Low Income Tax Help

More and more individuals are finding themselves having to make do with less. I am no exception. Before making a purchase, they scrutinize whether or not they truly need an item. Not just luxury purchases like chocolate, but mainstays like rice, vegetables or toilet paper. Is the product a good value for their money? Do they already have a bag of rice at home or a few rolls of toilet paper?

These should not be decisions we should have to ponder, yet many are faced with these choices everyday. Some families have to endure more than just food selection. They must decide if they should purchase much needed medication or pay the water or electric bill. With rising gasoline costs, they must now choose fuel for their automobile or fuel for their stomachs. It's a catch 22.

When almost everything has increased there is still a value for those in need for filing income taxes - The Accounting Aid Society.

The Accounting Aid Society is a metro Detroit non-profit that assists low-income residents file federal and state income taxes for free. That's right, free. If you make over $25,000 you cannot qualify for this service performed by trained volunteers. Volunteers that bring their CPA expertise, finance and other background credentials together to help people get optimum refund at no cost.

The beneficiary's are usually living paycheck to paycheck. The refund they receive is mostly used to buy essentials like food, rent, or gasoline - not a high definition television or vacation in Aruba or iPhone. They need the refund to survive. These are proud people, working or retired just squeaking by in this economy.

Consider some of the stories of people I have helped as a volunteer. A young couple with two children, one of which is permanently disabled, facing foreclosure. The husband can only get part-time work and is desperate to find a job with benefits to help his family. The only clothing they get is free from the church. The wife developed cancer and needed surgery.

An older husband and wife came to my table and told me of how they were a single family household. When their son lost his job, he and his family moved back with the parents. Then, another child lost their job and moved back home with their spouse. The parents should be enjoying retirement. Instead, they help provide for two families. All the adults in the household work just to meet the mortgage payments and other bills.

Michigan's Governor Snyder touted about balancing the state's budget and cutting much needed funding to energize the economy and create jobs. What do people do until these jobs emerge? How do they survive?

Who Owns Trader Joe's

I found an article yesterday on Yahoo's "Shine" page that had some interesting information on Trader Joe's grocery stores/food emporium's. Did you know that the same family in Germany that owns Aldi Markets also owns Trader Joe's. They have since 1979. The article mentioned what food were good deals at Trader Joe's. Turns out that only some of the pre-made, ready-to-eat foods, bulk items like rice and flaxseed, as well as certain meats were reasons to shop at this market. I know that some of the wine is reasonably priced. The article further said the produce, gourmet foods, sweets, cheeses and boxed items like Amy's are over-priced and can be purchased at other major grocery stores for much less.

One of My Favorite Necklaces

This multi-strand turquoise necklace is one of my go-to necklaces. When I don't know what will work well with an outfit, I wear this necklace. It adds vitality and warmth to black clothes, shine to beige ensembles and sparkle to vibrant colored threads. So versatile.

And I have my friend Stacy to thank for making this lovely creation. She made the piece a few years ago and it has become a wardrobe staple. It sits just below my collarbone and is the perfect length. Take a look at more of her work at her Etsy shop. (Love, love, love all her earrings.) Right now, she's having a sale - even better! Her jewelry would make a fabulous Valentine's Day gift.

Crocheted Child's Hat

When I am stuck in bed with a cold or the flu, I start a crochet project. This little hat took me seven days to complete. It should have taken a day, but being under the weather I did the ski hat in tiny bits and pieces. The front view of the hat shows a more true-to-life representation of the yarn colors.

Don't Lie to Me - Be Honest

I have been under the weather lately fighting the same cold/flu that everyone seems to have. As a result, I have watched more television programs.

One of the recurring phrases I hear on talk shows, sitcoms or even the news is, "don't lie to me", or "be honest." At first I didn't pay much attention to these words then I realized that the hosts, characters or news people must encounter a lot of people that are dishonest and tell falsehoods. So much so that they feel by demanding someone, "be honest" that the person will actually tell the truth.

Now really. How naive' is that?

Or do television producers and politicians believe they have the power to make individuals give them factual information by just uttering these words.

Now, tell the truth.

Storage Deals at Home Depot

Home Depot has some great in-store deals on items from their storage department.

You can get a black, 4-shelf, steel storage unit for just $5.00! This was $24.97. Or how about a black plastic storage locker with red handles for $10.00. And this is my favorite - 20-gallon plastic storage totes for $3.00!!! The totes come in light blue, medium blue, tan or brown.

If organizing is in your future, now's the time to stock up.

Site for Excess Fruit and Nuts

I was watching the RACHAEL RAY television show today and a guest spoke of a web site called, neighborhoodfruit.com where people can locate extra fruit and nuts from their neighbors backyards.

On the surface it sounds as if people would be wandering onto someone's property, but I was intrigued and explored the web site. Homeowner's with excess fruit on their trees can list their property on the site and the type of fruit or nut available. Public areas including parks are also listed.

Now, the fruit may have been exposed to chemicals or something else - there could be reasons why the fruit is going to waste. But then again, it could be that the owner just doesn't have the time or ability to harvest the fruit.

I have personally seen people at the city offices picking wild grape leaves. I can only guess that they are using the leaves for a middle eastern dish.

So why I am telling you this information? Metro Detroit has a lot of fruit production and a lot of hungry people. Perhaps we could make this site available for others to access or create a site specific to the metro area. (Maybe I just volunteered for this activity)

National Hot Tea Month

January is officially National Hot Tea Month. What better way to get rid of a cold or feel warm all over than cuddling up with a freshly brewed cup of tea. So boost your flavonoid intake and your immune system with your favorite - green or black.

I think I'll make some cranberry scones to go with my mint tea and double my vitamin C in the process. Or you could add lemon to the drink. Whatever you choose, there's a flavor available that's right for you.

Financial Fast

Washington Post columnist, Michelle Singletary wrote an article on imposing a financial fast for a month on your money. She wrote the piece last year and it pertains to anyone trying to reign in their finances.

During the 30 days of the fast, only shop for essential items. Buy food you need to survive, hygiene products or work related necessities. That means wear a sweater you have rather than purchasing the latest trend to go with an outfit.

Singletary also recommends no window shopping or shopping on the internet. Don't even tempt yourself during this self-imposed frugality. Throw away the ads from the stores and don't open a magazine.

This will be tough for me. I like to browse through store aisles and flip the pages of magazines to get ideas. I am confident I can complete this task and be better with my money after the 30 days.

Snow in Michigan

A friend in Massachusetts sent me a photo after their recent blizzard. And we're not talking a dessert found at Dairy Queen. The yardstick showed a measurement of 20 inches! That's just shy of 2 feet of the frozen stuff. Luckily, southeastern Michigan got by with 4-5 inches of snow. Thought you might like to see a photo of puppy romping in the yard after the snowfall. I think she smells a mouse beneath the snow's mantle.