Apple Calls – and Raises? – Staples’ Back to School Deal

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Staples’ current offer of a $100 prepaid card for students buying select laptops, which has since become the most popular post on this blog. As I argued on that post, despite all the hype, I don’t think it’s such a great deal, particularly since the offer is limited to [...]

Just Because Staples and Dell are Offering $100 Off Doesn’t Mean You Should Jump for these Laptops

While I was watching TV the other day, a Staples commercial advertising a $100 prepaid Visa card to students buying specific laptops caught my attention. Qualifying for the rebate card is fairly easy, as you only have to show a valid student I.D. or acceptance letter, and the prepaid card will be mailed to you [...]

Sales Tax Holiday 2011 is Underway

This post comes a little late, but we are right in the middle of Sales-Tax-Holiday Season! Many states had their sales tax holidays this past weekend, but Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Texas still have theirs coming up. Take a look at the table below and mark your calendars if you are a resident of [...]

Check Again: A Look at Current Checking Account Options

After finishing a harrowing first year of graduate school, I finally have time to pick up Money Under Your Futon again. Kathy and I both had crazy (academic) years, but we are glad to be back here, learning and writing about personal finance tips for people with entry-level jobs (or stipends) who want to live [...]

A Look into the Tuition and Fees Deduction (vs. the Education Credits)

April 15th is fast approaching, and you still haven’t figured out which deductions or credits you can take for education?  Here at Money Under Your Futon you can find the summarized, cramming-two-days-before-the-exam version of the IRS publication 970, which explains in detail each of the education benefits available for 2009 income taxes. Last week we [...]

A Break-Down of the Three Education Credits Available this Tax Season

With taxes due in just 10 days and the recent political debate on how to support higher education, many Americans are left wondering whether there might be anything in this year’s tax form that might help them out.  Several of you have probably heard of the American Opportunity credit, the Hope credit, or the Lifetime Learning [...]

The Treasury and the IRS Get Creative on Savings Incentives

A few weeks ago the Treasury Department and the IRS announced an important change to the 2009 tax form: the inclusion of a box that allows tax filers to receive their refunds as I Savings Bonds.  If you have been looking to buy Treasury bills or bonds to protect your assets or this option appeals [...]

Combining Education Tax Benefits?

If you are thinking of going back to school but dread the prospect of having no income for 2-5 years, I have at least two reasons to look forward to returning to the classroom. Previously MUYF has discussed the value of investing in qualified tuition plans to pay for further studies.  Also known as 529 [...]

Looking into Your (Financial) Future as You Get Ready for School

As we approach back to school time, many students and families are balking at the prices of supplies, textbooks, computers, and other gear.  But don’t forget that Uncle Sam encourages people to further their education and may have tax breaks waiting for you soon down the line.  Besides the upcoming sales tax holidays in some [...]

Burn the Fat, Not the Cash

The recessionary lifestyle has led many folks to trim the gym membership from their budgets.  But it is precisely now that everyone should focus on preventative care and stay as healthy as possible, because it doesn’t take much more than a trip to the emergency room to drain your rainy day fund.  And while most [...]