Michigan Cuts Charitable Contributions Tax Credits--Giving Proactively

No More Public Charitable Contributions Tax Credits for Michigan As of New Year's Day, residents of Michigan can no longer claim charitable contributions to homeless shelters, food banks, community foundations, public universities or other nonprofits on their state income tax, says CBS Detroit. As part of the Public Act 38 budget cuts package, Gov. Rick Snyder repealed Section 261 of the Michigan Individual Income Tax Act, eliminating charitable giving credits. Non-profits are hopeful that people won't stop giving despite the loss of the income tax credit. But these are tight financial times: unemployment is high, costs are sky-rocketing and cuts are happening everywhere. This was written as straight news so I couldn't add commentary, but here's one suggestion. Instead of giving to colleges and universities, try supporting one college student. If you list it as a gift, you may be able to claim that as a tax deduction. Another option in lieu of lost tax credit: donate used goods instead of money to charities. You can claim those donations on federal income tax and you aren't out such a large chunk of change. Consider donating durable or consumable goods to homeless shelters, too. That way you can be sure your donation is wisely spent. Here's information about these changes for residents of Michigan to make proactive donations. Read on ...

Cyber Monday: How to Save Big Money with Online Shopping

Cyber Monday: Make Online Shopping Work for You Cyber Monday: the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. After the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping spree, we can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. But even online shopping can be challenging. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate (pun intended) the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals. Read more...

Best Gifts for Arts Enthusiasts, Dance and Ballet Fans--All Price Ranges

Best Gifts for Arts Enthusiasts, Dance and Ballet Fans--All Price Ranges Ballet and ballroom dance events makes wonderful spectator sports. Even if you have two left feet, you can still enjoy dance performances. Here is a guide to the best holiday gifts for fans of ballet, jazz, modern and ballroom dance. I've included gifts in all price ranges. Read more...

Top 10 Father's Day Gifts for Dads

Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Dads of Any Age Why is it that holiday shopping for women is so easy, but finding gifts for men is so difficult? Fathers are especially challenging to shop for. Got a few hard-to-shop for dads on your holiday giving list? Here are the top 10 gifts that are sure to please Dad.

Top 10 Best Mother's Day Gifts for Your Special Mom

Top 10 Best Mother's Day Gifts for Your Special Mom

Mother's Day is May 8 in the U.S. and April 3 in the UK for 2011. Your mom is a special lady and deserves more than a card and candy this Mother's Day. Here is a list of best gift-giving suggestions for moms, in all price ranges starting at free.

Romantic Intimate Gifts for Valentine's Day

Whether you are in a new relationship or you've been married for 30 years, it is important to keep the spark of romance alive. Romantic Valentine's Day and anniversary gifts keep that flame alive and glowing. Here are best romantic, intimate, sexy gifts for lovers on Valentine's Day. Read on...

Best Gifts for Dancers in All Price Ranges

Do you have a dancer in your family? Whether ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, square-dance, polka or street dance, here are some gifts any dancer will really appreciate. Here are gift selections for dancers, including several ideas under $10. Read on...

Best Gifts for Dads

Why is it that holiday shopping for women is so easy, but finding gifts for men is so difficult? Fathers are especially challenging to shop for. Why is it that holiday shopping for women is so easy, but finding gifts for men is so difficult? Fathers are especially challenging to shop for. Got a few hard-to-shop for dads on your holiday giving list? Here are the top 10 gifts that are sure to please Dad. Read on...

Toys to Avoid Buying This Holiday Season: CPSC "Most Wanted"

When holiday shopping, we usually think in terms of what gifts to buy, not gifts to avoid. But some children's toys are not safe or have been recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has compiled a list of recalled and "most wanted" toys to avoid this season. Read more...

Best Holiday and Christmas Gifts for Dancers

Do you have a dancer in your family? Whether your dancer does ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, square-dance, polka or street dance, there are some gifts he or she will really appreciate. Read on...