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Tis the season to sell and buy! Here are the top four reasons sellers should list and buyers should purchase prior to ringing in the New Year. The commitment factor Buyers searching for homes over the holidays are serious, committed and ready to go, often motivated by a deadline-oriented relocation brought on by a career switch or an unexpected change in housing situation. Furthermore, with vacation time during the season, local buyers generally have more time during the weekdays to look. Emotional buying The holiday season also brings out emotions and feelings of nostalgia in buyers, which may help push their [...]

For some it’s an annual phenomenon: the New Year’s hangover. But there’s reason to believe next month’s could be worse than usual. No, not the headache that comes from a late night and too much champagne on New Year’s Eve. That might hurt for a while, but you’ll be fine in a day or so. The hangover with more lasting effects comes from the harsh reality of the holiday credit card bills that come due in January. Some people dig themselves a hole in December that they spend the following year trying to escape. And again, 2013 is shaping up [...]

Buying a hybrid car may be an appealing way to save money on gas and to be environmentally friendly, but the price premium of a new hybrid car is often a stopper for many new-car buyers. One way to avoid the extra cost of many hybrid cars (versus their gasoline counterparts) is to buy a used hybrid car. Now that hybrid cars have been on the road for several years, it is easier than ever to find a used model that suits your needs for a reasonable price. Make sure you’re satisfied with these four factors to determine if a [...]

As a certified public accountant and former Internal Revenue Service agent, I know firsthand the thrills that come along with a tax audit. And more importantly, I understand the eerie feeling when the IRS determines your business owes tax money. The IRS audits only a small percentage of tax returns. But if your business is one of the lucky few, understanding the appropriate steps to take will determine whether or not your outcome is favorable. First, it is essential to understand how a tax return is selected for audit. There are many reasons a tax return could be chosen for [...]

Construction on new U.S. homes rose 3.6% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 894,000, the highest rate since July 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Tuesday. Due in part to disruptions from Hurricane Sandy, economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a decline in housing starts to a rate of 825,000. However, Hurricane Sandy had a minimal effect because it hit only a small part of the country at the end of the month, government analysts said. By region, starts in October fell 6.5% in the Northeast and 2.5% in the South, while rising 8.9% in the [...]

For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s the most stressful and dreaded. The holiday season is filled with parties, gift buying and giving, food making and family visits that can lead to increased stress and blood pressure levels. “With money concerns, family conflict and a general chaotic schedule, there is no doubt the holidays are quite stressful,” says Michale Smith, the chief medical editor at WebMd. “People spend about 42 hours a year on holiday activities. That’s a lot of time to fit into a busy schedule.” Between all the wrapping, caroling, baking and [...]

Though graduation might not seem that long ago, the six-month grace period on federal student loans is ending this month for many Class of 2012 grads and now it’s time to start making  monthly loan repayments. According to a report by the Institute for College Access and Success’s Project on Student Debt, the average student loan debt for Class of 2011 borrowers rose to about $ 26,500, a 5% increase from about $ 25,350 the previous year.  With a new post-collegiate lifestyle and expenses, it’s important for grads to keep track of their spending and create a monthly budget that [...]

Everyone knows you have to save for retirement, but creating and following a proper plan is easier said than done. Whether it’s establishing a savings plan too late or collecting Social Security too early, mistakes abound when it comes to adequately funding our nest eggs.   “The biggest mistake is retiring without any real plan or investment strategy,” says Nigel Green, the chief executive of the deVere Group, a financial advisory firm. “Most aspects of life require planning in order to maximise their chances of success, and retirement is no different.” Here’s a look at four common mistakes to avoid [...]

Who says being healthy has to be all work and no play? Just like there are countless PC and mobile phone games to entertain, apps and online games are increasingly being developed to help people get or stay healthy. People tend to stick with new habits like working out and lifestyles changes like quitting smoking in fun and non-threatening situations. With that in mind, here’s a look at four health games that aim to get users in shape and in better health. FoldIt  Become part of the cure for diseases with this game that lets you contribute to scientific research [...]

Superstorm Sandy left much devastation across the eastern U.S., but the Northeast isn’t the only region that might experience her wrath indirectly. Car buyers throughout the nation could experience Sandy’s aftereffects by unknowingly buying a water-damaged car. New and used cars damaged in the flooding caused by Sandy will find their way to the market in the coming weeks and months, leaving buyers to face possible mechanical and electrical problems that can surface months later. Here are four tips to avoid buying a water-damaged car. Run a vehicle history report. Running a vehicle history report can help uncover potential issues [...]