Emmys, Grammys, Tonys what awards should we give for great tax credits? The Creddys?

I may not have a good name for the award, but I have a great nominee the Maine Educational Opportunity Tax Credit.

What is the Maine Educational Opportunity Tax Credit?

It's a credit on your Maine tax return, reimbursing you for student loan payments made.

Learnvest published a Financial Pyramid for making healthy financial decisions, and I thought it was a great way to start the new year. This is what to aim for instead of perhaps spending every spare bit of money on 'stuff.'

The basics

The bulk of your focus is on this first point. It sets the foundation for the rest of the spending that you do and it is wisdom that you have already heard. But today will be the day for your really understanding how to do this! I'm sure of it.

More and more moms are starting their own businesses. This may be your future, too. So what should you keep in mind? Here are a few tips just for you, Momma.

Do your own thing

You've always thought that you would make an awesome millionaire. I totally agree!

And you know that not everyone who has a lot of money KEEPS the money. And some folks who have modest means have plenty saved.

I am a do-it-yourself gal. I would love to be able to pay for every type of expert and service. But if necessity is the mother of invention, a gal on a budget who wants what she wants becomes a DIY gal.

Many of us have had to become do-it-yourselfers on investing, managing our own 401ks or other tax-deferred retirement accounts at our workplace.

Some people dream of opening their own restaurant, running a construction company or developing a killer app. Others fall into self-employment when they agreed to lead lessons on a favorite topic, perform beta testing for a software company or install wiring at a house construction site. Planned or not, being self-employed is an entry in to a whole new level of taxes. If you find yourself self-employed here are some things to watch out for:

It's not your imagination; taxes are a bigger bite than before

Starting your freshman year at college? Taking a single class at a university? Pursuing a certificate program? You may be able to lower your tax bill. Here are some tips for doing that:

Know Your Credits: There are two education credits available.

We love a good story. We like hearing the stories of other people's lives, their heroics and their scandals.

I don't have a really great story for you this month, but I have surveys! I recently read the results of a couple of surveys about high net-worth investors that I thought would pique your interest. What are the rich doing and how are they feeling?

Innovators gathered on the Husson University campus on Feb. 11 for a chance to share their ideas and win some cash. It was the final preliminary round of the Big Gig Networking and Pitch Night, and the atmosphere was electric. It was a head-to-head competition to give the best elevator pitch. The winner of the night would receive $100 cash and a ticket to the finale in April where $1000 would be up for grabs.

Competitors could not use hand-outs or power points. Instead, they had five minutes flat to communicate their plans and ideas. A panel of 'Big Wigs' could then question them and give constructive criticism. The power to choose the winner was given to the audience, however. 

A financial plan covers your entire financial picture: your assets and liabilities, your risk management, your financial goals and whether or not they are realistic. Financial advisors offer plans, and because they are so extensive, there is a cost to have one developed for you. Here are some of the parts that comprise a good financial plan.