Don't forget about insurance when discussing finances with children
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 | (BPT) - When it comes to financial literacy, parents know it’s important to give kids the knowledge and skills they need to manage money. In fact, 81 percent say it’s their responsibility as parents to teach children about money and saving, according to a 2012 survey by the website Doug... More >>
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Mind Your B.I.S. - Tips to jumpstart your financial well-being
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 | (BPT) - In the next few months, high school seniors across the country will be anxiously checking mailboxes for college acceptance letters. With two-thirds of recent high school grads enrolling in college as of 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is the first step on a journey tow... More >>
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Building your professional brand
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 | Personal branding is an elusive topic to most people, yet it is important for career success. Wise professionals with career success know it can mean the difference between landing that dream job and never getting noticed.So what do you think of when you hear the word “professional brand?" Si... More >>
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A resolution you can keep all year: The one-day identity checkup
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 | (BPT) - Exercise. Lose the weight. Answer every incoming email.Those are the hard kinds of New Year’s resolutions, because you have to think about them every day for the rest of the year. Many are forgotten long before Valentine’s Day.But here’s one important resolution, one you c... More >>
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How to find rebates for energy-efficient home improvements
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 | (BPT) - Home improvements that increase energy efficiency are appealing on many levels, from saving you money on heating and cooling costs to the confidence you get from knowing you’re doing something good for the environment. They’re even better when you can get some money back from th... More >>
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Small business owners: Your reputation may be at risk because of outdated technology
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 | (BPT) - Smart business owners know how important it is to preserve their company’s reputation, but many may not realize the extent to which their current and potential customers care about the technology they use.According to a recent survey, more than two-thirds of consumers think the use of... More >>
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Expert tips for navigating tax-season changes
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 | (BPT) - With the deadline for filing taxes fast approaching, there are myriad changes for the American taxpayer to consider. Between The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “fiscal cliff” agreement), the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court’s Windsor decision, it’... More >>
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10 simple ways to instantly improve your finances in 2014
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 | (BPT) - Do you wonder how you could better manage finances? You’re not alone. When it comes to money, most people are far from perfect. Whether you make $20,000 a year or $200,000, some simple steps can start you on the right financial path, and some of them only take a few minutes to complet... More >>
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Thinking about writing off Social Security? Not so fast
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 | (BPT) - Social Security is a hot topic these days. Unfortunately, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to planning for Social Security. And that could have significant consequences.A recent nationwide omnibus survey of 1,007 adults in the United States shows that despite the constant ... More >>
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New credit score myths and why you shouldn't believe them
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 | (BPT) - Myths and folklore endlessly evolve as cultures change, technologies emerge and societies grow. Some myths – like the one that warns against washing Pop Rocks down with Coke – are chuckle-worthy. Others, such as fallacies about how credit scores work, can be downright detrimenta... More >>
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Family needs compete with retirement among Hispanic Americans, survey finds
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 | (BPT) - Long term financial planning can be daunting for many Americans, however, Prudential’s 2014 Hispanic American Finance Experience survey indicates that the Hispanic community may face distinct challenges. According to a recent survey on how Hispanic Americans manage their finances, the... More >>
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Payday lending [Infographic]
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(BPT) - Nearly 20 million American households borrow payday loans to manage their expenses each year. But there is remarkably little insight into their experiences or rationale. According to a new national public opinion survey, an overwhelming majority of payday loan borrowers not only understand ... More >>
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Get back to basics with your business technology
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| (BPT) - Technology can do a lot for home offices as well as small and medium-size businesses, but choosing and investing in the appropriate level of technology can sometimes feel overwhelming and time-consuming. Business owners and consumers alike sometimes overspend on technology rather than selec... More >>
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Still need to file your taxes? Tips for faster, easier filing
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 | (BPT) - Spring can inspire a renewed sense of confidence and optimism in do-it-yourself activities. For nearly 40 percent of Americans, this includes preparing and e-filing their own income tax return. Like most things DIY, following a few simple strategies can save you valuable time and money... More >>
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How health care reform could impact your tax returns this year and next
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 | (BPT) - Several key tax law changes in the Affordable Care Act have been implemented in 2013 and 2014. The impact of those changes on federal tax returns due April 15, 2014 and 2015 hinge mainly on your household's adjusted gross income (AGI) and health insurance situation."The impact on this year'... More >>
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How to stick to your New Year's resolutions all year long
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| (BPT) - With the holidays past and a new year upon us, now is the time for Americans to focus on their 2014 resolutions. And while fitness goals often top the list of New Year’s resolutions, diet and exercise aren’t the only ways to get back into shape. This year, do yourself and your l... More >>
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Preparing for peace of mind in retirement
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 | (BPT) - Everyone’s vision for retirement is different – for some it involves trips across the globe, while for others it means relocating to a new city or picking up a new hobby. Regardless of what your retirement goals might be, preparing to achieve them financially should include a pl... More >>
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Money talk: Educating the next generation
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 | (BPT) - At a certain age, kids stop listening to their parents on all topics except for one. Money.Yet recent research conducted by Bank of America found that although this is the one area where teens and tweens actually seek advice from their parents, it’s one many adults avoid due to their ... More >>
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Financially fit: five steps to get a handle on your credit
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 | (BPT) - After countless hours spent holiday shopping, you finally finished. Now, you’re faced with the credit card payments as you roll into the new year. While it may have been difficult to keep your finances – particularly your credit cards – top of mind amid the dash from store... More >>
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How to manage your money in the new year
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 | (BPT) - As a new year unfolds, many people resolve to kick bad habits and take better care of their health and their finances. After a few late payments, messy receipt folders and carefree budgeting, it’s time to make your personal finances a priority. It may feel like you don’t have en... More >>
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Stretching your ski vacation dollar
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 | (BPT) - With the Olympics right around the corner, skiing is on a lot of people’s minds. While ski trips can get pricey quickly, there are ways to give your budget a lift.“It’s not unusual for ‘ski vacation’ to be synonymous with ‘expensive getaway,’”... More >>
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Five insider tips to save money when buying a car
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 | (BPT) - As the weather warms, car buying season gets into full swing. Even though interest rates are still at or near record lows, there are additional ways smart buyers are saving even more cash on their next vehicle and staying within their budgets.“Purchasing power is crucial when it comes... More >>
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Lost dress? No-show caterer? Bankrupt photographer? How to protect yourself from the worst wedding disasters
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 | (BPT) - Your wedding is supposed to be a magical day you remember for the rest of your life. It also is sure to be one of the most expensive days of your life. From the dress to the catering to the photographer, the average wedding costs nearly $30,000. With all that money and emotion on the line, ... More >>
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Discover the little-known investment strategy that your advisor isn't telling you about
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 | (BPT) - Did you know self-directed IRAs allow Americans to invest in assets other than stocks and bonds, while enjoying the tax-free or tax-deferred status of their retirement account? Very few Americans realize that they have the option to self-direct their IRAs, or other retirement plans, into re... More >>
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What is the generation gap on credit?
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 | (BPT) - Whether you’re wrapping up end-of-year paperwork, getting ready to create your 2014 budget, or preparing for tax season, something about this time of year inspires financial introspection. While you’re evaluating your own financial well-being – including your credit status... More >>
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How to diversify your retirement portfolio in ways you might not have imagined
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 | (BPT) - Many investors are taking more control of their financial future by investing in alternatives to the stock market including real estate, land, promissory notes, oil and gas.Sue Jensen of New York grew frustrated after watching her life savings take a hit year after year in the stock market.... More >>
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IRS audits: 8 triggers to avoid and tips to help you survive
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| (BPT) - Ever wonder how the Internal Revenue Service selects which taxpayers to audit? Well, it isn’t always a matter of chance. There are certain factors that can make your tax return stand out from the rest.“The IRS pays more attention to some returns than others, so it’s import... More >>
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Small business 101: What you may not know about your credit card processor
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 | (BPT) - Small businesses comprise approximately 50 percent of the total working U.S. population. In 2011, non-employer small businesses alone generated $989.6 billion total revenues, according to Business Insider. Small businesses are vital to a thriving local community, a successful national econo... More >>
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Survey says: Payday loan users savvier than you think
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 | (BPT) - Read enough about the state of Americans’ finances and you might get the impression that the average consumer is fairly clueless when it comes to making good money decisions. But a new survey indicates that Americans are more credit-savvy than you might think about how and when to use... More >>
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Save time and money: Do your federal taxes for free
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 | (BPT) - Taxes can be, well, taxing. But there’s a simple, easy way to do your federal taxes, and it’s all for free. It’s called Free File.Free File does the hard work for you either through brand-name software or online fillable forms. And, it’s available only at IRS.gov.Fre... More >>
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Smart ways for small business owners to spend their cash this spring
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 | (BPT) - Tax season is a headache for most people, and small business owners are no exception. In fact, nearly six out of 10 small business owners in America say taxes are one of the top factors affecting their success, according to the Bank of America Small Business Owner Report.Yet the potential o... More >>
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Save green indoors and out with energy-efficient home upgrades
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 | (BPT) - Spring is the perfect time to think green. For some it’s spurred by the coming of Earth Day, others the renewed greening of our lawns. And many are motivated by the desire to save a little green in their wallets with a fresh new season of home repairs. If you’re one of these peo... More >>
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How to shop for dental insurance
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 | (BPT) - Dental health is essential to overall health, affecting everything from our hearts to our mental well-being. Yet despite ample research that underscores the importance of taking care of our teeth, millions of Americans never go to the dentist. A lack of dental insurance is one of the top re... More >>
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Turn your tax refund into savings
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 | (BPT) - Millions of Americans get a refund on their taxes each year. If you are one of them, why not use part of your refund to save for the future with a Series I Savings Bond from the U.S. Department of the Treasury? You can invest as little as $50 in this affordable, safe and convenient savings ... More >>
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A reasonable explanation: What 'reason codes' tell you about your credit score
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 | (BPT) - Consumer knowledge about credit scoring remains a challenge. In fact, nearly half of Americans still don’t know that mortgage companies use credit scores when making decisions about credit availability and pricing, according to a 2013 survey by the Consumer Federation of America and V... More >>
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Does your employer benefit package measure up?
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 | (BPT) - Many Americans just went through their annual benefits enrollment period at their work. Precious time was spent reviewing the available offerings with spouses and determining which ones best meet their families’ needs, weighed against the cost. Yet a good number of Americans may not h... More >>
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Practical strategies to help you stay on budget this holiday season
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 | (BPT) - Whether you’re hosting guests, traveling to family or simply purchasing gifts, the holidays can put household finances to the test. This year, Americans aren’t letting short-term stresses like the holidays affect their long-term financial aspirations. According to the latest Mer... More >>
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Key tax law changes that could impact your return
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 | (BPT) - The majority of this year's key tax law changes were the result of two acts - the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.The easiest way to navigate all the tax law changes and determine if you qualify for hundreds o... More >>
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Tax filing and planning tips for small business owners
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| (BPT) - With an April 15 tax deadline looming, businesses across the country are preparing to file their 2013 taxes. Tax season can be both an administrative and financial burden. New data reports that only 41 percent of small business owners feel very confident they are maximizing their tax benefi... More >>
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Tips for managing your year-end taxes
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| (BPT) - The close of every year seems to bring its own uncertainty from a tax-planning perspective. Last year featured the expiration of certain temporary tax provisions and the commencement of automatic federal government spending cuts. In October the President and Congress temporarily agreed on f... More >>
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Don't let crooks steal your tax refund: Identity theft prevention tips
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 | (BPT) - To itemize or not to itemize, deductions, exemptions, interest income and capital gains – you have a lot to think about when you’re doing your taxes. While you’re preparing your return, don’t overlook a consideration that’s every bit as important as whether you... More >>
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Is a refinance the right decision?
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| (BPT) - Once at rock bottom, interest rates have ticked up slightly in recent months. Still, the prospect of refinancing a mortgage remains attractive. Interest rates are projected to rise to 5 percent or above by August 2014, according to an August 2013, Freddie Mac study.“The window hasn't ... More >>
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Doing your own taxes? Here's what you need to know
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 | (BPT) - More than 43.6 million Americans prepared and e-filed their own income tax returns in 2013, up 4 percent from the year before, according to the IRS. In addition to being more affordable than a storefront or accountant, online and mobile solutions have made doing your own taxes exceptionally... More >>
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Selecting a cellphone and plan that fits your lifestyle
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 | (BPT) - Whether taking the plunge and joining the smartphone crowd or simply replacing a tired old cellphone, buying a new device takes careful deliberation. From selecting carriers and avoiding contracts to deciding on a type of phone and a specific model, numerous decisions must be made to find t... More >>
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Using your Health Insurance Marketplace coverage on Jan. 1, 2014
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 | (BPT) - With the start of the new year, millions of Americans will have access to health coverage for the first time or have improved coverage because of the health care law. There are steps you can take now to ensure you have access to coverage beginning Jan. 1.Coverage begins on Jan. 1 for anyone... More >>
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Getting cash back from Uncle Sam? Tips to make your tax refund work harder for you
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 | (BPT) - Tax season is well underway, and many Americans expect to receive a refund, or have already gotten theirs. For many families, tax season is just one part of a broader financial picture for an overall budget.Forty-five percent of Americans expect to receive a refund this year, according to a... More >>
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Flab to fit: The five money moves that can whip your finances into better shape
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 | (BPT) - By now you’ve abandoned your plan to eat a healthier breakfast and spend an hour at the gym every day. Across the country, self-improvement resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Instead of succumbing to guilt and frustration over what you might not do this year, why not focus your e... More >>
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Increasing your resale value is easy when you save smartly
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 | (BPT) - Investing in home improvements is a smart idea when you’re thinking of putting your home on the market. So where is the best place to spend your money?While it may be tempting to make cosmetic home improvements including decorating touches or fresh coats of paint, upgrading vital home... More >>
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Five things they don't teach you in school about how to secure your financial future
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 | (BPT) - Anyone over a certain age has heard about the “the three Rs” of education - reading, writing and arithmetic. The thinking is that if you graduate from school knowing how to read, write and solve basic math problems, you’ll have the fundamentals for a successful life. But t... More >>
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Smart shopping tips for budget-savvy baby boomers
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 | (BPT) - While the economy is moving again, many Americans – baby boomers included – continue to realize the importance of good money management skills. Boomers are focused on making the most of their money by boosting earnings, investing more and shopping smarter.“Smart shopping i... More >>
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Three big ways small-business owners can save on taxes
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 | (BPT) - If you own a small business, every dollar matters - especially when it comes to taxes. Whether your business is a partnership or corporation, Uncle Sam offers some sizeable deductions to lower your liability, allowing you to put those dollars toward capital and employees... More >>
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The 'preventive medicine' to help protect financial health when you're seriously injured, ill or unable to work
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 | (BPT) - If injury or illness left you unable to work – even for a short time – would your financial health be at risk? Fifty-nine percent of U.S. workers said their financial resources would last 12 weeks or less without a paycheck, and nearly a third (29 percent) would burn through the... More >>
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Stay ahead of cybercriminals: use caution and common sense online
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 | (BPT) - Cybercrime is everywhere these days. It happens in the dead of night, in broad daylight, in homes, hotels, restaurants and airports.In fact, due to the explosion of online transactions, social media and mobile technology, it can happen almost anywhere at any time. The good news, however, is... More >>
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Renovating? Laying a good foundation for home improvement success
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 | (BPT) - You’ve probably heard the saying: “Your home is your castle.” But if your current home - or the home you’re thinking of buying - feels more like the servant’s quarters than the royal palace, you may need to plan a renovation. At times like these it’s easy... More >>
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Avoid tax identity theft and keep your information safer this tax day
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 | (BPT) - You know the feeling. You’ve slogged through the paperwork, collected your receipts, filled out the forms, transferred the totals from line to line and figured out the size of your refund, or how much you owe. You drop your tax forms in the mail or submit them online, and you can fina... More >>
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