Color of Money

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has good news for some taxpayers. First, if you didn’t file your tax return in 2009, you still have time — until April 15 — to claim any refund you might be due. The IRS estimates that half the potential refunds for 2009 are more than $500. That’s not […]

WASHINGTON — Do you know your number? That would be the amount of money you need — including your Social Security and a pension (if you have one) — to retire comfortably. A few years ago, the financial services company ING created a humorous advertising campaign around “Your Number.” Here’s how one ad went: Neighbor: […]

WASHINGTON — I need a crisis management plan.      Seriously, so much is happening in my private life that I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel.       We are a country in crisis. There is the economic downturn we are still trying to recover from. Then throw in high divorce rates, caregiving […]

WASHINGTON — One of the first things I do when I'm about to purchase a product or service is check the Internet for information. I'm particularly interested in getting help from companies that make my research easier by rating a product or company. But a recent action taken by the Federal Trade Commission is yet […]

WASHINGTON — In the age of identity theft, we are bound to run into conflicting information about what data we should share with providers, government agencies, and especially strangers. Recently, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners cautioned drivers about providing too much information following an auto accident. In many cases, the association said, drivers put […]