In the last couple weeks, we’ve seen record lows for many areas throughout the United States, including the Southeast.

Lower temperatures are straining power companies that are struggling to meet consumer demand. Many Southern farmers are seeing their crops put in danger. Stressed and chilled consumers are finding themselves at the doctors to treat an array of coughs, sniffles and fevers.

It seems as if everyone on this planet thinks that dealerships are always up to shady tactics. While most of them are, it’s better that you come prepared to a dealership, rather than not know anything at all, especially when it comes to the financing sector.

I was lucky enough to ask my Uncle, who used to work at a car dealership a few questions involving the financing department, and he was more than happy to share his secrets on financing.

It is that time of year again with Uncle Sam knocking at your door ready to collect your tax return and any taxes owed. Having to live through a tough economy is bad enough, not to mention paying lavish filing fees or more than your fair share in taxes.

Here are a few pointers to reduce your filing fees and circumvent IRS filing/underpayment tax penalties during these difficult economic times.

After a crazy investment bubble, people always say “Well, that was obvious… saw that one coming!” I heard people say that frequently once the dot com bubble burst. And once again when the real estate bubble burst recently.

However, it’s easy to say these sorts of things AFTER the fact. As obvious as it may seem, it isn’t. As they say, history repeats itself… and for good reason!

Bubbles are Bound to Burst

Time and time again throughout history, bubbles form and bubbles burst. What have some of the big investment/speculation mistakes been?

Way back many years ago, when I was financially challenged, the thought of buying anything that was associated with a rebate completely turned me off. I viewed them with one or more of the following mindsets:

* They were rip-offs.

* You never REALLY got your money back.

* That the paperwork involved made it simply not worth it.

* That it would be sent off to some tiny little town in Minnesota, never to be heard from again.

* That eight weeks was too long to wait for anything.

* That there just had to be something funny about it. I mean, after all, who would just give their stuff away?