Great article!!! Here is a PS that we discovered....have your own business and file a Schedule C....but be diligent and serious about it. We have saved literally thousands by doing this. A great book is Lower Your Taxes Bigtime by former IRS guy Sandy Bodkin (sp? don't feel like checking it for ya!) Even if you have a job, a smallish home-based (mileage from your "office" to "consultations" really adds up, especially if you have a website) business can make a difference. Just be sure to turn a profit at some point (is it three years? can't remember.....I hesitate to give specific tax advice, anyhow! Ask your tax person!), however small.