Of all the stressors people are exposed to,  
  financial stress may very well be the most
  insidious. Dealing with finances can be
  overwhelming because of all of the other    
  responsibilities we have in life. But a bit of
  preparation and legwork on the front end
  can make for smooth sailing later.

Take a hard look at your expenses
If you're worried about where your money is going and how much extra you have left from month to month, create an inventory of your monthly expenses.

  As the close of the year approaches, many

  of us are likely too preoccupied with holiday

  plans to think about taxes. But if you resolve
  to do some legwork now, you may find a
  simplified New Year to be among the

  greatest gifts you receive.
  

  Gather your prior year's tax return, as well
  as your current paystubs and account statements. This will allow you to make some projections regarding your tax bill. If you're in a position similar to last year, you can expect a similar outcome; if things have changed, you may need to revise your potential liabilities.

Click here for a check list of what else you need to be thinking about as the tax season approaches.

  I found this article to be very

  enlightening and level-minded regarding

  the current housing market.  It
  emphasizes that "probabilities still suggest
  that the economy has already passed  
  through the ugliest period for housing and
  that the healing has begun."