The price of a gallon of gasoline is closing in on the $3 range over much of the country with prices in five states, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada and Washington, over $3 per gallon.

This time around the $3 mark, consumers aren’t complaining as much and seem to accept the rising prices as normal and expected.

California drivers are hit hardest with the average gasoline price at $3.35 per gallon. The lowest price in the nation is in North Carolina, where in Winston-Salem you can fill up at only $2.47 per gallon.

For those who have purchased hybrid vehicles to help them avoid the gas-crunch, there is more bad news. Traction control problems haunt Toyota’s Prius with consumer complaints increasing. Consumers living in snowy or hilly areas have had problems when the traction control, which is computer-operated, shuts down engine power in slippery conditions. Toyota maintains that the traction control is operating properly, reducing or shutting down power to the engine when it detects wheel spin. This can happen even if the car goes over a bump. Toyota has been reluctant to make any changes, causing consternation for owners.

If you are a Turbo Tax customer who couldn’t e-file your tax return on April 17 due to high server volume, you will be glad to know the IRS has extended the deadline to midnight, April 19.

Millions of taxpayers trying to electronically file tax returns at the 11th hour jammed servers and some filers were turned away. The company processed more returns on April 17 than they did on peak filing day last year.

The IRS has agreed to extend the deadline for taxpayers who were unable to file because of problems with the system. Turbo Tax is a product of Intuit, Inc.

According to a study by the Center for Responsible Lending, subprime mortgages produced more than $2 trillion in home loans but these loans have led to a loss in home ownership, not an increase.

A higher percentage of subprime loans end in foreclosure than prime loans. The CRL estimates that more than 15% of subprime loans orginated since 1998 either have ended in foreclosure or will end in foreclosure. It isn’t just new home buyers who have experienced loss of home ownership, these figures include borrowers who refinanced loans.

Foreclosure has long-term effects and homeowners who lose their homes may not get back into homeownership for ten or more years.

Subprime Lending is a Net Drain on Homeownership

An important aspect of a solid financial plan is having a valid will. Most people understand that they need a will and have every intention of making a will…someday.

There are two reasons people don’t make wills: a reluctance to face their own mortality, and misconceptions about what will happen to their assets if they die without a will.

It you die intestate (without a will) then the laws of the state in which you reside will determine how your estate is managed following your death.

Most people assume that if they are married, the spouse will inherit everything. If assets are jointly owned, this may be true but having a will can expedite the process and save on taxes and administrative costs. Other situations may arise that you don’t foresee. Your spouse could die also, or remarry and your estate could end up in the hands of a second spouse.

Money isn’t the only reason to have a will. Other property and items may have sentimental value. Having a will allows you to distribute these to whomever you wish. If you die intestate, a court may order the sale of all assets so that the money can be distributed among your nearest relatives. Having a will allows you to name an executor of your choosing. Without a will, the court will appoint one for you.

Some are waiting for big changes or to reach milestones in life (such as buying a house) before they get down to the business of making a will. A will is a document that can be altered when the need arises so the perfect time to make a will is now. Changes in your situation can always be reflected in updates and changes in your will.