Personal Finance ~ Open Phones

Chuck dedicates the show to personal finance and opens up the phones to all sorts of questions. He also talks a bit about how a recent study shows that 6 out of 7 folks are staying the course with their 401(k) investments and that we should continue to see breaks on our natural gas heating and gasoline expenses. Verse of the Day: "Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." ~ Luke 12:15 __________________________________________________________ Chris hasn't filed taxes in 10 years, and is worried about a small business he closed in 1997 that he may owe on as well. What should he do? Caroline has some CDs and wonders if it's a good place for her money right now. Once Chuck begins to listen to her story, he realizes there's a much bigger problem going on ... Susan wants to know if Chuck can recommend a website where she can file her taxes for free. Linda has a variable rate parent student loan for $12,000. What are her options for re-financing? Ibuenfil's husband never paid child support. She's 72 and doesn't know how to locate him or even if he's still alive. Chuck gives her some great information about how to go about locating him and how she may be able to draw on his Social Security. Omar's employer recently stopped matching his 401(k) contributions. What should he do now? Sonia emails her question about whether should she have a down payment for their first home. They've lived in an apartment for ten years and are ready to own!