J. C. Penney: FREE Mustache or Bang Trim in June 2014

June 12, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: J. C. Penney

Taking a pause in our summer reading series to celebrate the special men in our lives with a couple Father’s Day posts, I am thrilled to share a FREE deal for the mustached men in your circles.

Throughout the month of June, participating J. C. Penney salons welcome customers to stop in for a FREE mustache or bang trim.

If you take advantage of J. C. Penney’s generosity, then you might consider calling ahead to see if walk-ins are welcome or to book an appointment.

In using time wisely, J. C. Penney is helping to stretch your dollars with a FREE mustache or bang trim until June 30, 2014. Happy savings!

Question: How many men in your life sport a mustache?

Great Clips: $5.99 Haircuts – May 3-9, 2014

May 1, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Great Clips

The Great Haircut Sale at Great Clips is running from May 3-9, 2014.

Without a coupon, customers receive a haircut for $5.99.

Check with your local Great Clips to verify their participation.

This event falls 8 weeks after their previous $5.99 sale in March 2014.

If you take advantage of this $5.99 deal, remember to use Great Clips’ online or app-based check-in system to save time.

You can check-in before arriving and shave off minutes waiting for an available stylist.

Using time wisely and stretching your dollars is possible with promotions like Great Clip’s $5.99 haircuts. Happy savings!

Question: How often do you get your hair cut?

TaxACT: The Procrastinator Gets the Deal

April 11, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: TaxACT

The early bird might get the worm, but apparently, the procrastinator gets the deal. With only a few days remaining to file your federal and state income taxes, TaxACT has lowered their price to just $10.

Having paid $17.99 to file our taxes with TaxACT – which I considered a great deal compared to H&R Block and TurboTax, one can now file both federal and one state tax return for $10 with TaxACT.

Tax Day is quickly-approaching, but you still have time. TaxACT walks you through the process one question at a time.

Even with itemizing and filing our business documents, the entire process took less than 2 hours. If you have less complicated taxes, you could finish quicker.

Though the procrastinator gets the deal this time, you need to file either your taxes or an extension by Tuesday, April 15, 2014, to prevent paying late fees. Happy filing!

Question: Where are you in the tax-filing process?

TurboTax: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

March 23, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: TurboTax

Passing a costumed Statue of Liberty lady this afternoon as she waved and jumped around attracting attention, I scanned the vacant parking lot. Her business was slow today.

I know some people prefer to sit down with an individual to file their taxes. If you are one of those, then this series is not for you.

In using time wisely, this series on tax filing options is centered on online versions designed to get your taxes prepared and filed in one online visit.

Choosing to review these options, I started with TaxACT, moved to H&R Block, and will conclude with TurboTax.

Military Edition – E1-E5 – Cost $0

This military edition is the only FREE 2013 income tax filing option. Active military personnel and reservists ranked E-1 to E-5 can file a FREE federal and FREE state return with FREE preparations and e-filings.

Free Option – Cost $0

The free option is suited for first-time filers and students and includes preparation for simple federal tax returns and e-filing. Tax help is available via live chat, and each state filing incurs a $29.99 fee.

Military Edition – E6+ and officer – Cost $44.49

This military option assists with all tax preparation and e-filing for active military personnel. Each state filing is an additional $29.99 fee.

Deluxe Option – Cost $49.99

Designed for homeowners, the deluxe option includes everything from the free option plus mortgage interest, charitable donation deductions, and e-filing. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

Premier Option – Cost $74.99

For rental property owners and investors who sold stock, bonds, or mutual funds, this premier package contains everything in the deluxe option plus gives guidance on investment deductions. State filing is $39.99 per state.

Home and Business – Cost $99.99

Created for business owners, this option includes everything from the premier package plus maximizes business deductions (Schedule C). State filing costs $39.99 per state.

Since I have to file Schedule C for Using Time Wisely, I would have had to pay $139.98 to file our taxes with TurboTax. Yikes!

Though this price might be reasonable for the services provided, I am truly grateful for TaxACT. Paying $17.99 seems more than reasonable for their services as we continuing stretching our dollars.

If you are still considering your 2013 income tax filing options, then I hope that you have found some answers through this short series. Though TaxACT works best for my family, you might find another resource more beneficial – like the TurboTax military edition.

Whatever your choice, keep a close watch on your calendar and file your taxes before the April 15, 2014 deadline. Happy filing!

Question: What is your favorite option for filing your taxes?

H&R Block: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

March 22, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: H&R Block

The April 15, 2014 tax deadline is quickly approaching. I know some are still wondering if filing yourself is best or just hiring a professional may be easier.

With so many companies luring in individuals with FREE federal income tax filing, I took time last year to breakdown the top three companies and their prices: TaxACT, H&R Block, and Turbo Tax.

Using the same format as last year, I am updating those same three companies’ information as prices and services have changed for this year.

Having already reviewed TaxACT, who had a $.04 increase this year, I now turn to H&R Block who has significantly increased their prices since last year. Ouch!

Free Option – Cost $0

The free option is suited for first-time filers and includes preparation for simple federal tax returns and e-filing. Each state filing incurs a $29.99 fee.

Basic Option – Cost $34.99

Designed for simple returns, the basic option includes federal tax preparation, imports your information from last year (if you used H&R Block, Turbo Tax, or TaxACT), one federal e-filing, and stores your return for 3 years with unlimited access. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

Deluxe Option – Cost $49.99

For homeowners and investors who itemized their deductions, this deluxe option package contains everything in the basic option plus gives guidance on home mortgage interest, provides help with your investments and dividends, and offers a valuation of your charitable donations. State filing is an additional $39.99 per state.

Premium Option – Cost $74.99

Created for business owners and rental property owners, this premium option includes everything from the deluxe package plus maximizes business deductions (Schedule C), rental property guidance (Schedule E), and priority support. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

After reviewing the H&R Block options, I would have had to pay the $114.98 price as I file a Schedule C for Using Time Wisely. Though this price might be reasonable for the services provided, I am truly grateful for TaxACT as the $17.99 price was a better option for our family and continues to meet our needs.

NOTE: None of these tax filing posts are sponsored, nor am I being compensated for any of these posts. The opinions are 100% mine.

In noticing that more companies are luring customers with FREE federal tax filing, I wondered how they compared. So, I’m finding out by doing a little research, and passing that information along to you.

Having looked at TaxACT and H&R Block, I will continue this short series by reviewing TurboTax next. Stay tuned to see which option is best for you. Happy choosing!

Question: Do you know of any other FREE or discounted tax filing options with online service? If so, please share in the comments as I will research those options as well. Thanks!