Tax Freedom Day... sounds like you should not be paying taxes. On the contrary, Tax Freedom Day represents how many days the average American needs to work in order to pay their taxes.

This year's Tax Freedom Day falls on April 30, which means Americans on average will work for 120 days in order to pay their taxes.

Savings bonds are a great way to invest income conservatively. Not only is the bond guaranteed by the United States government, but it also pays interest based on current market rates.

While the interest on these bonds is taxable at the federal level when redeemed, there is one way to avoid it.

Do you have a safety net savings account for that rainy day when your car breaks down and you come home to find out your heating and cooling system is out at home?

If you don't, you should!

In my opinion, the number one reason people do not achieve their financial goals is debt. If you do not have an emergency savings fund you will have to go into debt to finance the next curve ball life throws your way.

So how much should you save in your emergency fund?

I recently booked two tickets on Southwest airlines from West Palm Beach, Florida to Nashville, Tennessee. Before taxes and airport fees, each ticket cost under $100.

I was made aware of these discounted fares because I signed up for the Southwest "Ding" alerts. There are, however, a few key tricks to actually getting these low fares.

With the tax deadline tomorrow, you may be stressing out trying to get your tax return filled out at the last minute. Or you may be begging a CPA to find some time to complete your return.

But either way, there is another option. You can always file a tax return extension.

Think the value of your home can't decrease? Think again!

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average price of homes will fall nationally by approx 0.7%. This is significant because it would be the first national decline in home prices in over 38 years.

As homeowners, there are two different ways we can look at this anticipated decline.

First, the value of the home where you presently live may decrease in value. Second, there may be buying opportunities if real estate values do decline.

Our favorite beat reporter, Randy, is at it again... He sends us this great tip for how to get out of a Verizon phone contract -- without any penalties!

But first, I have to ask... how many of you prefer Verizon over Cingular... or vice versa?