With 2014 screeching to an end, it’s time to do a last minute assessment of your tax situation. Once the New Year arrives, opportunities to take advantage of tax breaks for this year disappear. Before you break out the bubbly and sing “Auld Lang Syne,” ensure you save as much as possible on this year’s taxes by tending to these financial tasks.

Whether your idea of retiring early is traveling the world, sticking close to home and spending time with friends and family or writing the great American novel, many of the principles for reaching the early retirement goal are the same no matter what the destination may be.

Hosting a dinner party at your house featuring tasty food and lively conversation gives you an event you can look forward to. But get-togethers can get costly, especially if you planned on serving food and drinks to your guests. But don’t worry, It is still possible to wow friends and family with a fantastic party, without straining your personal budget.

Managing your personal finances successfully should definitely be on the top of your to do list. You know that a well-ordered financial house makes for a smoother, happier life, but the idea of getting your finances in order can be a bit daunting.

If your phone is constantly ringing with calls from debt collectors, it’s time to take control of the situation. Many consumers are unaware of their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other consumer protection laws. Debt collectors often rely on this lack of knowledge to push for payments through pressure tactics.

The worst has happened to you financially—you lost your job. Before you let the “what ifs” take over and start panicking, stop, take a deep breath, and read this primer on what to do right now to protect your finances.

Ready to buy a new home, but not sure if your credit is in good enough shape to qualify you? Preparing your credit to apply for a mortgage and get a loan with a favorable interest rate requires keeping these 10 tips in mind.

President Obama recently provided some potential relief to student loan borrowers. Introduced this past June, the plan caps student loan repayments at a more comfortable 10 percent of a borrower’s monthly discretionary income. Then after 20 years in what’s known as the Pay As You Earn program, any remaining student loan debt is forgiven.

When I heard recently that the schools in my area are phasing out teaching handwriting, I have to admit to uttering a few expletives. Not because of the long hours I stood hunched over lined paper writing the alphabet or watching my kids grip their pencils and grit their teeth and do the same. But because as a writer, it just seems so wrong.

A good friend hints she wants a pricey crystal vase you see while shopping together. Her birthday is looming, but there’s no way you’re going to shell out that kind of money. Then you notice the store is having a 30 percent off sale. Do you check to see if you can get an even better deal on the vase elsewhere, or take advantage of the savings and buy it for her? Or do you get a less expensive vase at a discount store that you think looks close enough?