DMCC Relocates Office to Lighthouse Point, FL

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp (http://www.dmcconline.org), a nonprofit charitable organization (“DMCC”), announces new office location. New location is on a major South Florida thoroughfare and retail front, providing increased opportunity to assist local residents. DMCC provides free counseling and debt management plans to assist consumers with the repayment of their debt.

Read more

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agency Named Approved Adopter of National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education Counseling

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp. http://www.dmcconline.org, a nonprofit credit counseling organization (“DMCC”), has been named an Approved Adopter of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. Counseling organizations that adopt these standards use a set of guidelines for quality counseling. Individuals and families who want to be educated and counseled on homeownership can trust that DMCC will provide consistent, high quality services.

Read more

Thrifty Spending Issue 87

FEATURE ARTICLE:  Audit-Proof Your Tax Return

Is there really such a thing as an audit-proof tax return? A way of preparing your return to guarantee that you won’t be subject to an audit? Of course not. But there certainly are ways to minimize your risk.

You don’t want to thumb your nose at Uncle Sam, thinking that an audit won’t happen to you. It just might, and if it does, you should be prepared. But what can you do to make your tax return less susceptible to the IRS’ eagle eyes? Here are some suggested strategies.

Be neat! 
Consider preparing your tax return by computer. A neatly prepared, computer-generated return looks much better to the IRS staffer (called a “classifier”) who will decide whether to audit your return. Virtually all reputable tax pros now complete their returns using computers, and there are a number of really good do-it-yourself computer programs for PCs and Macs alike. (For my do-it-yourself friends, I recommend TurboTax.) Some websites even allow you to securely complete your tax return from the comfort of your Web browser.

If you’re unable to use a computer to prepare your return, at least print clearly and carefully. Don’t decide to get your revenge on the IRS by preparing your return with a red crayon. A messy return — cross-outs, sloppy handwriting, and smudges — is like hanging a sign on your return that says, “Audit me!” It might also give the IRS the impression that you are careless and disorganized.

Remember that the IRS has stepped up its audit enforcement in recent years. The IRS believes that the taxpaying public has gotten an audit-free ride for years — and that ride is now over. While it’s still unlikely that you will be audited, the odds have increased substantially.

Be accurate! 
The only thing worse than a messy return is an incorrect one. By “correct,” I mean that all of your numbers add and subtract accurately. This is another reason to prepare your return by computer, since you don’t need to worry about a computer program flubbing any of the math.

Remember that your tax return will be loaded into the IRS computers, and those computers will check your return for math errors. If your return states that 2 + 2 = 5, they might start wondering about some of your other numbers. Don’t give them a chance. Double-check your numbers before you mail your return.

Document deductions! 

If you claim large deductions for unusual items, such as losses because of earthquake, flood, or fire, attach documentary proof to the back of your tax return. Copies of repair receipts, canceled checks, insurance reports, and pictures are always a good idea. This won’t stop the IRS computer from flagging your return, but the documents should catch the attention of the IRS classifier.

Be square! 
Whatever you do, don’t use round numbers. For example, if you report $1,000 or $12,000 instead of $978 or $12,127, it’s an indication that you are estimating rather than keeping good records and reporting the actual, correct amount.

By Jeanine Skowronski www.fool.com

MONEY SAVING TIP: Gym Membership

Are you really using it multiple times a week? Divide your monthly dues by the number of times you go in a month and get a realistic picture of what you’re spending on a one-hour workout. Park districts or community centers often have low-cost or free programs. Also check into exercise videos or a piece of home exercise equipment that you would use regularly. If you decide to keep the membership, check to see whether the facility offers discounts for coming at off-peak times.

DID YOU KNOW…that carrying a balance helps build credit is a myth?

The credit bureaus are privy to your payment history and the balance on your monthly credit card bill, “but they don’t know if you’re paying interest or not,” Nazari says. This means deciding to pay the minimum each month isn’t going to do much more than cost you money, especially if you’re carrying a particularly high annual percentage rate. The lesson? Don’t forgo payments just to carry a balance month to month.

Thrifty Spending Issue 86

FEATURE ARTICLE:  How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

Your credit report contains the following information:

  • Where you live
  • How you pay your bills
  • Whether you have been sued
  • Whether you have been arrested
  • If you filed for bankruptcy

Consumer reporting agencies sell the information to creditors, insurers, employers and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home.

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation’s consumer reporting companies.

Some financial advisors and consumer advocates suggest that you review your credit report
periodically. Why?

  • Because the information it contains affects whether you can get a loan—and how much you will have to pay to borrow money.
  • To make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
  • To help guard against identity theft. That is when someone uses your personal information—like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number—to commit fraud.

Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they do not pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit
report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.

To get a full worksheet on how to dispute errors on your credit report, click HERE

MONEY SAVING TIP:  Cell Phones

“For $9.88, you can buy a TracFone (prepaid cell phone) with pretty decent coverage and pay by the minute,” says Mike Sullivan, director of education at Take Charge America in Phoenix. “And if you’re careful, you can end up saving $40 to $50 a month off a typical $80 cell phone bill.” He also recommends canceling your land line unless you have medical issues that may require emergency calls.

DID YOU KNOW…Your income does not affect your credit score

People tend to assume that the more money they make, the higher their credit score will be, but that’s not the case. While it’s true your income may affect your ability to pay your bills on time, it has no bearing on your credit score, Albary says.

Your income can, however, influence a lender’s decision to approve you for a loan. This is because lenders often compare the income you’ve listed on your application to the debts listed on your credit report in an attempt to judge your ability to make monthly payments.

www.finance.yahoo.com

Nonprofit Credit Counseling Agency Provides Gifts to Economically Challenged Children

Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp. http://www.dmcconline.org, a nonprofit credit counseling organization (“DMCC”), delivered holiday gifts to the children of Florence Fuller Child Development Center (FFCDC) in Boca Raton. Every holiday season, DMCC participates in the “Adopt an Angel” charity to give a child in need a new toy. Toys were delivered to the center by DMCC employees, and a volunteer dressed as Santa.

Read more