Flood Advisory in IL: Kane , Kendall , McHenry

Personal Finance

Beware of tax scams, IRS says

If you get a Twitter tweet or unexpected e-mail that purports to be from the IRS, don't trust it -- -- and don't give out personal information.

Tax Prep: 4 easy steps to get organized now

Tax day is just weeks away. Time for a personal kick off to tax season. more
Get free tax prep, filing help from IRS Photo

April 15 is approaching and you have to pay your taxes. That's the bad news. more
Tax changes can boost refund

You might be able to reel in some extra cash by filing the right tax forms — but be aware of... more
Tips on avoiding tax fraud Photos

Taxpayers bear the responsibility for the accuracy of all entries made on their tax returns. This is... more

New credit card law changes take effect Photo

The new credit card law is finally here. Starting today, banks will need to abide by new regulations... more
Eat out for less Photos

Here are 10 strategies to save money and still have a satisfying meal out. --McClatchy/... more
Protect your identity every day Photos

Although high-tech fraud is notorious, the most common way criminals illegally obtain your... more
Tips for safe online shopping

Tips for shopping safe online more
Taking smaller steps toward new career Photo

Steady job? Check. Decent paycheck? Check. Professional fulfillment? Hmm. more
Don't miss out on tax deductions Photos

Every year, the IRS dutifully reports the most common blunders that taxpayers make on their returns.... more
Several steps can protect against identity theft Photos

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'Super Freakonomics' by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner Photo

It's not easy being an economist. more
Cheap dates that make you look rich Photo

Dating when money's tight can be a challenge. You want to make a big impression on a small budget --... more

Filling out student loan form gets easier Photo

I think it's safe to say most high school seniors and their parents would rather sandblast the oil stains from the garage floor or rearrange the attic than fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. more
Teaching teens to tip Photo

You know the symptoms when the waiter delivers the bill: the sweaty palms, the frog in your throat, the brain cramps. more
Consider Insuring Your Student's Tuition

You probably carry insurance on your college student to cover trips to the hospital emergency room, automobile fender benders, and perhaps even dorm or apartment thefts. It's second nature. more
Glitzy Shopping District Drives Home Economic Reality for Teens

The air was warm and the sidewalks were packed on a recent Saturday afternoon when a woman driving a black Mercedes pulled alongside a couple in a red Corvette. more
Financial lessons for college graduates Photos

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5 things retirees should know about their taxes

Waiting in line at a free tax-preparation service for 60-plus seniors, Gerald Kleman clutched a thin manila envelope with his annual paperwork. more
Know the best time of year to retire

You may have spent a lot of time thinking about what age to retire, but have you thought about the date? more
Retirement tips for individuals

Your go-to guide for retirement plans, including what types, how they work, and the benefits of having one. more
Five great ideas for dealing with your taxes in retirement

Benjamin Franklin famously said that "in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." With April 15 right around the corner, let's talk about the more palatable of Franklin's two certainties. more
How to find a good financial planner

The financial planning profession is growing explosively as millions of aging baby boomers confront the challenges of planning for retirement security. Readers of this column have been writing to ask if they need a planner--and how to go about hiring one. more