More Money Friday roundup: Deducting donations & stock market optimists
Personal finance from around the Web:
- Made a donation to Haitian relief efforts? You may be able to deduct it on your 2009 tax returns, thanks to swift action in Congress. If you haven't given yet, but want to, here's a list of top-rated charities and some pointers for smart giving. [Bucks, Charity Watch]
- If you apply for a new credit card after February 22, the card company will base your approval not only on your credit history, but also on the result of new tools that estimate your income. [CreditCards.com]
- Stocks have been choppy the past few days, but a new survey shows that more U.S. investors expect the stock market will rise this year than at any time in the past two years. [Reuters]
- House Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank thinks Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be eliminated in their current form. The congressman says lawmakers must find a new way to finance the U.S. housing market. [Bloomberg]
- You might think that paying off your mortgage would boost your credit score. One blogger saw the opposite happen. Good thing he's not shopping for a mortgage. [Five Cent Nickel]
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