Last week the Federal government decided to allow cash donations made to Haitian relief organizations from January 12 through February 28 to be deducted from either 2009 or 2010 tax bills. You have to itemize deductions to see a benefit from this new law and other conditions apply. (See the full IRS statement.)

This unusual deduction rule allows qualified tax payers to get a portion of their gift back within weeks of their donation. You can help Haiti and your tax bill at the same time.

Please give!

To donate to a legitimate relief organization, pick one from Google's Haiti disaster information page today.

Maybe going to the gym 7 times a week and promising to eat only 1500 calories a day are impossible resolutions to keep.

How about this keepable resolution, then? "I will avoid being scammed."

Most decreases in productivity around your business develop gradually over time. They're like a slow leak in a car tire — you don't notice them until you've stopped moving forward all together.

Check your business for the 6 silent signs of missed profits and growth.

Getting 10% off your bill by opening store credit card can be a tempting offer.

But, even if you know you can — and will — pay off your balance each month, applying for and opening that credit account might cost you more than you'll save.

Your quests for cash register discounts can add up to a lower credit score, and that can mean you'll be paying a lot higher interest rate on your mortgage and other installment debt.