Tax Day is just two days away — are you getting a refund?

• 55% of those filing this year anticipate getting money back from the government.
• 84% intend to use the extra funds to bolster their finances.
• Three out of ten say they’ll pay down their debts with their refund
• 28% to invest or save the money
• 26% plan on using the cash on day-to-day necessities like bills and groceries
• 11% anticipate doing something “fun” with the money, like taking a vacation or going on a shopping spree

(Source:  Princeton Survey Research Associates International poll)

What will you do with the money?

With the large amount of street closures south to 35th Street all the way north to Addison, the City of Chicago is set to make a killing by towing cars this weekend.

Prepare yourself before you park:  Find complete details on street closures here.

Weekend Happenings

• TODAY-  RICK HALL-oween is on!  Join me at 7-Eleven in Naperville (3075 Book Rd — Near the corner of Book Rd. and 95th St.)  between 5p and 7p for your chance to win prizes from FRESH 105.9 and the Illinois Lottery.  Plus, be sure to pick up a Halloween  Millionaire Raffle ticket while you’re there!
   
• SATURDAY-  Together, let’s take a stand against suicide!  It’s 100% preventable — and it starts with you!  Join me at Lincoln Park, Grove 2 between 8:30AM and 10:30AM.  It’s not too late to register for this benefit walk!  For more information, click here.

Barbara Brotman, writer for the Chicago Tribune’s Play section, had a great piece in yesterday’s paper about hiking through local Cook County forests.

Sarah and I have long talked about going hiking with our dog Coconut.  So far, it has just been talk, as we’ve never actually followed through.  All of that may change, now that I’ve discovered Palos.

Palos, roughly 16,000 acres of woods, ravines, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and prairies, is located just minutes from downtown.  Discover it like I did by checking out Brotman’s article, located here.

Weekend Happenings

• Chicago Air and Water Show– The U.S. Air Force Thunderbird jet team will be once again headlining the 51st annual water show.  More than 2 million spectators are expected, so get to the beach early!  Oak Street Beachstro is offering viewing packages that include food and a cash bar.  Prices range $65-$165.  Details can be found here.
• Chicago Turkish World Festival– Sarah refers to me as “Hamburger and Spagetti,”as I rarely venture outside of the box.  However, the thought of Turkish Coffee makes me want to head on over to the Navy Pier right now!  This two-day event features an Ottoman-era marching band,m hand drawn calligraphy, and Whirling Dervishes.  Starts Saturday and Sunday, 10am.