It’s That Time of Year Again…. Here are 6 Steps To Prepare You For Tax Season!

Posted on January 10, 2016

1. Determine How You Will File. There are many different ways one can choose to file taxes. Are you able to do it yourself? If so, then decide if you want to do it manually or by using a website online. If not, there are many locations available that one can file their taxes on time. It is best to decide this ahead of time before you start organizing your documents and begin filing. 2. Review Any Significant Changes from the Past Year. In just one year, various changes can occur. Anything from getting married, moving into a new home or purchasing an automobile can make a difference when filing for your tax return. By chance you get married, you would have to change from filing as an individual to filing with a spouse. If you have a child, you … Continued

“5 Hacks To Keep Your Home Warmer This Winter”

Posted on December 28, 2015

December is here! The temperature is dropping outside but home heating bills…not so much. 1.Utilize natural sunlight. During the daytime, it is helpful to keep shades and curtains around the house open instead of closed! Sunlight shining through can help keep temperatures in your home higher on even the coldest days. When keeping the blinds and curtains closed, little light can come through and will cause temperatures to plummet. Rays from the sun still radiate warmth in the winter 2.Cover windows with plastic wrap. While keeping windows open to allow natural light in, sometimes cold air can seep in through the cracks of the window and cause an unpleasant draft. Using clear plastic wrap, windows can be covered completely to keep drafts from coming in while still allowing the natural light can enter! This is an inexpensive and simple way … Continued

5 Helpful Tips to Simplify Your Holiday Shopping This Season!

Posted on December 10, 2015

Is shopping for the holidays causing stress? Between shopping, wrapping gifts, and managing your budget, there is plenty of room for error. We are here to help you complete your holiday shopping… and even save you some money! $805 is the amount that the average person spends during the holiday season. 1. Create a budget and stick to it! Before making a list of who to shop for, create a well-thought-out budget. Many people make the mistake of leaving out the extra expenses such as wrapping paper, postage, or shipping fees. It is crucial to have all expenses included so you can be within your budget and avoid going over. 2. Make a list of EVERYONE you have to buy for. This list should include everyone from immediate family to the Yankee Swap gift you need to buy for work. … Continued

Heat Your House This Winter While Managing Your Energy Use!

Posted on November 23, 2015

During the winter months our homes can become chilly and cold! Is your home heating system ready to work? Here are some ways to heat your home efficiently AND effectively! While heating your home during the winter months, energy tends to be escape while causing bills to sky rocket! Water heaters consume nearly 17% percent of a home’s monthly energy consumption. Saving energy can also help you save money! While away from your home for an extended period of time, it is practical to put your home water heater on “Vacation Mode” meaning that the water will be heated enough to prevent pipes from freezing, but not use as much energy to heat water that will not be used. Wrapping your heater in an “Insulation Blanket” will help keep the water heater warm so it does not have to work … Continued

6 Steps to Prepare Your Car For the First Snowfall

Posted on November 12, 2015

Living in New England, the winter months can be filled with ice, slush, and snow! Is your car ready? While preparing for yet another winter, it is crucial to check out your vehicle before hitting the icy roads. In the past 10 years, 23% of vehicle crashes occur as a result of inclement weather during the winter months. Before the first snowfall, take the following steps to ensure safe driving all season long: Rotate or replace those tires! Increasing traction on icy roads is a must! So, if it’s that special time in your car’s life where it’s tires need to be dead and buried, you can swap them out at your local retailer or repair shop. (It’s best not to go slipping and sliding all over the road!) Check and replace your battery if needed! Low temperatures can sometime … Continued