Located just over an hour from Chicago, Michigan’s Harbor Country is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a fun-filled week for the whole family. The quaint string of lakeside towns from New Buffalo to St. Joe features miles of pristine beaches, charming wineries, art galleries and enough antique shops to occupy the most […]
If you can easily afford to give your kids discretionary spending money, you may not be inclined to encourage them to get an after-school or summer job. But, even if money isn’t an issue, you could be doing your kids a disservice by not requiring them to work. “Working during the summer or after school […]
Raise the fun factor (and possibly trim the catering bill) at your next party by hiring a food truck to feed the crowd. There are currently about 80 food trucks cruising around Chicagoland and serving up enticing eats like Chorizo and Pepper Jack Mac ‘n Cheese, Pulled Pork Sliders, and Peanut Butter Cup Pancakes—and most […]
You and your spouse are partners in life, but should you stick together when it comes to your taxes? Lake Forest CPA Jerrold Jacks says that in the vast majority of cases, it is financially advantageous for married couples to file joint tax returns. “It provides for a lower tax rate,” Jacks says. “You are actually paying almost a […]
If you use the services of a nanny, did you realize that you are required to pay taxes just like any employer would? Many parents are not aware of their responsibilities around “nanny taxes.” So we asked Laura Weiland, president of The Nanny Tax Company, a tax preparation company in Park Ridge, for the scoop. […]
If you’re going to wake up early and battle crowds to score holiday shopping deals, you’ve got to make it count. Consider these tips to maximize your savings: 1. Charge your smartphone There are loads of websites and apps to help you track down deals. Money Crashers editor David Bakke recommends The Black Friday, which aggregates […]
If you’re hosting a gala or a wedding, you probably consider a professional event planner to be a must-have. But, what about your next Christmas dinner, child’s birthday bash or milestone anniversary party? When you’re entertaining at home, event planners can help you throw an affair to remember by amping up the décor, making sure […]
We all want to leave our children in the best possible care while we’re at work, but paying $50,000 (or more) a year for a full-time nanny doesn’t always make financial sense. For parents who don’t want to send kids to daycare, splitting the expense of a nanny with another family is one cost-effective solution. […]
