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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Consumer Watch: Valuable gifts to share in Easter basket

Tax tip

If you’re having problems paying your tax bill, try making a deal with the IRS. Request an “offer in compromise” to reduce your debt. Please note, though, the agency looks hard at your assets; if you’ve got lots or a significant amount, then Uncle Sam likely will shake his head. Perhaps a better method is to send a completed return or extension request by April 15th to pay only 0.5 percent interest monthly. If you don’t file on time, the interest increases to 5 percent. (Check out “offer in compromise” at irs.com.)

This week, don’t spend your money on Easter baskets for each of the kiddies; instead, come up with original “insides” and personalized gifts to make Ole’ Hippity Hop a very special visitor next Sunday morning.

photo Ellen Phillips photo for ConsumerWatch column that runs every Sunday – Please use this photo from now on

Shannon Hanrahan, social media specialist at

Promocodes.com

, shared some great Easter savings, which I’m passing on to readers.

– Rather than using plastic grass that’s not biodegradable, shred newspapers, junk mail, used wrapping paper or whatever else you have on hand for filler. Not only will you save some bucks and the environment, you will be recycling other throwaways.