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.

If you’ve prepared your state tax return and are bemoaning the chunk of your money that belongs to “them”, maybe it’s time to consider a move.

An annual report published by the Tax Foundation ranks states by the tax burden on their residents. Alaska has the lowest tax burden, taking only a 6.6% nibble of its residents’ incomes through state, local and property taxes. The least tax-friendly state is Vermont. Vermont takes the largest bite of resident’s incomes, collecting a whopping 14.1% through state and local taxes.

Check out where your state ranks on the list.