5 Ways to Save Money on Your 2013 Taxes
It’s hard to believe it’s already the middle of tax season. 2013 is off to a fast clip, and unfortunately this means that Tax Day is right around the corner. You could bury your head in the sand until you hit April 14 panic mode, or this year you could give yourself a burst of energy and self-confidence knowing that you met your taxes head-on. Here are money savers to get you started:
Contribute to Your Retirement Account
Okay, maybe you blew your weight-loss New Year’s resolution mid-day on January 1, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on all of your goals for the year. Feel good about yourself by sticking to that resolution to start saving for your future, and enjoy the benefits of it right now. Even though 2012 is over, you still have time to contribute to your retirement account and have it count on your 2012 taxes! If you haven’t already paid into your IRA the deadline to do so is April 15, 2013.
Deduct Job-Hunting Expenses
The economy has been rough, and while jobless rates may have improved, plenty of people spent some part of 2012 in between work. Being unemployed is stressful, but on the positive side, as long as you were looking for a new position in the same line of work, you can deduct job-hunting expenses on your taxes.
Deduct Charitable Expenses Along With Direct Donations
With hurricanes, national tragedies and a down economy, 2012 was a difficult year for a lot of people. If you felt the call to go out and do something good for your community, the IRS might have a little way to say thank you. While you won’t get a superhero cape for your do-gooding, you can save a bit more on your tax-bill. Direct contributions to charity are tax-deductible, but so are itemized charitable expenses, such as the ingredients for the casseroles you made for the soup kitchen or the number of miles you drove to do your charitable works.
Deduct Student-Loan Interest
Paying off your college loans this year? Many young people just starting out might have gotten a little help making those payments each month. Even if Mom and Dad footed the bill, as the graduate, you can still deduct the loan interest on your taxes. Just remember to send two thank-you cards this Mother’s Day.
Deduct Additional Medical Expenses
Hopefully 2012 was a healthy year for you and your family, but if you did suffer any medical emergencies, you may be able to deduct expenses associated with it, such as a portion of overnight lodging. Additionally, any medically neccessary improvements made to your home, such as wheelchair access, may be able to be deducted. With recovery and with taxes: every little bit counts.
Country Whuppin’ – Jon Pardi Vs. Eric Paslay
May 21, 2013 3:55 PM Three wins down for Jon Pardi and two more to go to make the Country Whuppin' Hall of Fame. 'Up All Night' gained a very decisive win over Dakota Bradley, and now it faces off with another 'night' song from singer/songwriter, Eric Paslay!
You Can Help the Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado with Donations to the American Red Cross
May 21, 2013 3:35 PM The devastation in Moore, Oklahoma goes beyond comprehension and the death toll, unfortunately, continues to rise after yesterday's massive tornado that all but leveled the town of Moore. All of us in the Tri-State want to do anything we can to help and the best way to help is by making donations to the American Red Cross by calling 812-471-7200 or online at redcross.org/tristate.
Oklahoma’s Country Stars Send Messages to Those Hit by Moore Tornado
Monday's (May 20) devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. touched the hearts of country music's biggest stars, and more than a few were left worrying about friends and family they knew in the area. The state is home to some of the biggest names in country music -- Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and Blake Shelton are just a few who have roots there, with one superstar having grown up in Moore.
Survivor of Oklahoma Tornado Finds Her Dog During Live Interview
May 21, 2013 1:00 PM I have discovered that when all seems lost and that the darkness of a tragedy overwhelms you, miracles DO happen and prayers are answered.
Evansville Car Thief Drives Recklessly Right In Front Of Police Station [VIDEO]
May 21, 2013 11:15 AM Here's the perfect example of what not to do if you are a criminal and you don't want to get caught. This juvenile car thief not only back his car up for a block into traffic on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Evansville, but then he grazes another car and then speeds off right past the police station in front of a police cruiser. Wow.
Horrific Oklahoma Tornado Captured in Several Raw Videos
The country continues to pray for and help the people devastated by the massive tornado that touched down in Oklahoma on Monday, killing dozens.
Brett Eldredge Wraps Red Tour Dates, Shares What He Learned From Taylor Swift
For 20 minutes on Thursday night (May 16), Brett Eldredge owned the crowd that was still trickling into Houston's Toyota Center to see perhaps the biggest tour of the year -- Taylor Swift's 2013 Red Tour. It was a short set for the country newcomer, but like he did at each of the other 18 shows he played with the superstar, he maxed out every second, walking onstage armed with ammo given to him by his grandfather and Swift herself.
‘The Baby Bachelor’ Brings Cute to Reality TV Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel
May 21, 2013 4:06 AM I love Jimmy Kimmel! But now, I love him even more. With reality shows everywhere, on every channel, leave it to Jimmy to come up with the best parody EVER!!! Jimmy, along with his brother, nephew and some lovely and hilarious toddler girls have come up with 'The Baby Bachelor'. Trust me, you will enjoy THIS much more that you ever did 'The Bachelor'.
Henderson March For Babies 2013 [PHOTOS]
May 20, 2013 11:30 PM The 2013 March for Babies in Henderson County was held Saturday in Central Park, and hundreds of walkers held off the rain to raise big money for the March of Dimes.
Aftermath of Oklahoma Tornado in Photos
A massive tornado touched down just south of Oklahoma City on Monday, killing dozens.
At least seven of those killed were students at Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore. The twister, which measured 2 miles at one point, has been given a preliminary classification of an EF-4 tornado (winds of 166 to 200 mph), according to weather officials.