Despite lower gas prices nationwide, the IRS announced this week that it will increase the standard mileage rates for motorists who use their vehicles for business purposes. Effective January 1, the new rate will be 57.5 cents, up from this year’s 56 cents. In contrast, the IRS will reduce the standard mileage rate for miles driven for medical and moving purposes by half a cent. The standard rate for miles driven in service to charitable organizations will remain the same at 14 cents. According … [Read more...]
Zillow Predicts First-Time Homebuyers Will Boost Housing Market in 2015
December 11, 2014 by
Zillow expects rising rent costs to motivate more millennials to become first-time homeowners in 2015. In its annual housing predictions, released this week, the online real estate giant predicts new homeowners will play a pivotal role in reviving the lagging housing market. According to the forecast, buyers under the age of 35 will make up the largest group of homebuyers by the end of 2015. Zillow’s Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries is cited in the company’s forecast saying, “The lack of … [Read more...]
Funds Dry Up for the Most Successful Homebuyer Assistance Program in Illinois History
December 5, 2014 by
Welcome Home Illinois, the state’s most successful assistance program for homebuyers, is ending this month. The $80 million budget set aside for the popular program has been depleted earlier than expected. The program, which started this spring, provided $7,500 in down payment assistance to more than 10,356 homebuyers–most of whom say they would not have been able to purchase their home without the program’s assistance. No immediate plans have been announced to replace the program, which was … [Read more...]
Tax-Savvy Tips for Your Last-Minute Gifts to Charity
December 3, 2014 by
It’s the season for giving and preparing to file your taxes. If you’re trying to kill two birds with one stone, you may be looking to make a charitable contribution before year-end. To ensure that your contributions are deductible, the IRS has issued key reminders that all taxpayers should keep in mind when giving to their favorite charities. While it’s convenient to clean out your old unwanted items and donate them to the local Goodwill, the IRS warns that only items in “good used condition or … [Read more...]
Is Cyber Monday a Good Fit for Online Home Sales?
December 1, 2014 by
Cyber Monday is known for inspiring online consumers to make higher dollar purchases. In fact, consumers typically spend more than 2.5 times the amount of the average online purchase on the Monday after Black Friday. But can that spending trend extend to an online home purchase? That’s the question Homesearch.com is looking to answer this year. The online realty service is hoping to tap the open wallets of consumers with a Cyber Monday campaign that includes up to $10,000 in buyer incentives. … [Read more...]
Discounted Rates for Former Poplar Inc. Employees Affected by Upcoming Closures
May 1, 2014 by
Poplar Inc. is preparing to close operations centers in Rosemont, where it has approximately 300 employees. Of the 550 Popular positions in Rosemont and Orlando, 100 will be moved to other U.S. offices and 200 will be moved to Puerto Rico. This coupon is valid for former Poplar Inc. employees affected by these closures. Thomas W. Lynch & Associates, P.C. is offering the following until 5/15/2015: 20% off legal fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy OR 10% off legal fees for … [Read more...]
Discounted Rates for Former Coldwater Creek Employees Affected by Upcoming Closures
May 1, 2014 by
Coldwater Creek is another huge retailer that is being forced to file bankruptcy as sales continue to decline. Coldwater Creek has several stores in the Chicago area that will affect the livelihood of those employees once the stores close. This coupon is valid for former Coldwater Creek employees affected by these closures. Thomas W. Lynch & Associates, P.C. is offering the following until 5/15/2015: 20% off legal fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy OR 10% off legal fees for Chapter 13 … [Read more...]
Discounted Rates for Former Sbarro Employees Affected by Upcoming Closures
April 9, 2014 by
Sbarro is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection citing slower mall traffic as one of the reasons for lost revenues. As part of the current restructuring plan, Sbarro plans to close about 155 locations across North America. This coupon is valid for former Sbarro employees affected by these closures. Thomas W. Lynch & Associates, P.C. is offering the following until 5/15/2015: 20% off legal fees for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy OR 10% off legal fees for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy To … [Read more...]
Dominick’s Grocery Stores Closings
December 23, 2013 by
Safeway Inc., is closing its Chicagoland Dominick's Grocery Stores, all 72 stores - an event which will cost approximately 6,000 Dominick's employees their jobs. Some of the stores which are being closed have been in operation since the 1920's. The closing of the Dominick's Grocery Stores chain will affect many. It will certainly be a hardship for many of their customers. Many of the stores are located in areas which are under-served by other grocery stores. A few of the store … [Read more...]
