46 million of us itemized tax deductions last year claiming nearly 1 trillion dollars’ worth of deductions. But, in itemizing, the opportunity for mistakes is almost unlimited. It’s all too easy to miss a trick and pay too much.

Check out the 11 most-overlooked tax deductions, along with four new ones this year that are certain to be overlooked by far too many taxpayers. Claim them if you deserve them, and cut your tax bill to the bone.

(Read the article in Kiplinger.com)

Amid tough economic realities, one website is doing its part to help consumers save money.

RepairClinic.com offers free repair help, including detailed drawings of each of the appliances, along with careful how-to explanations for most major appliance repairs. With the average professional repair costing $100-200, or more, free repair help provides families with much-needed relief.

The online retailer of appliance parts also offers more specific advice from their free “RepairGuru” service—an entire staff of repair gurus answers incoming calls helping to solve more complicated repair problems.

The site features more than 80 appliance brands—including Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, and LG—across 16 appliance types. Do-it-yourselfers use the intuitive PartDetective®, to find the part they need or RepairGuru®, for customized, free repair help online. Appliance parts are stocked in a 72,000 sq. ft. facility and shipped the same business day.

“Business is good,” says co-founder Chris Hall, who says he is grateful to be in a business that continues to grow especially in Michigan. Now in its tenth year RepairClinic.com, based in Canton, says its customer service is the key to growth.

One customer recently said: “You just don’t get service like that anymore”.  She quickly became frustrated trying to find the part she needed for her range, but when she contacted the RepairGuru at Repairclinic.com, she found the help and the part she was looking for.

“We have a lot of repeat customers from all over the country.” says Larry Beach, CEO. The company supports an in-house call center where representatives (including Spanish-speaking) receive several weeks to months of training covering every major appliance. The training is crucial in helping them be better prepared for questions from frustrated consumers who don’t know what to do when their appliance breaks.

RepairClinic.com also sponsors a radio show called “The Appliance Repair Show” to answer questions from callers looking for free appliance repair advice. Call in to the show on WJR AM 760, Sunday mornings between 9 and 10am.

A Bangkok firefighter dressed up as the comic book superhero Spider-Man to rescue an eight-year-old boy who had climbed on to a third-floor window ledge. The unusual disguise was successfully used to coax the boy, who is autistic, from his dangerous perch.

(Photo and story from the BBC) Thanks to Grace for story tip!