WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Borders coupon for 33% offhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/borders-coupon-for-33-off/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/borders-coupon-for-33-off/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/borders-coupon-for-33-off/#commentsFiled under:

Here is the latest coupon from Borders. Get 33% off any one regular-priced item today through Thursday, Feb. 11.

Some exclusions. Online use coupon code BSL7210X. One per person. The coupon also works at Borders Express and Waldenbooks.

You must belong to their free Borders Rewards program to use the coupon. I highly recommend joining because it is free and they pretty much send you one coupon a week.

Caveats: cannot be combined with any other offer, excludes previous purchases, special orders, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, comics, coupon books, eBooks, digital downloads, video games, vinyl LPs, self-publishing programs, tax software, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone(R) software, shipping, and all electronics.

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Borders coupon for 33% off originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bargain BabeBargainBabebordersborders booksBordersBookscouponcoupon codecoupon codesCouponCodeCouponCodescouponsJulia ScottTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 ESTNo seed shortage for gardeners this spring, despite reports to the contraryhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/no-seed-shortage-for-gardeners-this-spring-despite-reports-to-t/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/no-seed-shortage-for-gardeners-this-spring-despite-reports-to-t/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/no-seed-shortage-for-gardeners-this-spring-despite-reports-to-t/#commentsFiled under:

home garden seeds not in short supplyThanks to the recession, more Americans are interested in growing their own vegetables. Bad timing, according to an Associated Press report that seeds for some popular veggies might be in short supply this spring.

However, I had the chance to speak by phone with George Ball, chairman of the home-garden seed industry leader W. Atlee Burpee & Co., who told me that its supply of home garden seeds was plentiful.

The AP reported that an industry representative from the Chas.C. Hart Seed Co. expressed concern that, thanks to increased demand from Europeans and a poor growing season last summer, cucumber, onion, snap pea and carrot seeds could be in short supply. Ball told me that while this could be true for some smaller companies, overall the supply should be adequate for even the increased demand that he's seen over the past two years.

Continue reading No seed shortage for gardeners this spring, despite reports to the contrary

No seed shortage for gardeners this spring, despite reports to the contrary originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Burpeegarden seedsgardeningGardenSeedsnutritionorganic foodsOrganicFoodsvegetable gardeningvegetable seedsVegetableGardeningVegetableSeedsTom BarlowTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:30:00 ESTDeaths spark crib recall: CSPC says to stop using Generation 2 and ChildESIGNS cribshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/deaths-spark-crib-recall-cspc-says-to-stop-using-generation-2-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/deaths-spark-crib-recall-cspc-says-to-stop-using-generation-2-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/deaths-spark-crib-recall-cspc-says-to-stop-using-generation-2-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a crib recall and warning anyone with Generation 2 Worldwide or "ChildESIGNS" drop side cribs to stop using them following reports of the deaths of three babies. At least a half million of the cribs are believed to have been sold by the now defunct company.

"Infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and suffocation hazards presented by the cribs," the CPSC said in a written statement. "CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby."

Continue reading Deaths spark crib recall: CSPC says to stop using Generation 2 and ChildESIGNS cribs

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]]>childesignsconsumer allyconsumer product safetyConsumerAllyConsumerProductSafetycpsccribcrib recallCribRecalldeathdrop sidedrop side cribDropSideDropSideCribgeneration 2Generation2recallMitch LipkaTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 ESTSurvey says? Homeowners think real estate collapse is overhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/survey-says-homeowners-think-real-estate-collapse-is-over/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/survey-says-homeowners-think-real-estate-collapse-is-over/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/survey-says-homeowners-think-real-estate-collapse-is-over/#commentsFiled under:

real estateA Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey published last week suggests that most homeowners think the worst is over, and don't anticipate further declines in the value of their properties in 2010.

Just 15% of homeowners surveyed in January expected their homes to decline in value over the next year, the lowest level since early 2007. It should be noted that the last time a lower percentage of homeowners expected their homes to fall in value, home prices promptly tanked.

Continue reading Survey says? Homeowners think real estate collapse is over

Survey says? Homeowners think real estate collapse is over originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>home sale trendahome sale trendshome saleshome sales priceHomeSalesHomeSalesPriceHomeSaleTrendaHomeSaleTrendsreal estateRealEstateZac BissonnetteTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:00:00 ESTDave Ramsey's recession-themed pick-up lineshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dave-ramseys-recession-themed-pick-up-lines/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dave-ramseys-recession-themed-pick-up-lines/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dave-ramseys-recession-themed-pick-up-lines/#commentsFiled under: ,

Get out of debt guru Dave Ramsey is now in the hookup business. He has provided his fans with a list of recession- and debt-themed pick-up lines.

Here are a few of the best ones, with an archive of past ideas here:

If I had a dollar for every time I thought about you, I'd be in a higher tax bracket.

I won't ask to borrow your phone number, since borrowing is stupid. Will you just give it to me instead?

Continue reading Dave Ramsey's recession-themed pick-up lines

Dave Ramsey's recession-themed pick-up lines originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>PickuprecessionZac BissonnetteTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:45:00 ESTValentine's Day is the best time to buy a sports carhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/valentines-day-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-sports-car/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/valentines-day-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-sports-car/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/valentines-day-is-the-best-time-to-buy-a-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's nothing like cruising down the highway, wind whipping through your hair in a sporty two-seater to stir up romantic feelings.

Whether you're playing the parts of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in "To Catch a Thief," enjoying a first date in an Alfa Romeo like Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross did in "The Graduate" or flying through the desert in your "Schaguar" like Mike Meyers and Elizabeth Hurley in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," there's no arguing with the romantic feelings that a fast car brings.

Even better than spending Valentine's Day in a sports car, right now is one of the best times to buy a one.

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]]>Audi R8Autotraderbest time to buycarsChevrolet CorvetteconvertibledealerDodge ViperDodgeViperLamborghini MurcielagoMazda MiataMercedes-Benz SL65Mercedes-Benz SLRNissan 350zNissan 370zPontiac SolsticePorsche Caymanrentsports carspring fevervalentines DayVroomJosh SmithTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:30:00 ESTCredit checks don't tell potential employers enough to allow themhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/credit-checks-dont-tell-potential-employers-enough-to-allow-the/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/credit-checks-dont-tell-potential-employers-enough-to-allow-the/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/credit-checks-dont-tell-potential-employers-enough-to-allow-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,

credit checksThe state of Oregon is considering a bill I think is a fabulous idea. SB 1045 is titled "Limits use of credit history for employment purposes to certain circumstances," and it does just that: prevents employers from requesting credit checks to use as a screening tool for potential employees, unless the credit history provides a substantial relation to the employee's job (for instance, a bank teller or mortgage broker position).

As someone who's seen this issue from many angles: as an employer who checked credit; as an individual with bad credit looking for a job; and as an employer burned by unethical employees, I believe credit histories, instead of providing an employer with valuable tools, are loaded with pitfalls on both sides of the hiring desks.

Continue reading Credit checks don't tell potential employers enough to allow them

Credit checks don't tell potential employers enough to allow them originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>credit checkcredit historycredit scoreCreditCheckCreditHistoryCreditScoregetting a jobGettingAJobinterviewjoboregonsb 1045Sb1045Sarah GilbertTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:15:00 ESTIRS has no information on missing stimulus checkshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/irs-has-no-information-on-missing-stimulus-checks/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/irs-has-no-information-on-missing-stimulus-checks/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/irs-has-no-information-on-missing-stimulus-checks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

stimulus checksAfter the popular "stimulus checks" issued as part of efforts to jump start the economy in 2001 and 2008, many taxpayers were again looking forward to a check in 2009. This year, however, checks weren't in the cards for most Americans.

Most of the taxpayer relief for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) focused on the Making Work Pay credit. The Making Work Pay credit allows up to $400 per individual worker and $800 per working married couple and is figured on your tax return. Those who did not work during the year are not eligible for the credit.

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IRS has no information on missing stimulus checks originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ARRAdisabledEconomy Recovery PaymentEconomyRecoveryPaymentMaking Work Pay CreditretireesSchedule MScheduleMstimulus checkStimulusCheckKelly Phillips ErbTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:00 ESTThe pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loanshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/the-pitfalls-of-refund-anticipation-loans/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/the-pitfalls-of-refund-anticipation-loans/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/the-pitfalls-of-refund-anticipation-loans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Anyone fortunate enough to be getting a tax refund will probably want that money sooner rather than later. But don't let your haste cloud your good judgment. There are a number of less-than-scrupulous outfits out there that are waiting to prey on your desire (or need) for quick cash.

One of my clients is a good example.

When she learned she was getting a refund on her taxes this year -- money she desperately needed to pay the oil bill -- it was all she could do to fight back the tears of joy. Last year, it had been a whole different story.

Continue reading The pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans

The pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>free tax helpFreeTaxHelpHR BlockHrBlockIRSJackson-HewittMilitary RALMilitary Refund Anticipation LoanMilitaryRalMilitaryRefundAnticipationLoanMRALRALRefund Anticipation LoanRefundAnticipationLoantaxVITAKelly Phillips ErbTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:45:00 ESTGroupon offers chance at $100,000 by living off its wares for a yearhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/groupon-offers-chance-at-100-000-by-living-off-its-wares-for-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/groupon-offers-chance-at-100-000-by-living-off-its-wares-for-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/groupon-offers-chance-at-100-000-by-living-off-its-wares-for-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Groupon contestIt sounds like the deal of a lifetime: Spend a year eating out at restaurants, living in hotels, skydiving and doing other exotic activities, all for free. And at the end of the year, collect $100,000 for your troubles.

Troubles? What troubles could anyone have after living such a high life? The kicker, and it's a heck of a kicker in the "Live off Groupon" challenge, is that the person chosen for this year of living wildly has to do it with nothing more than a free, unlimited supply of Groupons to give to merchants for everything from food and clothing to hotel rooms, bus rides and massages.

Continue reading Groupon offers chance at $100,000 by living off its wares for a year

Groupon offers chance at $100,000 by living off its wares for a year originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>contestcontestantcontestantscontestsGrouponAaron CroweTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:30:00 ESTHow to hire a snow shoveler, avoid the flakeshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/how-to-hire-a-snow-shoveler-avoid-the-flakes/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/how-to-hire-a-snow-shoveler-avoid-the-flakes/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/how-to-hire-a-snow-shoveler-avoid-the-flakes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

snow shovelSo you'd prefer to stay by the fire and let someone else clear your driveway and sidewalk during the next snowstorm?

Make sure you follow the WalletPop checklist from Mike Stevens, the owner of the industry newsletter Snowplow News, and Kevin Arroyo, the owner of R and A Cleaning snow removal in Staten Island, N.Y., so you don't get snowed.

Continue reading How to hire a snow shoveler, avoid the flakes

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]]>snowsnow shovelsnow shovelingSnowShovelSnowShovelingRon DickerTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 ESTTips to begin snow shoveling businesshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/tips-to-begin-snow-shoveling-business/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/tips-to-begin-snow-shoveling-business/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/tips-to-begin-snow-shoveling-business/#commentsFiled under: ,

snow shovelingTurn the snowfall into a windfall by starting your own snow-shoveling business.

With help from our experts, Mike Stevens, owner of the industry newsletter Snowplow News, and Kevin Arroyo, the owner of R and A Cleaning Services in Staten Island, N.Y., WalletPop offers the following advice to get digging:

Continue reading Tips to begin snow shoveling business

Tips to begin snow shoveling business originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>businessbusiness-modelsentrepreneurentrepreneursEntrepreneurshipsnow removalsnow shovelsnow shovelingSnowRemovalSnowShovelSnowShovelingRon DickerTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:45:00 ESTJewelry 50-70% off at Sears and Kmarthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/jewelry-50-70-off-at-sears-and-kmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/jewelry-50-70-off-at-sears-and-kmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/jewelry-50-70-off-at-sears-and-kmart/#commentsFiled under:

jewelrySales like this make me realize just how many people buy jewelry for Valentine's Day. Retailers know people are ready to buy bling, so they offer insane sales to land those dollars.

Now through Feb. 14, all sterling silver jewelry and fine jewelry at Sears and Kmart is 50-70 percent off.

Even if you don't buy anything you can enter Sears' "Runaway to Romance" sweepstakes. Two grand prize winners will win a three-night getaway to Napa Valley, Charleston, Austin or New York. If it was up to me I would definitely choose Napa.

The prize includes airfare, three nights hotel, and a $500 Am Ex gift card. Think of all the massages and wine tours you can buy with that. Wahoo!

You can enter the contest daily by filling out a form on this sweepstakes page. Eleven runners up will get $200 Sears gift cards. You'll need to share your name, e-mail, address, dob, gender, and phone number. Egads! That's a lot of info. Sweepstakes ends Feb. 15.

Continue reading Jewelry 50-70% off at Sears and Kmart

Jewelry 50-70% off at Sears and Kmart originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bargain BabeBargainBabekmartKmart SearsKmartSearssearsJulia ScottTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:30:00 ESTMoney College: Dump the 'Freshman 15' and fatten your wallethttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dump-the-freshman-15-and-fatten-your-wallet/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dump-the-freshman-15-and-fatten-your-wallet/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/dump-the-freshman-15-and-fatten-your-wallet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dorm eatingIt's sophomore year, and suddenly you're finding that your jeans don't fit like they used to? You're not alone. Although so-called "freshman 15" is an exaggeration, most students gain weight in college. Stress, a less-active life style, and those buffet-style cafeterias lead many students to pack on pounds. A Rutgers University study showed that if students keep up their freshman weight gain, they would gain 27 pounds by graduation.

Continue reading Money College: Dump the 'Freshman 15' and fatten your wallet

Money College: Dump the 'Freshman 15' and fatten your wallet originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>caloriesdietexercisefreshman15moneysavingmoneyweightlossMegan CottrellTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 ESTHelp Barbie land her next jobhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/help-barbie-land-her-next-job/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/help-barbie-land-her-next-job/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/help-barbie-land-her-next-job/#commentsFiled under:

Barbie is looking for a new job, and she's exploring several options: surgeon, architect, computer engineer, news anchor, and environmentalist.

Barbie's latest career move will be decided by an online vote that ends Wednesday, Feb. 10, and will be unveiled Feb. 12 at the Toy Fair in New York. Given the job prospects for some of these career paths, let's hope voters choose wisely.

Continue reading Help Barbie land her next job

Help Barbie land her next job originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>barbiebarbie dollbarbie dollsBarbieDollBarbieDollscareercareer adviceCareerAdvicecareersAaron CroweTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 ESTLovers giving less this Valentine's Dayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/lovers-giving-less-this-valentines-day/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/lovers-giving-less-this-valentines-day/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/lovers-giving-less-this-valentines-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new survey of by PayPal confirms that people are spending less on each other this year than they did before the economy took a crash but that doesn't mean they have stopped giving gifts altogether.

The majority of men who took part in the survey reported that they wished they could give more to their special someone this year which may be due to the fact that nearly half of consumers will spend less than $50 this year. Thankfully, only 28% of women reported that they would like to receive more on Valentine's Day, so for the most part couples should be able to enjoy each other's company on Feb. 14.

PayPal's Can't Buy Me Love survey also showed that George Clooney and Megan Fox topped the list of celebrities you would want Cupid to hit with an arrow. It's not all love though, Kanye West better work on a Valentine's Day auto-tuned hit otherwise he might be spending the day alone as he was voted the celebrity that people would least like to see on Valentine's Day.

Another interesting bit of information from the survey revealed the differences in valentine spending between single people and those in relationships which is shown on the graph below.

Continue reading Lovers giving less this Valentine's Day

Lovers giving less this Valentine's Day originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bing CashbackBingCashbackchocolatesdeasldiamondsdiscountsFlowersGeorge ClooneygiftsKayne WestMegan FoxPayPalrelationshipsinglespendingValentinevalentines dayJosh SmithTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 ESTMan-up: Free pants from Dockershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/man-up-free-pants-from-dockers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/man-up-free-pants-from-dockers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/man-up-free-pants-from-dockers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Where I come from, traipsing around in underwear that possesses only a memory of elastic is referred to as doing the walk of shame. But maybe that's just me. In a message that manages to channel both Lady GaGa and the dudes from The Full Monty, Dockers debuted its newest ad campaign during Sunday's Super Bowl and Testosterone Fest aptly entitled, Men Without Pants.

Striding boldly up a grassy knoll, wearing nothing but tighty-whities and casual Friday separates, an a cappella group of regular Joe's sing an anti-pant anthem and provide a cheeky look at Docker's new message to Man-kind: it's time to take back masculinity and start "wearing the pants."




Inspired by the idea that somewhere between manscaping and metrosexuals, manhood has taken a hit, Jim Calhoun, president of Dockers Brand, said he hopes the campaign will spark a discussion about what it means to be a real man in the 21st century. In his words, one who can "change a tire and a diaper." Personally, I've got a cell phone and Triple A, if push comes to shove, I pick diaper. But then I'm not a guy.

Pointing to recently-released studies from the Pew Research Group (The Rise of Wives), an article in the New York Times (More Men Marrying Wealthier Women by Sam Roberts), and an NPR report (Human Male: Still a Work in Progress), Dockers says it is capitalizing on an emerging trend. Man-up guys, step away from the stonewash and get yourselves some serious anti-wussie wear: khaki pants. Or, do your laundry.

However, if finances don't allow, Dockers has got your back(side). It will be giving away 2,010 pair of free khaki pants at Dockers.com. (Insert chest bump, here) Nothing like a little wrinkle-resistant twill to put some swagger in a guy's step.

Real men who download Shazam software to their smartphones can also tag the ad and enter to win pants via mobile. (OMG, knuckles and a shot of Scotch neat).

Winners will find out instantly if they have scored a pair (of pants) and can enter daily until February 15. In the meantime, put down the quiche, and may the best man win.

Man-up: Free pants from Dockers originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>DockersDockers funny Superbowl AdDockersFunnySuperbowlAdI wear no pantsIWearNoPantsmanhoodshoppingSuperbbowl adSuperbbowlAdSuperbowlBonnie McCarthyTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 ESTWalletPop experts take on your questions, from capital gains to back taxeshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/walletpop-experts-take-on-your-questions-from-capital-gains-to/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/walletpop-experts-take-on-your-questions-from-capital-gains-to/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/walletpop-experts-take-on-your-questions-from-capital-gains-to/#commentsFiled under:

The Internal Revenue Service collected $56.4 billion from "enforcement efforts" in 2008. Peter Pappas of The Tax Lawyer's Blog expects the figure for 2009 to be even higher. Don't be another auditing statistic. WalletPop experts are on hand to answer some of your burning questions, from capital gains on property sales to back taxes on a business.

Question:
If my wife and I sold our two family houses of 25 years and had a rental 10 of those years, how much capital gains are we allowed to claim?
---Charlie

Answer from Barbara Weltman of the J.K. Lasser Institute:
A two-family home can be treated as one or two separate properties for purposes of a sale, depending on the facts. This is important, because only a home used as your principal residence for at least three of five years before the date of sale can qualify you to claim an exclusion of up to $500,000 of gain on the sale (a $250,000 limit applies to singles). If rental use was longer than three years within this five-year period, then any gain related to this portion of the home will be taxable and won't qualify for the home sale exclusion. Any depreciation claimed on the rental portion of the home after May 6, 1997, is subject to "recapture," which means this amount is taxed at a 25% rate; the balance of your gain is taxed at a 15% rate. And even if rental use during the five years doesn't exceed three years, any gain related to rental use after 2008 won't qualify for the home sale exclusion.

Continue reading WalletPop experts take on your questions, from capital gains to back taxes

WalletPop experts take on your questions, from capital gains to back taxes originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ask the expertsAskTheExpertstaxWalletPop expertsWalletpopExpertsLan N. NguyenTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 ESTTarget lets you carry gift cards on your cell phonehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/target-lets-you-carry-gift-cards-on-your-cell-phone/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/target-lets-you-carry-gift-cards-on-your-cell-phone/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/target-lets-you-carry-gift-cards-on-your-cell-phone/#commentsFiled under: ,

Whether you like them or not, gift cards remain an incredibly popular gift idea, which is why the new Target Mobile Gift Card program is incredibly cool. The new feature allows you to convert any Target gift card into a digital barcode that can be used from any Internet connected cell phone -- no extra fees involved.

Turning your plastic gift card into a digital barcode is a snap, just visit Target.com from a mobile browser, register for an account with your phone number and a PIN, then key in the information from your plastic gift card and you're done.

Now, instead of adding yet another gift card to your wallet, you'll have those cards in your cell phone. (just don't forget your phone.)

Having your gift cards in your phone is cool for more than one reason. For example, when you add a gift card, you can label it so that you know who you received it from. You can also pull up multiple gift cards at the store with no fumbling. But, perhaps the best part about the way Target chose to use mobile gift cards is that there's no app to download, no iPhone required, all you need is an Internet connection.

Given the estimated $30 billion "unredeemed gift card economy" having your gift card with you instead of taking up space in your sock drawer is a huge convenience.

Continue reading Target lets you carry gift cards on your cell phone

Target lets you carry gift cards on your cell phone originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>giftgift cardsKey Ring Reward Cardsmobile gift cardphoneplasticRewards cardsshoppingTargetTarget Mobile Gift CardwalletJosh SmithTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST10 ways to maximize your tax deductions -- without itemizinghttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/10-ways-to-maximize-your-tax-deductions-without-itemizing-ho/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/10-ways-to-maximize-your-tax-deductions-without-itemizing-ho/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/09/10-ways-to-maximize-your-tax-deductions-without-itemizing-ho/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Too often, taxpayers are led to believe that if they don't itemize, then there are no real deductions available to them beyond the standard deduction. In reality, there are a number of deductions that a taxpayer can claim without itemizing.

Here are 10 ways to maximize your tax deductions -- without going through the trouble of itemizing:

Continue reading 10 ways to maximize your tax deductions -- without itemizing

10 ways to maximize your tax deductions -- without itemizing originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alimonyeducator expensesEducatorExpensesFEMAIRAitemized deductionItemizedDeductionmaximizing tax deductionsMaximizingTaxDeductionsmoving expensesMovingExpensesnet disaster lossNetDisasterLossnew car sales taxNewCarSalesTaxreal estate taxes paidRealEstateTaxesPaidStudent loan interestStudentLoanInteresttaxtuition and feesTuitionAndFeesKelly Phillips ErbTue, 09 Feb 2010 06:30:00 EST