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MOVES to create a "super- mutual" from the merger of the Co-op's financial services arm and the Britannia building society were revealed yesterday.

FRIENDS Provident chief executive Trevor Matthews is considering buying up HBOS's majority stake in wealth manager St James's Place Capital, weekend reports claimed.

All new money, around 7% growth annually, is 'borrowed' into existence at interest. It is interest debt that that gives money its bad name. Increases in borrowing are largely equivalent to income and sales taxes. In general terms, we borrow only to pay our taxes. Taxes, then, must be the root of all Evil.

You can deduct 100% of the expenses that were used exclusively for your home office. You can also deduct a percentage of indirect expenses that's shared with the rest of the home such as taxes, related fees, utilities, insurance etc. Be prepared to prove that the office space you use is where you make your money and not where you watch TV and play cards.

Owning a small business can give you an edge at income tax time, if you are armed with as much information about small business tax credits and deductions as you can. Since small business owners are three times more likely to be audited by the IRS than a non-owner, it is very important to have accurate information, and to make sure you qualify for the credits and deductions you are claiming.

The IRS has approved many strategies you can use to reduce the tax liability to your estate. If you don't take advantage of these strategies, the IRS will happily cash your check. There are ways you help generate revenue for your favorite charity, in return for a reduction in your estate taxes. You can do nothing and leave a big portion of your estate to the IRS, or you can choose to make a difference and leave a legacy.

Morgan Stanley turns to Japanese. U.K. rescues RBS. Chesapeake feels gas pains.

Here are five stocks with high Short Term PowerRatings ready to win back lost ground.

The costs of moving are tax deductible under certain circumstances. Your employer reimburses some of the costs of moving if you are doing so at the behest of your company. What is given here is only general information and for any specific circumstance it is better to consult a tax professional.

If you're starting a business, you need to know how to get the proper tax identification numbers. The following article will give you an overview of what you need to make the tax guys happy.