What to do with $1,000 now
Given the uncertain economic picture, you probably have a chunk of change squirreled away. Here's how to best use that cash.
Fight your property tax bill - the easy way
If you own a home that has fallen in value and live in a high-tax area, you could save a bundle by fighting your assessment. But doing it yourself can be maddening and time consuming. Not up for it?
Outsource the job to a real estate lawyer or a new breed of pro: a property tax appeal expert. He or she will handle the whole thing and charge 25% to 50% of your first year's tax savings.
Say you live in Lake County, Ill., and the value of your home has fallen from $600,000 to $450,000. A reassessment could lower your annual bill from about $13,000 to $9,750, says Curtis Perlman, president of Lake County Appeal. You'd owe the pro $813 (if he charges 25%).
Take the remaining $187 and spend it on a fancy dinner to celebrate!
NEXT: Pick a low-fee 529 plan
Last updated October 18 2010: 2:02 PM ET
