A number of our viewers have been asking about getting some help with their taxes. Tax time is when you either end up with a little extra cash in your account, OR you grudgingly write a check to the IRS.

So, a couple of ideas. First, If its just a standard return, you can go online and let the IRS do it for you by just entering basic W-2 information.

But if you are older, and feel you need help here is something that might interest you. The AARP, the IRS, and Onslow County Senior Services are sponsoring Free Tax Assistance appointments for citizens 55 years and older.

Appointments are available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following dates:  Friday, February 19, 2010; Friday, March 19, 2010; and, Friday, April 9, 2010.

Please note that these are the only days AARP advisors will be available to do taxes in Onslow County.  It is very important that all seniors needing assistance with their taxes call and make an appointment.  Tax assistance appointments will be held at the Onslow County Multipurpose Complex, 4024 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, North Carolina. 

The following items will be needed when attending the appointment:
• • Original Social Security Statement received in January 2010 for the year 2009
• • Social Security Card
• • Interest statements and other income documents received in January 2010 for the year 2009
• • Copy of last year’s tax returns
• • Picture ID - must be shown by everyone receiving services

For more information and to make appointments call Onslow County Senior Services at 989-3008, 989-3010, or 989-3013

You may not drive a Toyota, but you may have something that is being recalled and not know it. All you have to do is go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission on line page.
For instance, did you know -

• The AMX company recalled rechargeable batteries used with touch panels for audio visual systems because they could catch fire.

• Starbucks recalled 11-thousand glass water bottles because they can shatter when you remove the stopper.

• Zippo recalled more than 17-thousand candle lighters because they can flare up and burn you..

• And Yamaha recalled 25-hundred 2009 snowmobiles because the steering could go out.

For more details on all of these recalls and many more, just go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljan10.html

    Your investments or 401k probably tanked over the past year and is just beginning to make a come back, but very slowly, That desire to make up the money you lost more quickly opens you up to investment swindler.
• There is no set look for a swindler, they might call you or see you at the mall.

• They might offer you a free meal in order to get you to enroll an investment seminar.

• They work because they play on your greed and promise large pay offs.

• They also claim low risk, or no risk for your money.

• Then they add urgency….they say you have to decide now to get in on it.

• Remember, there is no quick road to this recovery, so invest your money wisely. And take your time doing it.
Here are a couple of sites that can give you some good advice.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/swindles/swindles.htm
http://www.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/retirement/articles/2009/02/12/how-did-your-401k-really-stack-up-in-2008.html

40 million Americans live in poverty. 59% are women, and 1 in 5 children live in poverty.
It’s especially bad in our state, but prescription drug help is now thanks to a pilot program that went state wide the poor will be able to get free or low cost drugs.
Here is the information from the state along with ways you can apply if you need to:

“North Carolinians who are unable to afford their prescription medicines can now get them for free, Attorney General Roy Cooper, the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, and NC MedAssist announced today.
Starting today, a pilot program begun in March of last year to give low-income North Carolinians free access to needed prescription drugs has been expanded to serve residents statewide. 
“Times are hard and people are sacrificing to make ends meet, but they shouldn’t have to sacrifice their health,“ Cooper said.  “Qualified low-income North Carolinians can now get access to the medications they need to stay healthy.“
The program, administered by NC MedAssist, has created a mail-order central pharmacy to provide free brand name and generic drugs.  The drugs are donated by participating pharmaceutical companies. 
“The NC MedAssist program is designed to help the thousands of people in our state ease that dangerous burden of choosing between everyday necessities in life-buying groceries, paying the utility bill or filling a prescription,“ said Jason Baisden, Executive Director of the NC Association of Free Clinics. “Having prescriptions medications to help maintain a healthy lifestyle is a necessity.“
“The growing number of uninsured in North Carolina-which currently is nearly one in five among us-face challenges every day in accessing medications that can improve their health status. The NC MedAssist program will greatly enhance the ability of low-income and uninsured people to access the medications they desperately need,“ said Pam Silberman, JD, DrPH, President and CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine.
Who is eligible to enroll in the program?

North Carolina residents who are:

• Adults and children living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

• Adults and children who do not qualify for: Medicaid, Veterans Administration or private health insurance.

• Medicare Part D participants who fall in the “donut hole” may be eligible after consultation with NC MedAssist.

How can North Carolinians enroll in the program?
Eligible North Carolina residents can enroll in the program by downloading an enrollment packet from the NC MedAssist website at http://www.medassist.org, or by calling at 1-866-331-1348.  Eligible North Carolina residents living in Forsyth, Stokes, Davie or Yadkin counties should enroll in the program by calling MedAid at 336-714-2359.
How does the program work?
Eligible North Carolinians can now enroll with NC MedAssist using one application form rather than applying with each drug company.  The program has partnered with pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca to bulk ship drugs to one central location.  The central pharmacy run by NC MedAssist keeps both brand name and generic drugs in stock, and can ship medications directly to participants’ homes, making it quick and easy for people to get the medicines they need.

Prescription assistance programs offered through drug companies can require applicants to fill out separate applications for each company.  Depending on the number of medications needed, the process can be time-consuming and complicated.

How is the program funded?
The program is funded for the first year by a grant of $873,000 from Cooper’s Consumer Protection and Education Fund.
About the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics
The North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, founded in 1998, is a private, nonprofit, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization that conducts advocacy, research, public relations, resource development, training and technical assistance on behalf of its member free clinics. The North Carolina Association of Free Clinics is the largest state association with 75+ member free clinics, serving 79 counties throughout North Carolina.  For more information, please visit http://www.ncfreeclinics.org or call 336-251-1111.
About NC MedAssist
NC MedAssist is a community pharmacy founded in 1997 through the efforts of the Mecklenburg Medical Society Alliance Endowment with the assistance of a $55,000 grant from the employees of Presbyterian Hospital. NC MedAssist has dispensed over $30 million in free prescription medicines for our clients. Most of the drugs are secured from the Patient Assistance Programs available through participating pharmaceutical companies. As a result of NC MedAssist’s positive impact on the community, it has been named as one of the top 25 non-profit organizations in Charlotte by the Charlotte Business Journal. For more information, please visit http://www.medassist.org or call 704-536-1790.“
http://ncdoj.gov/News-and-Alerts/News-Releases-and-Advisories/Press-Releases/Prescription-drug-help-now-available-statewide.aspx

Of course you need to keep your bank account in good working order and if you do that you’ll save money. First here are some ways to insure your getting the best and saving at the same time.
• Find a bank with no-fee checking. Usually they want you to keep some minimum amount in savings.

• Get information on several banks and then choose the one that best fits your habits.

• If you still use checks buy your checks from a discounter like checks unlimited.

• And balance your check book and don’t bounce checks.  Fees for bounced checks range from 20-to-35 dollars a piece.

Remember, just shop around, banks are like any retail establishment, they need your business. Now here is a website with more great ideas:
http://financialplan.about.com/cs/saving/a/SaveOnBanking.htm

We focus a lot on Wallet Watch about some easy ways to save money.   
   
There are also some easy ways to make some extra money.

We’ve got a few websites that will pay you for working at home.
   
Demand Studios helps writers, copy editors and filmmakers find thousands of freelance jobs.
   
You pick the assignments and when you work then get paid twice a week.
   
Suite101 and associated content are two more sites that pay for writing content.
   
Payments amounts vary for each.
   
Guru lets writers, editors, translators, graphic designers, web experts and other business professionals submit bids with employers to compete for different jobs.
   
CafePress has opportunities for people who know how to use Photoshop.
   
Imagekind provides a forum for artists to promote and sell their creations online.

The artists determine the price and maintain the rights to their work.

TeachStreet lets teachers and educators make money online working with students in online classes and workshops.

And, Ether gives accountants, consultants, bloggers, computer experts and others a chance to get paid by the hour for sharing what they know by e-mail or over the phone.

Saving money little by little over time will help you improve your financial situation. 
   
But, what if you want to save big money?
   
This Wallet Watch explains tackling the significant parts of your live will save the most money.
   
First, consider your housing plans.
   
If you’re buying, you need to avoid the thousands of dollars associated with miscellaneous junk fees in the closing costs.
   
Shop around for the best deal.
   
If you’re selling your house, try doing it without a realtor.
   
If you find a buyer on your own, you will have at least $10,000 and maybe more than $25,000 in your pocket.
   
How about a car?
   
Buy a used car with low-mileage instead of a new one.
   
That way you won’t get with the depreciation.
   
Limit your grocery shopping.
   
You won’t need to buy as much or go as often if you use what you have left in your pantry.

We’ve had some pretty cold days already this winter and there figure to be more.
   
That puts stress on your heater and your gas bill.
   
Here are some ways to avoid burning up the budget in this Wallet Watch.
   
Keep the thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting.
   
Utility companies recommend 68 to 70 degrees during the day and 60 to 65 degrees at night.
   
Change your air filters as needed.
   
Dirty filters can run up the cost and damage equipment.
   
Put caulk around windows to seal up any air leaks.
   
Use microwave ovens when you can because they use half as much power as a conventional oven.
   
And, only run full loads in the dishwasher and laundry machine to be more efficient.

How do you get the best deals when you travel by air? How about these ideas:
• Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are usually the cheapest days.

• Airlines us a 21 -day, 14 -day and 7 day advance booking window- the prices go up as you get closer to departure.

• Smaller airports on the outskirts of cities are less expensive to fly from.

• And if you need a rental car and hotel, travel packages are generally less expensive.

• And don’t forget, staying over a Saturday night will save you some money too.

http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2007/06/09/101516_how-to-save-on-airline-tickets.html

Some car dealers say buying a car should be a lot of fun instead of the worst part of your year. They say the more information you have as a customer before you go to the lot - the better.

• First, know what you need to drive.

• Is it a sedan or an SUV.  Maybe it’s a used car.

• Do some research to know the price range -  try http://www.kellybluebook.com for starters.

• Tell the dealer exactly what you are looking for- including the color - and how much you are willing to pay for it.

• Do your shopping on line or when the lot is closed so you can think.

• Then when you hit that crowded, high pressure show room you’re ready to buy.

Here are a few sites that can help:
http://www.edmonds.com
http://www.kellybluebook.com,
http://www.consumerreports.com