Go through lender’s approval criteria very carefully. Apply only to one where you can qualify. If you apply to a company that has stringent criteria and get rejected, that can actually hurt your chances of getting approved by another company with more relaxed criteria.

If you’re applying online, ask yourself if lender’s website seems professional and well-organized. Do they have clear information and guidelines on site? A comprehensive FAQ?

If you need clarifications on anything, call up and ask. In fact, it’s a good idea to ask a few questions to each loan provider you’re considering. That way you get a feel for their responsiveness and get additional information to base your decision on.

Most important -- do they have an SSL certificate on application page? This indicates data is being transmitted securely. Secure pages have web addresses that begin with “https:” instead of “http:” and in addition, you’ll see a lock symbol displayed in your browser. If a lender is using a non-secure page to collect information about you, find another lender!

See this page for 10 things to check out before you finalize a payday loan: http://www.payday-cashadvances.net

Acting on above points will help you make better choices about payday loans. The best solution is, of course, to get your personal finances into excellent shape so that you never need to borrow in an emergency.

If you need tax assistance and would rather not pay for such services, do not overlook following ways to obtain help from IRS themselves: Internet http://www.irs.gov; telephone hotlines (800-829-1040 for personal and 800-829-4933 for business); TaxFax Service at 703-368-9694; Walk-In Offices--http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts for a complete list of IRS offices and hours of operation.

If you do not want to do your own taxes and choose to hire a tax preparer, it is a choice best not left until April. All tax preparers are not created equal. It stands to reason as with any other profession, some are better educated, better prepared, more enthusiastic and more accurate. Hiring a tax preparer doesn't mean you're excused from understanding your taxes. You have to know enough about taxes to be able to read your return so you know precisely what it is you are signing. You also need to know enough about taxes so that you can tell your preparer everything they need to know to file your return accurately and to your best advantage.

Procrastination is your worst enemy. If you wait until April 13th and then just "run out" and have your taxes done, who do you think you will get as a tax preparer? Not best and brightest. Do yourself (and your preparer) a favor--get your tax return done early. If you owe Uncle Sam you don't have to send it until April 15th, and if you are entitled to a refund you will have it in your hands so much faster. One final tip--remember to sign your return!