Travel Tips for the Brave

My father works for a major airline company, and can therefore travel wherever his roaming heart desires for virtually free. However, unless he has a friend to stay with, there are always hotel costs - and that's where traveling can punch you in your pocketbook.

While reviewing submissions for our blog carnival (refer to the last blog), I came across this blog about Free Lodging on vacations.

His links are definitely useful, although I think you'd have to be the adventurous type to actually use their services, even if they are free. For example, his first link is to a site that can connect you with strangers all over the world who are willing to offer their couch to you (or guest room). Still, they are very interesting, so check them out.

Tax Time Blues

Well, it's that time again. Yes, already. Taxes are due in just over two months, and I know a lot of people not so happy about this. For those of you who have already filed, dance your happy dance and don't bother to keep reading. . . But for the rest of us, here is a helpful hint.

You don't have to pay an arm and a leg to file your taxes, and no, I'm not suggesting TurboTax (although that's fine too). There are quite a number of online sites that will allow you to complete your taxes and file online FREE. Yes, I said free, but before you rush off to find one, there is a catch. Only the federal return is free, so make sure you find out how much it will cost you to file your state return before you decide on a site. I have personally used (and loved!) the following site for the last two years and will use it again this year: http://www.freetaxusa.com/ With this site it's only $9.95 to e-file your state return, so it's way cheaper than using a professional service. Best of all, it's super easy too! I promise.