Tax Help: Give Back? Get Back!

Are you a giver? Learn how to get your donated time, and goods deducted from your 2009 taxes this year.

Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Shopping

Knowing the secrets to finding the best deals on holiday gift purchases will help shoppers to get the best value out of their shopping experience. ...   more Knowing the secrets to finding the best deals on holiday gift purchases will help shoppers to get the best value out of their shopping experience. To help shoppers create a successful holiday shopping strategy Steve Kemble, Americas sassiest lifestyle guru, will help you become the master of your holiday shopping with these tips and more.




•Subscribe to your local malls mailing list. Find out about the hottest deals first by joining the mailing list of your local mall. You may be alerted of any upcoming sales, receive coupons to get the best deals on your holiday purchases, and find out first about special in-mall promotions such as special Black Friday events.

•Buy Early and Late: Be a savvy shopper and buy gifts throughout the year when you find a good sale. By planning ahead and crossing some items off your list before the holidays, you can avoid feeling pressured into last-minute purchases and find a few gifts during late-season sales when some stores offer deeper discounts.

•Buy Last Years Model: Skip the lines and the steep prices by buying last years model on electronics that have likely seen up to 30 percent price cuts. Do your research and find out if those extra pixels or special features are essential for the person you are shopping for. If you pay close attention, you may find that last years model does 95% of the things that this years model does, but at 70% of the price.

•Comparison Shop: Organization is key in a successful holiday shopping strategy. Start a list of items you need to purchase and watch for ads in the newspaper, on television, and in your mall subscription alerts starting in early November. Then make your purchases wherever you find the best deals or most compelling promotions. Start a GGP malls all over the country are offering great retail offers on Black Friday; check out www.MerryGiving.com for more event information!

Kemble will also share his list of this seasons hottest holiday must-have gifts that offer great value, helping to ensure that you dont have to break the bank to get everyone on your list - from the fashionista to the techie exactly what they want.   less