Issue Date: February 4, 2007
Save on Hawaii getaways with a B&B
It's no secret that a Hawaiian vacation can cost a small fortune. One of the best ways to save money is to stay at a bed and breakfast.
Bed and breakfast rates often start below $100 a night.
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B&Bs often are far less costly than beachfront resorts, with rates starting below $100 a night and rarely topping $200. Sample starting prices: $90 at Manu Mele on Oahu, $109 at Garden Gate on Maui and $125 at Nancy's Hideaway on the Big Island.
Because Hawaii B&Bs are independently owned, no two are alike. Some are spare bedrooms in a home, and others are separate units with private entrances, baths and, in some cases, kitchenettes. They can be in residential neighborhoods or rural settings. And although they are rarely on a beach, they're often just a short walk or drive away. In fact, unless you're staying in a major city, a rental car is a must. Note: Many Hawaiian B&Bs require a minimum two- or three-night stay.
For island-wide listings, see Bed & Breakfast Inns Online (bbonline.com) and bedandbreakfast.com.
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Prep for those 2006 tax forms
Organize your receipts now if you plan to take the sales tax deduction.
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It's almost tax time, so start gathering up your credit card bills, year-end statements from bank and brokerage accounts and mortgage statements. Also, corral 2006 sales receipts if you plan to deduct all of the sales tax you paid instead of taking the state income tax deduction.
As for that bag of clothes you gave the Salvation Army, you might not be able to deduct it unless it's in "good used condition or better." According to Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at tax information firm CCH, "That probably means getting a photo of it or getting the charity to state that it's in good used condition."
Tallying what you spent (or gave away) can help identify deductions or credits. "Organize and provide data to your tax person early to preserve available options," advises Leo Bruette, a tax partner with BDO Seidman. Or, use tax preparation software such as Intuit's TurboTax or H&R Block's TaxCut.
Calling on the experts to crunch the numbers can be critical, especially if you are one of 3.5 million Americans affected by the Alternative Minimum Tax this year. (To seeif you are, go to IRS.gov and search for the "Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant.") You may be able to lessen AMT's bite by seeking out professional advice on potential deductions or tax credits.
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Music helps you stick to your workout
Listening to your favorite tunes while working out can help you lose more weight and body fat.
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It turns out music can be for more than just your ears. A study by Fairleigh Dickinson University says people who listen to music while they exercise are more likely to stick to their workout plan. The study also found that listening to music led to significantly more weight and body fat loss.
But how can just a little Janet Jackson make such a big difference?
"Music is a powerful motivator," says Christopher A. Capuano, director of psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson. "It is also effective at distracting from the negative associations of exercise, such as physical exertion, heavy breathing and perspiration."
Capuano notes that upbeat or fast-tempo songs are better for more strenuous exercise. Most important? Listening to what you like best.
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Onions are anti-cancer
Garlic and onions can cut your risk of pancreatic cancer.
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Folklore says that eating onions and garlic wards off illness. Now, research says the duo may prevent cancer.
In a large study, Europeans who often eat the most onions and garlic have lower cancer rates. In fact, eating onions more than once a day cut the risk of colorectal cancer 56% and esophageal cancer 88%. Eating lots of garlic significantly cut risk of ovarian, kidney, esophageal and oral cancers. Pancreatic cancer, too, says a recent U.S. study of onions and garlic.
Getting the credit: organosulfur compounds (which partly account for garlic's strong taste and odor) and antioxidants (such as quercetin in onions).
CNBC reporter Sharon Epperson's finance book, "The Big Payoff," hits stores in May.
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