Local florist becomes cork recycling drop-off site

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Once you pull the cork on that wine bottle, don’t toss it.

It can be recycled.

5 Spot: The best $5 (or $10, or $20) you’ll spend this year

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We talk so much about socking away money (which is a good thing, of course). But, the truth is, sometimes you need to spend a bit to save moolah — and to improve your life. Check out these tips, and you’ll see how they can make a difference. Here are four little investments with really big payoffs.

— Take someone you admire to lunch or coffee. Why is a coffee or lunch date worth your money, beyond offering a gripe or gossip session? Because connections are a big secret to how you can get where you want to go in life. Whom do you admire, either at work or socially? Lunch or coffee could open doors: A quick bite with someone can turn into a job opportunity.

Students get smart about credit cards

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Taylor Flahaven knows the risks of having a credit card.

“It’s easy to spend a lot of money with one,” the Carthage student majoring in psychology said. “So, I got rid of the temptation by not having one.”

Formal finances: Budgeting for the prom

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For most juniors and seniors, the prom is the most anticipated event of the year.

It’s a time to get dressed up and enjoy a special evening with friends. It’s something that everyone looks forward to, from parents to students to staff who help oversee and plan the evening.

Rethinking your refund

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This year, Kenosha County residents will file about 68,000 individual returns, said the IRS, and nationwide, the average federal tax refund will be $2,803.

That’s a nice chunk of change, and many folks claim it will go right into the savings account. But 35 percent say they’ll spend it. What’s the best option for your money?

Q&A for last-minute tax filers

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WASHINGTON — Here are 10 questions and answers from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to help you with any last-minute uncertainties you may have as the deadline for filing your 2012 individual income tax return approaches.

Comparing the latest hot new tablets

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Rapid changes in tablets are bringing more choices, new features and better prices. Here’s a rundown based on Consumer Reports’ initial tests:

The Barnes & Noble Nook HD is the highest-resolution tablet of its size.

The value of home improvements

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There are lots of reasons to do home improvement projects, but generally, increasing the value of your house isn’t one of them. So if you love the idea of an in-ground pool, that’s great. But don’t delude yourself into thinking that an aqua blue backyard paradise is going to increase your home’s value.

However, Kenosha Realtor Rick Burnett, a broker/owner with Power Realtors, said that buyers do notice the kitchens and bathrooms.

Yes, there’s help for that taxing task

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Need some help filing your taxes?

Don’t know what’s different for filing your 2012 return?