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Loan Processor Defined 02/04/2021 12:00am • When you buy or refinance a home, there are many moving parts and tons of paperwork. The loan processor is the main person who keeps the process moving along. If you're getting ready to apply for a mortgage, here's what you need to know about working with a loan processor. What Is a Loan Processor? 12 tax deductions that have disappeared 01/12/2021 05:00am • The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 made major changes to the tax code and were a mixed bag for some households. While the standard deduction nearly doubled and the child tax credit increased, many other deductions and credits were eliminated. Not much will be changing for the 2020 tax year though. What to Do With Unwanted Gift Cards 12/29/2020 12:00am • Like fruitcake, unwanted gift cards have become something of an unpleasant holiday tradition. It's understandable that not every gift card will hit its mark. Maybe you received a gift card to a hardware store but aren't a DIYer, or to a fast-food chain but you're trying to eat healthier. These unwa Tips to make sure your holiday gift return process goes smoothly 12/27/2020 10:09pm • In the best of times, no one likes standing in line in order to return an item at a store like Target or Walmart. But in a pandemic, most people are looking to limit their time spent around other people. That being said, if you happened to get a holiday gift recently that you don't love, it would Just in time for the holidays: Your book recommendations 12/23/2020 08:45am • This content was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today. Earlier this year, we published two articles about a reading list that two lawmakers ― state Sen. Cory V. McCray (D-Baltimore City) and Strategies for Gift Returns 12/23/2020 12:00am • This year has been the Super Bowl of returns, says Sender Shamiss, CEO of goTRG, a company that helps process returns for retailers. Normally, the flow of products back to businesses ebbs and flows throughout the year. However, he says, "This year, it just never stopped." With shipping companies al Young cancer patient’s dream of Jeep parade realized in W.Va. town 12/21/2020 06:29am • A 4-year-old cancer patient's love for Jeeps will turn into a rousing parade this Christmas with thousands of people greeting him as he returns to his Hedgesville, West Virginia, home. Georgie is battling stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a cancer commonly found in the adrenal glands, according to the Mayo Retailers That Offer Price Adjustments 12/21/2020 12:00am • As 2020 winds down, retailers are hoping to lure holiday shoppers with sales and promotions. Many are also promising to adjust their prices should someone find a better deal elsewhere. "We expect price adjustments are especially relevant and effective this year given that shoppers are even more pri The pandemic has prompted pet adoptions, but also caused some pet owners to struggle 12/20/2020 10:49am • There have been a lot of stories in the last nine months about people adopting pets during the pandemic, but one pet care company wants to remind people of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The second annual Better Cities for Pets report from Mars Petcare, the pet care arm of McL Man pays off 114 neighbors' utility bills before Christmas 12/15/2020 09:01am • Mike Esmond, a great-grandfather and business owner from Gulf Breeze, Florida, is like a guardian angel for his neighbors. Esmond recently paid off the outstanding utility bills for 114 families in his community, totaling $7,600. He made a similar gift last year, when he paid off 36 bills worth $ Washington Chorus presents virtual 'Candlelight Christmas' concert 12/10/2020 12:34am • December traditionally brings a flurry of holiday concerts around the D.C. area. This year, The Washington Chorus presents a virtual "Candlelight Christmas" concert streaming on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. "'Candlelight Christmas' has been happening a 15 Creative Ways to Save Money 12/08/2020 12:00am • How to save money is such a simple concept -- don't spend as much and put the excess funds in a savings account. And yet saving money can be maddeningly difficult. After all, there are so many distractions vying for our attention and wallet. Streaming services promise enlightening entertainment. Re New deal with China keeps giant pandas at National Zoo through 2023 12/07/2020 11:25am • The pandas at the National Zoo are staying put — for now. An agreement between the Smithsonian's National Zoo and a China wildlife association has been extended through nearly the end of 2023, allowing the zoo's famous giant panda couple — in addition to their new cub Xiao Qi Ji — to stay a 8 Great Financial Gifts for Kids 12/04/2020 12:00am • Many people have a different perspective on holiday gifts this year, after the challenges of 2020. Rather than spending a lot of money on stuff that can break or quickly lose a child's interest, families are also searching for gift ideas with lasting value. The following gifts can make a difference Stores With the Best Return Policies and Worst Return Policies 12/01/2020 12:00am • Saving money when shopping is a sport -- one which requires skill to hunt down the best bargains. Beyond coupons and deals, there are other things you need to consider when trying to save money. For instance, a retailer's return policy can greatly affect your overall purchase and cost you more in th