Avoid These Common Tax Scams

Your tax return is due in 15 days and the IRS wants to make sure you're not falling for any tax scams.

Some tax payers are requesting large and improper amounts for the telephone tax refund. For most taxpayers, the refund will be $30 to $60. If someone says you deserve more, ask why.

Dishonest tax preparers aren't just pushing telephone tax refund abuse. They're also skimming a portion of clients' refunds and charging inflated fees for customer no-service. Watch out for anyone who promises you a bigger refund without having looked at your tax situation.

And if someone tells you that you don't owe any taxes because the sixteenth amendment concerning congressional power to establish and collect taxes was never ratified, don't believe it. There are many laws on the Federal books requiring you to pay income tax.

Finally, when you sign your name, you're responsible and liable for the content of your tax return. So, be sure the information is correct and that you understand it.

Smart Buyers Hire Agents in Slow Markets

Recently, the National Association of Realtor released its sales figures and said the number of homes sold was up over the previous month.

In some places, sales are up, like in the Northeast, and in places like Chicago they're down 12 percent.

Agents say that after a quick start to the year, the trend is for a more normal, meaning slower, buyer's market.

Buyers are shopping around, and looking at properties, but they're not moving quickly to make an offer. Instead, they're taking their sweet time which is tying home sellers in knots.

But while you'd think that buyers have all the power, the really savvy home buyers are using agents to help them negotiate the very best deals possible. Good agents know what discounts developers and builders are giving – which can save you thousands of dollars on the purchase price of a new home – and they know what kinds of discounts sellers are willing to take.

For reasons I still don't understand, some buyers prefer to go it alone. For my money, that's a mistake you don't want to make, particularly in this market.

Can you talk to your loved ones about money? It's time you started.

I received a letter from a listener recently who wondered if her 18-year marriage had been a total scam. Her husband seemed to be lying to her about money and what she could and couldn't own. Was he being honest about their joint finances?

I gotta tell you – asking these questions some 18 years into the marriage is too little, too late. I've been married almost 18 years and not a week goes by that Sam and I don't talk about our money.

With the wedding season in full swing, more couples seem to be saying "I do" without saying "What do you own and owe?"

You and your significant other need to have regular conversations about how much you make, how you spend it, how much you have saved and what your goals and dreams are.

It is possible to have a happily ever after life. But expect to spend a lot of time talking about money – even if you have a lot of it.

How to Hire a Green Builder

Over the past few years, the green buzz has been growing. More home buyers are concerned with how builders are putting up homes, and how "green" they are.

Building a "green" house means focusing on sustainable design and construction. In other words, being as energy self-sufficient as possible while creating as little waste as possible.

While the whole "green building" movement can still seem a little "earthy-crunchy" to some folks, it's taken root in a very serious way. Architects and builders have started to specialize in green development, and even those who aren't steeped in the whole green movement are taking baby steps in that direction.

The thing you have to understand is that virtually no government regulatory agency licenses contractors or architects as "green." But you can find licensed contractors affiliated with or certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, The National Association of Home Builders, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

You can also go to the Environmental Protection Agency's website, EPA.gov/greenbuilding for more information.

I'll put up the links online at my website, thinkglink.com/green

Reinventing the different rooms of your house

Eight years ago, when my husband, Sam and I were planning out renovation, our architect asked us if we were going to have a separate family room or just use the living room.

We opted to use the living room, which is a big space that otherwise wouldn't be used that frequently. And, by and large, that's been a good decision for us.

Today, family rooms are ubiquitous, and true formal living rooms have fallen somewhat out of favor. Now, the family room is undergoing a makeover, as families look for new ways to spend time together.

One trend is to create a space that includes multiple computer stations, adjustable furniture that grows with your kids, and toys for everyone. If the room includes a big flat-screen TV, it may come with a way of hiding it when not in use, or with limits on when kids and parents can watch.

Hanging together, but doing separate things – be sure to keep an eye on this new housing trend.