Melissa Plondke
Melissa Plondke loves numbers, especially when they start with dollar signs. She works as a bookkeeper in Austin, Texas. Always willing to put her two cents in, Melissa has financial advice at the ready, solicited or not.
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- 9/30/2009
Displaying Results 1 - 31 (of 31) for All Content
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Reasons to Choose a 30 Year MortgageMy husband and I chose a 30 year fixed rate mortgage when low mortgage rates and attractive prices spurred us to purchase a new home in April 2009. Learn why a 30 year mortgage might be the best home financing choice for your home purchase.
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Tax Planning for Expecting Moms and DadsWhen a baby is on the way, new mothers and fathers may find the expenses overwhelming. Learn about tax deductions and credits that may be available to families, and how to change your W-4 to stretch your paycheck now or maximize your tax refund. -
Guide to the Best Christmas Beer Gift IdeasIf someone on your Christmas list has a one track mind, and the one track is beer, then you need beer gift ideas to meet their every Christmas beer need. Here's a dream gift guide to buying holiday beer gifts for the beer lover on your list. -
Top Christmas Seasonal Ales of 2010Have you noticed the new Christmas beers in your favorite grocery store or liquor store, the ones with a wreath and Santa Claus on the label? To help decide which to try in 2010, check out this list of favorite seasonal ales.
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What is an Accelerator Mortgage, and Who Can Benefit?Depending on spending habits, an accelerator mortgage can save a homeowner thousands in interest charges without permanently locking up funds in the home.
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Clean House: A Guide to Prepare Your Home for SaleWhen selling your home, you may wonder how to obtain a higher sales price. A clean and organized home is inviting to buyers and highlights the best features of the house. Tackle these clutter zones before placing your house on the market. -
Garlic Mashed Potatoes with CarrotsAre you looking for a special dish to take to a potluck or something to break up the weekly dinner routine? Everyone will enjoy the intense garlic flavor of this traditional comfort food with beautiful fall colors. -
Challenges in Fair Value Accounting ContinueAccountants and other business professionals agree with the foundations of fair value accounting, but remain eager to see the broad statements of previous years fleshed into precise and practical standards for implementation.
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Texas Beer: The 3 Top Microbrews in Austin, TexasWhen you combine barley, hops, yeast, and water, it yields one of the most delicious beverages known to man. If you prefer your beer a little off the beaten path, you will want to try one of these top microbrews in the Austin, Texas area.
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Will You Join My Pyramid Scheme?These days more people may be susceptible to schemes to earn some fast money. As a financially savvy bookkeeper with a business degree, I never suspected I could be at risk. Learn the hallmarks of a classic get rich quick scheme from my close call.
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Reduce Clutter and Reduce Your TaxesA donation to a charity-run thrift store has valuable benefits for you. Cut clutter in your home, get a tax deduction, and feel good about yourself while helping others. Follow this easy plan.
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Paying Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement: Income Vs. ExpenseFinancial gurus divide into two camps over paying off a mortgage. One camp argues that it produces financial security; the other contends it makes funds inaccessible. Here's a closer look at both sides to help you decide what's right for you.
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Judge Cancels Mortgage: Is it Fair to the Rest of Us?New York judge Jeffrey Spinner cancelled mortgage obligations of over $500,000 for Diana Yano-Horoski and her husband, Greg Horoski. What happened, and why millions of Americans may be saying "What about me?"
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Home Improvement Resolutions to Make for 2010It might be difficult to stick to a New Year's resolution personally, but you can make home improvement resolutions for 2010 that you will want to keep. Here are the top goals of our to-do list for the coming year. -
Copy Michelle Obama's State Dinner Decor for Your PartyLearn how you can recreate the simple elegance of the first state dinner of the Obama White House in your own home.
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Where to Find Christmas Present Bargains for Tween Boys 8-12You might be finding it hard to shop for the tween boy on your Christmas shopping list. Learn where to find Christmas present bargains for tween boys that will have them saying "Awwwesome." -
Where to Find Christmas Present Bargains for Tween Girls 8-12Tween girls can be one of the most confusing demographics to shop for at Christmas. Learn where to find Christmas present bargains for tween girls that will make them squeal with delight. -
Look like a Star: How to Rent Designer Clothing OnlineCelebrity status is no longer needed to borrow items by top designers. Learn how to rent designer clothes online from these websites before you fork over hundreds of dollars for your next purchase. -
Give Themed Gourmet Gift Baskets for Christmas PresentsTo do something special for those on your Christmas shopping list (even people you don't like), assemble a themed gourmet gift basket with delicious goodies. Start with these suggestions, and get creative with gourmet gift baskets this Christmas. -
Guide to the Best Corporate Christmas Gifts of 2009Buying Christmas gifts for corporate workers is tricky. It isn't easy to show your appreciation to a large and diverse group of people. Here's a list of the best corporate Christmas gifts for 2009 and one corporate Christmas gift to avoid every year. -
Help a Charity in Austin for ChristmasAt this time of year, it is difficult to ignore those around us facing challenges. If you are looking for a local charity to share Christmas generosity with, here are some outstanding causes doing good works in Austin, Texas.
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Strategies to Save Money Shopping Black Friday's DealsSome people think it is a nightmare; other people say it is their favorite holiday tradition. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your holiday savings on Black Friday. -
How to Create a Clothing Listing on EBaySelling clothing and accessory items on EBay can earn you some cash while freeing up room in your closets. To successfully sell clothing in an online auction format, you will want to use these easy tips.
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Low Cost Christmas Centerpieces to Wow Your Holiday GuestsAs the holidays approach, budgets are stylish. With these inexpensive ideas for holiday décor, you can wow your Christmas party guests with your fashion sense and your financial sense. -
Should My Child Receive an Allowance?Many parents have strong feelings on dispensing an allowance to their children. Does an allowance teach good money habits, or will it foster a sense of entitlement? Here's a look at the do's and don'ts of setting up an allowance for your child. -
How to Find Balance in Your Life After Job LossA few years ago, I was the poster child for work-life imbalance. In everything I did, work came first. Following a job loss, I reshaped my priorities to find my work-life balance. -
Low Cost Stocking Stuffers for EveryoneThis year, we find it important to stay on track with our holiday spending, and that even extends to low cost stocking stuffers. Here are several ideas to locate unique fillers while spending less overall. -
How to Afford a Gift for Every EmployeeEmployers face many dilemmas in rewarding their employees for their work and dedication throughout the year. Here's a list of great low cost gift ideas in a range of prices for your workers.
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How to Be a Financial PlannerWho can you turn to for qualified financial advice? A certified financial planner may be out of reach for many Americans. Follow the same process as a certified financial planner to take control of your personal financial success.
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How to Track and Reduce Your ExpensesOne of the simplest ways to reign in spending is to develop a method of tracking your expenditures. Remember these key points as you investigate where your money goes.
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Save Money on Food Now: Cheaper Groceries in Thirty Minutes or LessIn today's trying financial times, families across the country are looking for ways to slash household expenses. Try this clever and easy method to slash your grocery expenses this week.