Give Yourself A Year-Round Raise (NAPSA)—Here’s some good news if you like money. A handy Website offers free tips for consumers—tips that could mean big savings on your annual taxes and help you stretch each paycheck. “Understanding how to maximize your paycheck can betricky for many people, not just those working for the first time,” said Dan Maddux, executive director of the American Payroll Association. “We want to provide easy-to- use tools that help people better understand their paycheck and the payroll process.” These tools were created for consumers after the APA found that many people didn’t understand how to use the deductions made from their paychecks to their best advantage. “Many workers rejoice when they receive a large tax refund in April. What they don’t realize is they are only getting their own money back, months after they have earned it,” explained Maddux. “By not claiming enough allowances on your W-4 form, you essentially give the government an interest free ‘loan’ with your money, when the same funds could be earning you interest.” Most Americans could use more money each paycheck. In fact, the APA’s 2004 national online survey, “Getting Paid In America,” indicated that over With money-saving tips, you can practically give yourself a raise. two-thirds, or 68 percent, of America’s workerslive from paycheck to paycheck. To help consumers stretch their paycheck every month, the National Payroll Week Website also offers tips on items such as how to take advantage of 401(k) accounts, using dependent care costs to lower yourtax bills, ways to save on medical costs, easing the cost of your commute with the Transportation Reimbursement Incentive Programs (TRIP) and using direct deposit and other payroll services to help save for retirement. Everyone can take advantage of this site year round. Visit www.nationalpayrollweek.com and get tips to help give yourself a raise this year.
