Here is something you might consider next year:
You will be getting 2% payroll tax savings in 2011. Say you make $60,000 per year ($5000 per month). You will have $100 a month more money – congratulations! Before you go out and spend it all, think about taking some(or all) of it and putting into a regular or Roth IRA. This is a good way to save for retirement without even thinking about it. Set up an IRA account at Vanguard or another mutual fund family (or even your bank) or if you have a financial planner, get him to set up one for you, then have the money automatically taken out every month from your checking account. You will never miss the money and you will automatically save for retirement! A regular IRA will give you a tax deduction each year (in fact, if you designate the Jan – April contribution for 2010, you will get it on your 2010 tax return) while a Roth will allow you to take out the money tax free when you retire.
Well H & R Block just lost their bank for their refund anticipation loans! It has been looming for awhile, but now it is final. See the attached link: http://www.accountingtoday.com/news/Government-Orders-HSBC-Halt-RALs-HR-Block-56717-1.html
Talk to you soon!