Category Archives: Personal Finance

Apply for The Forum’s Financial Fix-Up

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We’re in the midst of a teachable moment. Today’s economy has us all looking more closely at our money. It may be time for a financial fix-up, whether that’s just a tuneup or a complete overhaul. We are seeking local individuals or families to take part in a new series, The Forum’s Financial Fix-up.

Those selected will receive an individualized financial action plan, created by The Village Family Service Center’s financial counselors. These gurus will sit down with you and take an in-depth look at what you make, who you owe and how you spend your money. As a reward for following through on their advice, State Bank & Trust is offering $500 to each participating family to help achieve their financial goals.

Participants must be open and honest about their financial lives. After all, those chosen will have their names, occupations and photos printed in the paper. They must also be willing to reflect and change. Participants will be asked to blog about their financial fix-up, here at areavoices.com.

People in all sorts of financial situations are encouraged to apply, whether they’re in debt, newlyweds about to combine finances, nearing retirement and unsure if there’s enough, or saving for a long-term goal like a house, car or college.

To apply, fill out the application here. The deadline for applications is Nov. 28. Those chosen will be contacted in early December. For more information, contact Sherri Richards at (701) 241-5556 or srichards@forumcomm.com.

Document shredding offered at Village Family Service Center

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Your old bank statements, checks, credit card statements and offers can be shredded at The Village Family Service Center during Identity Theft Awareness Week. Free document shredding by Record Keepers will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 and 21 at 1201 25th St. S., Fargo. It’s a good idea to shred anything you don’t need anymore that contains personal and financial information. Material is limited to three banker boxes or four shopping bags. Cell phone recycling also will be provided by Wireless Alliance.

McGruff the Crime Dog will make an appearance Oct. 20, and free brats, chips and pop will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until they run out). Donations will be accepted for Nokomis Child Care Centers.

The Village’s Financial Resource Center is also sponsoring an ID Theft Presentation at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Tax deadline approaching

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Friday, Oct. 15, is the deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2009 tax returns. North Dakota Tax Commissioner Cory Fong sent out a news release today to remind thousands of individual taxpayers of the key deadline date.

The Tax Department expects to receive about 9,000 returns from taxpayers who requested an extension, the release said. Fong encourages these taxpayers to e-file their taxes because it is faster. So far this year the Tax Department has received nearly 240,000 individual income tax returns through e-file.  Paper returns received by the Tax Department continue to decline, with fewer than 112,000 individual income tax returns filed on paper during 2010.

Taxpayers can access tax forms, publications and other information about e-file and Free File at www.nd.gov/tax or by calling (701) 328-7088, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Fargo library offers money smart sessions

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The Fargo Public Library, with help from a $53,000 grant, has been trying to smarten up seniors and students when it comes to money. Now, it’s beginning a series of classes geared at New Americans.

The Money Smart Sessions for New Americans start Saturday, Oct. 2. Sessions will be geared to the Bhutanese, Liberian, Somali and Burundi populations.

Other classes have been held for senior citizens. Online videos are geared toward students. Beth Postema, deputy library director, says the library is an unbiased source of information on finances.

Read more about the Money Smart initiatives in The Forum on Wednesday.