Spring Cleaning and Income Taxes

March means the coming of spring, which is a time of spring cleaning and income tax preparation. A recent Forbes article notes that tax season is a good time to discuss finances with an aging relative http://blogs.forbes.com/meghancasserly/2011/03/01/your-aging-parents-and-tax-season-a-getting-started-guide/. Proper financial planning includes maintaining a list of accounts (banks, brokers, etc.) and insurance coverage, as well as plans for future care. Another article reminds us that children may claim a parent as a dependent or set up a multiple support agreement with other siblings. http://www.caring.com/articles/save-money-on-your-taxes-family-caregiving?utm_medium=email&utm_source=suggests&utm_campaign=pay&utm_content=20110302

Many people struggle with cleaning a house or apartment when it's time to move or downsize. It's helpful to clean as you go. So take this opportunity to look at the piles of clothes that may not fit or books that fill your shelves and consider donating them to an area charity.