Reports

It's that time of the year again. Time to file your income taxes. Each year always brings changes. Being aware of the tips in this report may help you get that chore done more efficiently.

Facebook's Timeline is a new profile format that displays all of your postings in chronological order, making it easier to see items from the past. While the Timeline has been optional since the middle of December, it will now replace the current profile page for all users. Over the next several weeks, everyone will be switched to the Timeline.

By Will deHoo

Whether you've already moved out or are planning your first move away from home, picking the right roommate is a big deal.  That person will have an impact on both your pocketbook and your mental health.  These tips can help make the experience a solid one!

Which May Work & Which Usually Don't?

January/February 2012

Credit cards are important money management tools for most people. They provide a convenient and secure way to make purchases online and in stores, both at home and while traveling. Unfortunately, for many people, they are also a convenient way to run up debt. Current credit card debt averages over $6000 per U.S. household.

Prepaid debit cards are being touted as a way to manage your money and stay out of debt. With a prepaid debit card, you can only spend the amount of money that is on the card. But that's good, isn't it? Maybe. These cards can be more expensive than you think. These cards may be useful for travel or providing funds for a college student. Some people use them to help them budget.

Have you received messages like these?

By Will deHoo

Ever download an app?  If you get a text message the next day saying, "There's a security problem with the app you downloaded," would you read it?  Would you click the link in the text?

Let's say you bought an airline ticket online.  Hours later, you get an email from an email address that has the name of your airline in it, saying your ticket is attached.  Would you download it?

How about, for example, you receive an email saying, "Your sister said to send you these pix."  You have a sister who sends pix to you occasionally, so you open the document.

Facebook and Carrier IQ have been making news lately. How does this news impact you? Here's what you need to know.

Facebook Timeline is now available to everyone. The Timeline was announced back in September but wasn't available to everyone until now. The Timeline is an update to your profile. If you choose to switch to it now, you'll have seven days to review and decide which items you've posted should be hidden and to adjust your privacy settings. If you don't publish your timeline during the review period, it will automatically go live at the end of the seven days. The Timeline is opt-in, so you shouldn't find your profile automatically updated.

By Emily Driscoll

Apps may seem harmless and helpful, but you may not realize how app collecting can really start to dent your wallet if you aren't careful.  I know what you're thinking: "Get real, it's a measly two bucks."  But two bucks can really start to add up, especially around this time of year when we're being deluged with holiday ads and it's easy to get caught up in the holiday-and mass spending-spirit.

Here's how apps can lead you down a slippery slope of spending and why you should take a long pause before downloading.

During the holiday season, there are many charities asking for donations to help the less fortunate. While there are many legitimate charities that do good work, there are also some phony ones. Here are some tips to help you make sure that your donation benefits the people and organizations you intended.

December 2011

When December arrives, thoughts turn not just to the holidays but to steps you can take to maximize year-end savings, particularly on the year’s taxes. As you enjoy the season’s festivities, take a moment to consider the following potential ways to save.