Each Monday from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on NBC3 we answer your live questions in our "Ask the Experts" phone bank and online chat.
On April 4th, our panel of Certified Financial Advisors includes:
Dennis Hebert, Strategic Wealth Advisors
Ted Sarenski, Blue Ocean Strategic Capital
Grace Ghezzi, Benefit Consulting Group

Among the issues we talked about:
>Do you need a QDRO?  It's a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (pronounced QUADRO). If you divorce and expect to get split pension benefits, the plan administrator will need this form to release money to you.  Most divorce attorneys take care of this as part of the settlement, but a 'friendly' settlement that by-passes lawyers often forgets.
>Can you afford this home?  It is home buying and selling season, and there's an easy rule of thumb to figure if you can afford to buy or upgrade:  you can multiply your gross annual income times 3...and that's the price of the house you can afford.
OR, more conservatively, one third of your net income should cover your mortgage, taxes, home insurance, maintenance and utilities (heat , water and electricity)
>Top reasons you'll get audited:  The IRS has red flags on tax returns, that will almost guarantee that you'll get audited.
1.  Not reporting all taxable income.  If you don't report income that you got 1099s or W2s for, the IRS computers will catch you.
If you get a form that's not yours, be sure to get a correction!
2.  Home Buyer Credit.  The IRS is taking a close look at  first-time home buyers, and you must submit proper documentation.
Longtime homeowners should also attach documents showing prior ownership.
ALL claims for credit are being screened (as of last May more than 260,000 returns have been selected for audit)
The IRS is  also checking  buy-sell records to make sure you actually qualify.
3.  Large charitable deductions--if you're claiming more than 'normal' for your income, it raisis a red flag. 
You need to file a Form 8283 for donations over $500, and get appraisals for valuable property.  Of course, keep supporting documents, including receipts for cash and property contributions.
There are more 'red flags'---here's one website that lists them for you.
4.  Pet Costs:  Spring is the time of year when lots of people think about buying pets.  Consider some of the costs, as you plan:
Initial expense: either the purchase price or shelter cost (fees, spaying/neutering, etc).  Also licensing fees, vet fees for basic shots, preventive maintenance and care, basic needs like collars and beds, food! and extras like toys. And, consider health insurance, especially if your animal has specific genetic defects or tendencies (many purebreds do)
5.  Saving on health costs on your out-of-pocket expenses:
~Mail order drugs often have a smaller co-pay than those from pharmacies.
~Generic drugs usually cost less than brand name
~Split pills.  Ask your doctor if you can get a 'double strength' pill, and then split it.  You won't need refills as often, and that will save on co-pays.
~Flexible spending accounts will let you escape federal and some other taxes.
~Using 'in-network' physicians and services will cost you less
~Check on independent facilities  (for MRIs and other tests) which may be less expensive than doctor or hospital provided facilities.
6.  Last month we talked about 'good' places to retire.  Here's a list of states that do not charge specific taxes:
Alaska:  no sales tax, no income tax
Florida:  no income tax
Nevada: no income tax
New Hampshire:  taxes interest & dividends, no sales tax
South Dakota: no income tax
Tennessee:  taxes interest & dividends
Texas: no income tax
Washington: no income tax
Wyoming: no income tax
For more on tax policies:  http://www.govspot.com/know/incometax.htm

Click on the widget below to see the online discussion for Monday, April 4. You can also email your questions in advance to money@cnycentral.com.