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Investing in Your Home? Pick Projects that Pay!
With the markets still jumpy and investors jittery, many folks are turning to a rock-solid investment these days - one with a history of strong returns: their own home.

Consumer advocate and syndicated radio host Clark Howard agrees. "People are focused on the uncertainty in the world right now and, therefore, they are obsessed with things they can touch. Home improvements are tangible projects that people feel have value." But you need a reality check. Before you dust off your tool chest or dial up a contractor, think carefully about the potential return on investment (ROI) of your home improvements. Get the full story.


Dream Savings Plans for Nightmare College Costs
It's one of the biggest worries on the minds of most parents today: How are you going to pay for your children's college education? After all, college costs just keep rising higher and faster each year, with no end in sight. According to the College Board, most students will pay anywhere from $231 to more than $1,400 more for tuition and fees this year than they did last year and another roughly $350 more for room and board. The average annual cost for tuition and fees at a four-year public college is now about $4,700, up a whopping 14% over last year. And if you're planning on a private college education, you better brace yourself: The average cost for tuition and fees is now almost $20,000 a year!

Numbers like these are enough to discourage some parents from even starting to save for college. But don't throw in the towel just yet - there is some good news. The college saving landscape has changed drastically over the past couple of years, and there are now more options than ever before to help you save money for college. Learn how to save now.


How You Can Benefit from Tax Law Changes
"In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes." It's been well over 200 years since Benjamin Franklin penned this oft-quoted phrase, but it rings as true today as it did in 1789. One thing that clearly has changed since then, though, is the complexity of taxes - something that millions of Americans are grappling with right now as they rush to prepare their tax returns before the April 15 filing deadline.

An additional factor in tax planning this year will be the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA) – the third tax cut of President Bush's administration that passed last May. The good news is that JGTRRA represented the third largest tax cut in U.S. history and created many tax-saving opportunities for individuals, including some significant opportunities for investors. Learn more.
 
     
     
     
usbank.com Takes #1
Financial services consulting firm Speer & Associates ranked usbank.com number one in their recent online banking study. We topped a list of 79 financial institutions in North America and Latin America for:
  • enhanced online support
  • comprehensive product information
  • online banking capabilities
Learn more.
     
Email Security Tip
Be alert for scam emails. They may appear to come from a trusted business or friend but are actually designed to trick you into downloading a virus or disclosing sensitive or personal information. Ensure your safety - do not:
  • Reply to such requests
  • Send personal information via email
  • Download suspicious attachments
  • Share your Personal ID or Password with anyone, ever
Read more tips.
     
U.S. Bank Internet Bill Pay is One Step Closer
Not using Internet Bill Pay yet? Now, it's even easier to get started. Just enroll in Internet Banking and select to enroll in Internet Bill Pay at the same time. So start saving time with this FREE service right away and sign up today!


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