing service over the conventional tax filing method of using paper forms.


Let’s face it; we are in an age where computers rule. Computers are used every day to transmit information and provide communication all around the United States and around the world. The use of personal computers has increased every year as personal computer technology becomes more affordable than ever. With what seems to be an unstoppable upward trend, don’t you want to stay in touch with computers and technology? If you agree and have never taken advantage of online tax filing then you are missing out.

E-filing offers many options including the ability to prepare your taxes on your personal computer in your spare time and submitting your returns to the IRS. You are able to do this all from the comfort of your home. Once you submit your taxes to the IRS you will soon have a response. The IRS will either accept of reject your tax return within 48 hours. If your return is accepted then you may be well on your way to receiving a fast, easy, refund deposited directly in your bank account if you choose.

There are many programs to choose from and each program is unique. Many tax preparation companies offer free online preparation if your taxes are simple. This usually includes free federal tax filing. In some cases you have to pay to electronically submit your taxes to the state if you choose.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Abdullah Patel

Most of us are going to have to make a decision one day. This decision involves asking ourselves where we would like to spend the very best years of our lives. Retirement can be one of the most rewarding aspects of living life. All of your life you have worked hard for everything that you have and one day you are able to kick back and do whatever you want whenever you want. Part of retiring involves deciding where you want to live.


Florida, also known as the “Sunshine state” is home to a large population of retired individuals. It is no wonder why so many people choose to live in Florida in their ladder years. This state has beautiful scenery, low amounts of rainfall, and lots and lots of sunshine. With so many options and activities that Florida has to offer there is something for everyone from active people to those who just want to sit back and relax. Florida has everything you would ever want when it comes to retirement.

If you are considering moving to Florida you have many options when it comes to housing. Florida has many retirement communities to choose from that allow you the freedom of having your own home and being around your peers. There are a variety of communities to choose from so be sure to weigh your options. When looking for a retirement housing community be sure to find a home that is built using quality materials. The Florida sun can sometimes be unbearable in the summer and if your home is not properly insulated you may be paying outrageous electric bills.

An important factor to consider while looking for a retirement community is cost. Moving into the cheapest community is not always the best choice. If you are able to afford a more expensive community then it may be worth looking into. Cheap retirement communities often keep cost low by cutting corners. Also, be sure to spend several weeks checking out the area that you would like to live in prior to making any decisions.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Greg Jackson

Are you a homeowner and are 62 year of age or older? It could possibly benefit you by applying for a reverse mortgage or a home equity conversion mortgage. By receiving a reverse mortgage you will be able to receive tax free money each month or in one lump sum to help out your family members, pay down medical bills, or just have a little extra cash to enjoy the retirement that you worked so hard for and would like to enjoy. Healthy Financial Habits is here to let you in on what a reverse mortgage consist of and how it works.


You may be wondering what a reverse mortgage is. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows you to access the equity in your home and still remain in your home. While in your home, you can enjoy tax free money that will not affect your social security or Medicare benefits. In order to qualify for one of these loans you must be at least 62 years of age and have some equity in your home.

While receiving a reverse mortgage you must remain the primary resident of your home. After receiving a reverse mortgage you are not required to pay back any money until you actually permanently leave your house. Just think about not having to make payments and being able to access the cash from your home. You are most likely eligible for a reverse mortgage as long as you have a strong equity position or your home is paid off.

You may be thinking that this sounds a lot like a bank equity loan but there is no comparison. Unlike a traditional equity loan, you do not have to make monthly payments and the amount that you receive is not dependant on your income. Reverse mortgages only take into consideration your age, home value, current interest rate, and how large your balance is.

With a reverse mortgage you can increase your monthly income in two ways: Keep the money that you pay each month for a mortgage and add the additional loan advance payment that you will receive each month. After doing some research we found that One Reverse mortgage company from quicken loans seems to be a reputable company with over 33 years of combined experience. While shopping around for a reverse mortgage, it is important to remember that there are several options out there and you must choose a company that works best for you. There is no such thing as a reverse mortgage company that is a good fit for everyone.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Allen Dukes

Filing taxes on the internet from your home computer is a growing trend each year. The IRS reported that last year nearly 95 million Americans chose to take advantage of online tax filing. Each year, as more Americans have affordable access to computers and an internet connection, the number or online tax filers continues to grow.


When it comes to filing your income taxes online you basically have two options. Your first option is to purchase a tax filing software package from a retailer or download one online. Your second option is to purchase a web based tax preparation program on the internet. These programs are often offered in basic form for free by companies such as Turbotax, H&R block, or Taxact. Using a web based program is a fast easy way to prepare your taxes online without spending a lot of money purchasing tax software programs.

Using free online tax preparation software is a great option for filing your federal income taxes online. When filing your taxes, you will also likely need to file a state return. Almost every company that offers a free federal tax service also offers a state filing option for a small fee. Turbotax charges $27.95 per state return filed along with your free federal income tax return. For Home & Business, Deluxe, Premier, and Basic you will pay $36.95 per state. This fee is comparable to other major free federal filing websites. If you live in Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming you don’t have to worry about paying any personal income tax to the state so these programs are entirely free for you.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Carla Kessler

Right now you may be considering the purchase of a new vehicle. There are many financing options available when it comes to buying that new car, truck or SUV. Many Americans qualify for financing options that include putting no money down on your new vehicle purchase.


No money down loans are a popular choice for those who have good or excellent credit but do not have the extra income to put towards a down payment. There are several automotive financing websites out there that offer this as an option. In order to qualify you must meet certain income and credit standards. If your credit score is strong but you have a low income you may still be able to qualify for this type of loan.

There is no better feeling than stepping into a new vehicle, smelling the new interior, and knowing that you can afford it. Before you decide to go shopping for a new vehicle you may want to consider not only how much you are able to borrow but also how much you can afford. Don’t make the mistake of purchasing a high dollar vehicle just because you were able to obtain a loan for it. The only person that can tell you what you are able to afford is you.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: John Zinsky

Every American tax payer must make the decision at some point whether or not to itemize their tax deductions or just take the standard deduction. By choosing one method over the other, you will be required to fill out a different tax form.


The standard deduction is set each year by the Internal Revenue Service or IRS and is a flat rate that anyone can deduct from their taxes. The standard deduction for the 2009 year is $5,700 for singles, $8,350 head of household, $11,400 married filing jointly, and $5,700 married filing separately. Using the standard deduction is a great way to simplify taxes for many Americans who do not track their expenses or don’t incur many expenses throughout the year.

By itemizing your deductions you actually add up all of your documented expenses and deduct this amount from your taxes. Since there are several items that you are able to deduct from your 2009 taxes, you will want to know and understand all of the deductions that may apply to you. Although tax preparation software can do this for you, it is best to consult with a tax professional before filing your income taxes.

Choosing between the standard deduction and itemizing your deductions ultimately comes down to one thing – Which one is going to decrease your tax liability the most. If you can not think of any possible deductions then it may be best to file using the standard deduction and a 1040ez or 1040a form. If you have some deductions that you are able to itemize and are unsure, the best thing that you can do is grab a schedule A and start filling it out. Once you have arrived at a number, compare it to the standard deduction for your filing status. If your itemized deduction amount is larger than the standard deduction amount then the choice is obvious.

What do you plan to do with your tax return this year? Healthy Financial Habits wants to know. We have created a poll located at the bottom right of this page. Here you are able to vote to let us know how you are going to spend your money and also view the poll results.

Author: Mike Smitt