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Check a CCRC's Financial Strength A CCRC will take a close look at your financial situation before accepting you as a resident, and you should apply the same due diligence to the CCRC. A sentiment echoed by CCRC providers, experts and residents alike: Don't wait too long to make the move into a CCRC. RETIREMENT Touring the grounds of Pine Run Retirement Community, in Doylestown, Pa., it's easy to see the appeal for its 450 or so residents. [Extracted from the article]

The IRS is expanding its free Direct File program for the upcoming tax season, allowing more taxpayers to prepare and file their tax returns online at no cost. The program now covers a wider range of tax situations, including various forms of income and tax credits. Direct File is available in several states, with more potentially joining before the tax season begins. Users are guided through the process similar to commercial tax software, but state tax returns must be prepared separately. [Extracted from the article]

Fidelity Investments now offers a new service that allows customers to set up automatic, recurring investments in stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This is significant because other major brokers have only allowed automatic investing in mutual funds. The service also allows customers to take advantage of dollar-cost averaging, which involves investing equal dollar amounts at regular intervals to buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices go up. [Extracted from the article]

The article evaluates reward card programs including Citi double cash mastercard, cash back in rotating categories from Chase Freedom Visa, and no-fee travel rewards from Bank Amercard Travel Revwards Visa.

The article reports on several streaming video options including SlingTV, Comcast Corp., and Netflix Inc. It states that these alternatives to cable television (TV) networks are far better than them, as they provide unlimited on-demand programming. It also states that with these options viewers can watch back episodes of all TV programs anytime.

The article evaluates several rewards cards including Citi Double Cash from Citigroup Inc., Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite from Barclaycard Ltd., and Fidelity Investment Rewards from the company, Fidelity Investments.

The article reviews the web site for managing finances including preventing expenses by budgeting through websites with security measures like password protection, website www.mint.com for tracking financial accounts and helping in creating budget accounts.

The article evaluates accounts offered by banks including the High-Interest and High Yield Investor checking accounts and the Online Savings account from Bank5 Connect, Schwab Bank and GS Bank.

The article reviews several mobile-payment applications including Apple Pay from Apple Inc., Google Wallet from Google Inc. and Softcard, a joint venture among telecommunication firms Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and AT&T.

The article offers brief information on several banking applications from information technology (IT) companies including Samsung Pay from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Apple pay from Apple Inc., and Android Pay from Google Inc.

The article offers brief information on several banking computer applications from banking companies including Chase Blueprint from JP Morgan Chase & Co., My Money Map from Wells Fargo & Co., and Mint Bills from Mint.com.

The article offers information of tools for accounts including Max that links checking account from an eligible large bank or brokerage firm to savings accounts, CDARS which spreads money in increments and ICS which distributes cash among checking or money market deposit accounts. It presents charts depicting top-yielding deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and credit cards.

The article offers information on several credit cards offered by several carmakers including the Lexus Pursuits Visa card by Toyota, the FCA US Mastercard by FCA US LLC and the BuyPower Credit Card by General Motors LLC.

The article offers brief information on several products including the Rings with gemstones wearable technology from smart jewelry and accessories company Ringly Inc., the Qkey microchip from mobile security company Qkey and the Cardberry magnetic-stripe electronic card.

The article evaluates the global payment system EMV in which a microprocessor chip is put into debit and credit cards that reduces the chance for fraud in case of in-person transactions.

The article evaluates a tool developed by personal finance software developer HelloWallet Holding Inc. for planning emergency expenses.

The article offers information on websites that can help with personal financial planning, which includes Planwise.com, SigFig, and JemStep.

The article reviews several identity theft monitoring programs and services including the Sentinel program from ITAC (Identity Theft Assistance Center), the Identity Guard Platinum plan, and the IDEssentials program from TrustedID.

The article offers information on websites and tools for tracking credit card rewards points and frequent-flier miles including the AwardWallet.com and Wallaby application for Android and iPhone users.

The article describes a mobile device application called TravelNerd Airport Guide that includes maps, travel times, and transportation options for numerous airports.

The article presents recommendations for market deposit accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit that can present yields for consumers including the Sallie Mae Money Market account, the Barclays Online Savings account, and the Melrose Credit Union certificate of deposit.

The article reviews retail store credit cards such as the Target Redcard, the Kohl's card, and the True Earnings Card from Costco and American Express.

The article reviews websites which can be used to manage personal finances including Smartypig.com, a website which allows people to open savings account and solicit donations through online social networks, Manilla.com, which organizes financial accounts and utility bills, and Learnvest.com, a personal finance advice service.