A salute, and money tips, for our veterans

November 11, 2008

On this Veterans Day 2008, our thoughts and prayers go out not just to those who previously served, but to all military personnel still in harm’s way.

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Sometimes, though, a return home poses its own set of financial dangers.

According to a survey from the Defense Manpower Data Center and reported by Military.com, 19 percent
of junior enlisted members of the military failed to make minimum credit card payments and 11 percent have bounced
checks.

More distressing, the Defense Department says that military members use payday loans three times as
often as civilians.

That’s not necessary, says the DoD.

Army Emergency Relief has started a new program that soldiers can use in place of private lenders, said Lynn Olavarria, manager of the financial readiness program on Fort Bragg, N.C

“Under the Commanders’ Referral Plan, a soldier can receive interest-free loans of up to $1,000 twice per year with a commander’s referral,” said Olavarria.

In fact, all four
services have relief societies represented at most bases that give
interest-free loans and, occasionally, grants.

Estalishing a Financial Future After the Military offers some tips for service men and women on handling finances responsibly. All of us civilians need to check them out, too, since they include basic steps such as budgeting, watching your credit and establishing a savings plan.

A strong military is critical to our country. So are financially able men and women in uniform.

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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Tax Season 2026 Continues!

We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments
  • What are your options if you know you are going to need some extra money and want to avoid return check fees? Take out a payday loan. They are fast, easy, and convenient. They will help you save hundreds of dollars in return check fees and late payment fees on utilities.

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