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  • Contributing Editor Scott Spanbauer offers incisive tips, tricks, and commentary on a broad range of online issues.
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Really Useful Sites for Really Busy People

Kim Zetter

MIND YOUR MONEY

Check a Stock Price

Lycos's Quote.com is one of the best services for streaming real-time NASDAQ quotes to your desktop because it includes market statistics and links to company news and broker records. Quotes for stocks on other exchanges are delayed unless you pay for a subscription. May the market be with you.

Estimate Tax Payments

Quicken, one of the most trusted sources of tax software, offers a tool from TurboTax that helps you calculate self-employment tax payments. Also included are tools to find your tax savings from home mortgage interest and to help figure capital gains.

Manage Your Roth IRA

Confused by all the rules about tax-exempt Roth IRAs? This site offers the most comprehensive tutorial we've seen. Called Roth IRA 101, it has everything you need to know about Roth accounts presented in manageable bits. The tutorial includes basic rules for opening an account, handling a spousal Roth IRA, and phasing out a Roth. Read it online or print sections that pertain to you.

Calculate Mortgage Payments

Before you buy a house, check out SmartMoney's mortgage calculator. The tool can determine your monthly mortgage payment and help you figure out the benefit of prepaying a mortgage. Worksheets help you calculate the housing price that you can afford, and to weigh the benefits of buying over renting. Put a roof over your head without losing the farm.

Determine Profits From Stock Options

Employees at many companies still have stock options that they're hoping to exercise when the market bulls resume their charge. Although a free membership is required, MyStockOptions.com offers all you need to know about such options and includes a handy calculator to determine the value of your options after taxes.

Plan Your Finances

Though other sites help you sort out your financial future, I Hate Financial Planning uses humor and jargon-free language to take the pain out of the task. It's especially good for beginners. Track weekly expenses, inventory assets for insurance records, or calculate your net worth with the site's forms, which are available online or in printable PDF versions. A QuickPlan takes you through the steps necessary to reach financial goals. The forms are free, so you have no excuse.

Find Out If You Won the Lottery

It's no substitute for a solid financial plan, but it might be worth a try. If the lottery bug has bit you, Yahoo's lottery page has the info you need, with links to results from 39 states, plus Spain and Germany.

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