iMommyTalk

  It's the end of the year, and that means it's time to start making New Year's Resolutions. As you get ready to make a money checklist for the first of the year, stop and think about what you want to accomplish. Money can be a great way to meet your goals, but you need to have a plan....

  My favorite holiday is Christmas.  I love everything about it... from the decorating my home for this festive holiday to the Christmas dinner.  Now that I'm a mother, I love Christmas even more.  I have lots of favorite things about Christmas.  I have a favorite ...movie, song and food.  And a favorite ornament - and if you watch the video you'll see I get just a wee bit emotional.  But you will...

  It's tax time, and I get a lot of questions about different aspects of taxes. I am not a tax professional, nor am I financial professional. But there are some things I know. And one of those things is the difference between a deduction and a credit. Here is a look at ...the essential differences between these two items that can affect how much you pay in taxes....

This started out as an explanation about Hanukkah and ended up more of a discussion of how we celebrate it. Would love to hear your family traditions.

  Many people do not itemize their tax deductions. If you don't check to see whether your possible itemized deductions on Schedule A (PDF available for free download on the IRS web site) of your Form 1040 exceed the standard deduction, you could be missing out. Add up d...eductions for charitable donations, mortgage interest and other items on Schedule A to see where you stand....

  One person's junk is another's treasure. You've heard this plenty. The good news is that your stuff -- as long as it is in good condition -- can be donated and then itemized for a tax deduction. You don't need to donate cash in order to help others. Donating your stuf...f can be a good way to help others, and reap a tax benefit for you....

  Many of us wonder what is appropriate in terms of tipping during the holiday season. The good news is that there are guidelines. Here are a few guidelines from the Emily Post Institute and from Miss Manners. They are also tips I used in an article I wrote yesterday fo...r Peak Personal Finance on holiday tipping.   AllBusiness Personal Finance Corner

I have come to terms with the fact, that I cannot do it all.  I can't give 100% of myself to all aspects of my life at the same time.  So I'm going to give "my best" (whatever that may be at the time) to all aspects of my life.  With my family always being at the top of... that list. I was suffering from some mommy guilt the other day.  My...

  If you are planning on using a credit card this holiday season, you should use your card responsibly. Here are some tips to help you keep your spending under control this holiday season. AllBusiness Personal Finance Corner

  I was reading an article recently about how too many of our kids are overweight.  The article was very optimistic, in that, if parents get involved and become active participants in our children's health... we could get our kids at healthy weights. Sounds good.  ...The problem is the article. from BaltimoreSun.com, was 19 years old.  So almost 20 years ago we had this problem and today it's even worse.  Recent studies show...