Tax Time

The 'what if' questions of filing in a recession

What if I lose my job? Is my unemployment check taxable? Can I afford to take money out of my retirement account? These are just a few of the "What If" questions people are dealing with these days.

What if I lose my job? Is my unemployment check taxable? Can I afford to take money out of my retirement account? These are just a few of the "What If" questions people are dealing with these days.

Worried about pitching documents that they may need at some point, many people decorate a spare bedroom with boxes stuffed with old financial records. But with a few key exceptions, you don't need to keep all that paper.

I keep the family financial records current and organized. Still, it took me nearly two hours to find and enter the copious and detailed information requested by the financial planning software I tried.

Personal Finance

Money Savers

MONEY SAVERS: Woman discovers style at Goodwill

Like many great ideas, Brenda Chenchar's was born out of necessity. "I moved back from Houston and I didn't have any winter clothes," she said. Instead of spending her budget on a few sweaters at the mall, Chenchar decided to try shopping at Goodwill in Urbandale.

Like many great ideas, Brenda Chenchar's was born out of necessity. "I moved back from Houston and I didn't have any winter clothes," she said. Instead of spending her budget on a few sweaters at the mall, Chenchar decided to try shopping at Goodwill in Urbandale.

Like most 17-year-old girls, Kelsy Horner is shopping for prom. Like most girls, she has something special in mind, but unlike most girls Kelsy doesn't have to burn her entire prom budget on the dress. Horner said, "(I get to) spend more money on my hair and make-up and my shoes and my nails."

  • Submit Money Savers Tips

    Submit Money Savers Tips

    Everyone is looking for ways to make their dollars stretch. Sometimes the smallest change can make a... more

  • Money Savers Links

    Money Savers Links

    Looking to make the most of your money? These links could help you stretch the family budget even... more

Kids and Money: Practical approaches

Deals & ways to save

10 ways to save $2K this year Photos

10 ways to save $2K this year
Last year my husband and I saved $2,670.79 with very little pain or deprivation. We kept track of our savings in a little notebook, an incentive that serves as a reward for planning. You can do it, too. Here are our 10 easy tips.

-- Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub
The economy

The economy

Walt Handelsman

Your Retirement: Get started now

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  • IRA resource guide

    Wondering if it's time to start a retirement savings plan? The answer, no matter how old you are, is yes! more

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