Money Blog Roundup

Once a week we'll take a look at what other About.com Guides are saying about how to manage finances and plan for the future. This week I found these great tips from other guides:

• Fast and Safe Tax Refunds
  Get your federal and state tax refunds quickly, safely, and minimum hassle by using direct deposit. Banking Guide Justin Pritchard hows you how to set up direct deposit accurately.
• Top Ten Online Money Calculators
  Financial Planning Guide Deborah Fowles shares her ten favorite online calculators for managing debts, paying loans, determining net worth, and choosing credit cards. She's even found a calculator that will let you know if a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA is a better deal for you.
• Will the Gulf Coast and Florida Storms Will Increase Your Insurance?
  With tax season in full swing, I haven't had time to look at my insurance policies. But perhaps I should. Personal Insurance Guide Bobbie Sage says that insurance companies are starting to raise rates on homeowners insurance as a result of the hurricane damage in the Gulf Coast. And she provides some tips for keeping your insurance costs under control.
• Reviewing Your Retirement Plan
  Tax time is a good time to review your retirement plans, because you are already looking at your financial situation and have to make some last-minute retirement savings decisions. Retirement Planning Guides Jenny and Patrick McKinney provide tips for your annual retirement plan checkup.