IQ

July 2008

Have you seen one of the many ads for reverse mortgages on the television or received them in the mail? Many such ads paint reverse mortgages as ideal sources of income for any homeowner who’s 62 or older. In actuality, reverse mortgages are not for everyone. Your age, circumstances, and estate plans can make a big difference in whether a reverse mortgage or another type loan may be best. Plus, reverse mortgages are complicated and not easy to understand. This month's report looks at the basics of reverse mortgages and outlines some steps that may help you determine if one is right for you.

June 2008

These days, every fill-up of the family vehicle brings new sticker shock. The soft economy along with rising fuel prices have many people rethinking their summer travel and vacation plans. Before you decide simply to skip this year’s vacation, consider all the ways you can save money and still enjoy getting away. This month's report discusses ways to get the most for your travel dollars.

May 2008

Many people are keeping their cars longer. According to a recent report by the research company R. L. Polk & Co., the median age of operational passenger cars in 2007 was 9.2 years. Take good care of your car or truck and it will give you many years of service. Extra service years can save you money long-term. In the current economic climate, all of us are looking for ways to trim our spending. Here's how to stretch the good life for your wheels.

Maintaining Your Vehicle

Many of today's vehicles can last for well over 100,000 miles with few major repairs. The key to this longevity is proper and timely maintenance.

April 2008

The slow down in the economy, the housing bust, and the tightening of credit have forced many people into financial difficulties. Scammers are just waiting to take advantage of these situations. People who are worried about money or losing their homes make lucrative targets for these thieves. You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the facts and the scams profiled in this month’s report.

March 2008

It's that time again—time to file your income taxes. Nobody enjoys tax time, but being armed with the right information can help you accomplish this chore quickly and safely. This month's report provides information on free e-filing, an update on “quick refund” loan schemes, and tips for finding a reliable tax preparer with expertise to match your needs.

E-file your taxes for free

The number of people who file their taxes electronically has increased each year. In 2007, 80 million people e-filed their taxes. While many people pay a fee to e-file—for example, through software programs or tax preparers—the IRS offers the Free File program. According to the IRS, most taxpayers—70% or 97 million—are eligible to use Free File.