Economic Stimulus Rebate – What to Know, How to Get One

(ARA) – In response to the threat of the U.S economy falling into recession, President Bush signed a new economic stimulus package into law February 2008 which will provide more than 130 million Americans with a little extra money. The first checks are scheduled to go out in May. Yet, some taxpayers are confused about how they can get their money from Uncle Sam.

To get a clear understanding of the rules and how the phase-outs work, here’s a listing of how eligibility is structured:

Tax Rebate for Singles -

* If you earned at least $3,000 (and paid taxes), you’re eligible to receive $300;

* If you earned more than $3,000 (and paid taxes), you’ll receive $600;

* If you have children, you’ll receive an additional $300 per child under age 17 (your child’s Social Security number is a requirement);

* The phase-out reduction begins with those who have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 and ends at $87,000 – at a reduction of five percent per $1,000 over the lower limit. If you’re single and earned more than $87,000, you will not receive a rebate check.

Tax Rebate for Couples –

* If you and your spouse earned more than $3,000 but you didn’t pay taxes, you’ll receive $600;

* If you and your spouse earned more than $3,000 and you paid taxes, you’ll receive $1,200;

* If you have children, you’ll receive an additional $300 per child under age 17 (your child’s Social Security number is a requirement);

* The phase-out reduction begins with those couples who have an AGI of $150,000 and ends at $174,000 – at a reduction of five percent per $1,000 over the lower limit. If you are a couple who earned more than $174,000, you will not receive a rebate check.

Also important to note is that $300 payments will go to seniors, veterans and veterans’ widows who showed $3,000 in veteran’s disability or Social Security benefits.

Many Americans are asking, “If I hold off on filing my 2007 tax return until April, will I get my tax refund and rebate on one check?” and “Do I have to file a tax return to get a rebate check?”

“To ensure you receive a rebate check that may be due to you, taxpayers must file a 2007 tax return. For those Americans who don’t earn enough income to normally file, a simplified filing process using Form 1040A has been rolled out by the IRS,” says Stephanie Behrends, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software -- makers of popular TaxACT tax software.

“However, whether you file your tax return in January or April, taxpayers who are expecting a tax refund will not receive a consolidated check representing their refund and stimulus rebate. In fact, rebate direct deposits and paper checks will be issued by the IRS based on the sequence of your Social Security Number.”

If you are a one-time stimulus filer, you can opt to prepare Form 1040A-3 the old fashioned way (by hand) and mail it in to the IRS. Another option for stimulus filers is to file electronically by visiting the Free File Program hosted by IRS.gov. For 2008, taxpayers filing their 2007 tax return and one-time stimulus filers may qualify to use the IRS’ Free File Program providing your Adjusted Gross Income does not exceed $54,000. Taxpayers are, however, encouraged to weigh their options carefully as some Alliance Partners place restrictions on the type of income and deductions taxpayers can claim while using the Free File Program.

TaxACT, the pioneer of free federal tax preparation software, provides taxpayers wanting a completely free way to prepare, print and e-file a federal tax return with its TaxACT Standard Edition -- no gimmicks or fine print. More information regarding TaxACT is available at www.TaxACT.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Find the Perfect Healthy Weight Loss Program for You

"You step on the scale. Your eyes bulge, your heart sinks, you feel bad – but you don’t know what to do. The optimal solution is finding a diet or weight management plan, a plan that works not only to help you lose weight, but also to maintain that weight loss."

Your Guide to Selecting the Best Healthy Weight Loss Program

‘Find the Perfect Healthy Weight Loss Program for You–Plus Weight Loss Tips for Success’

http://findyourwaytohealthyweightloss.com/

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is in the air!  It's still chilly outside, but the
glimpses of sunshine and warmer days are inspiring me to get out
my cleaning supplies and begin my spring cleaning.

Every time I am in the middle of cleaning I think of other things
I need to get around to doing and then forget about them later. 
I decided to sit down and make an exhaustive spring cleaning
checklist.  My list details every cleaning task I could think
of, everything I hope to get around to taking care of this
spring. 

By no means, don't think that you have to complete everything on
this list.  If you are a stay-at-home mom, you can probably
comfortably accomplish at least two to three of these tasks a
week.  Get your kids involved and have them help!

Some days I won't do any cleaning, and other days I might
accomplish two or three of my spring cleaning tasks.  If you work
outside the home, it's easy to let some of the cleaning go, but
if you try to work in one or two small cleaning jobs on the
weekend, you will be proud of your accomplishments.  It's amazing
how cleaning just one small area of your house can make your
whole day and make you feel like you got something done.

SPRING CLEANING CHECKLIST

KITCHEN

___  CLEAN OUT AND ORGANIZE REFRIGERATOR
___  CLEAN INSIDE OF AND UNDER STOVE
___  CLEAN MICROWAVE
___  CLEAN TOASTER OVEN
___  CLEAN AND ORGANIZE PANTRY
___  CLEAN AND ORGANIZE FREEZER
___  WIPE DOWN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF KITCHEN CUPBOARDS
 
 
BEDROOMS

___  WASH OR DRYCLEAN BEDSPREADS
___  ORGANIZE/PURGE MASTER BEDROOM CLOSET
___  ORGANIZE/PURGE CHILDREN'S CLOSETS
___  ORGANIZE/PURGE CHILDREN'S TOYS
 
 
GENERAL

___  WIPE DOWN ALL DOORS; CLEAN DOOR HANDLES & MOLDINGS
___  WIPE OFF WINDOW SILLS
___  CLEAN INSIDE OF WINDOWS
___  WASH OR DRYCLEAN CURTAINS
___  DUST MINI-BLINDS
___  CLEAN SLIDING GLASS DOORS INSIDE AND OUT
___  REMOVE MARKS FROM WALLS; APPLY TOUCH UP PAINT
___  CLEAN WALL MOLDINGS
___  DUST CEILING FANS
___  DUST PICTURE FRAMES
___  DUST LAMP SHADES
___  STEAM CLEAN CARPETS
___  STEAM CLEAN FURNITURE
___  WASH OUT WASTEBASKETS
___  DUST ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
___  CHANGE BATTERIES IN SMOKE DETECTORS
___  ORGANIZE LINEN CLOSET
___  WIPE DOWN AND CLEAN UNDER WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER

 
OUTSIDE

___  CLEAN UP FLOWER BEDS
___  FINISH RAKING LEAVES
___  PREPARE PLANTERS FOR PLANTING
___  CLEAN AND FILL WATER FOUNTAINS
___  STRAIGHTEN STORAGE SHED
___  HOSE DOWN PATIO
___  CLEAN PATIO FURNITURE
___  CLEAN WINDOWS ON OUTSIDE
___  INSPECT AND REPAIR WINDOW SCREENS
___  WASH OUT GARBAGE CANS
___  CLEAN BARBECUE
 

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of
What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick
easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips,
home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative
Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com. 

How To Choose the Best Car For Your Family

When you chose your first car, chances are you looked first at things like how cool the car was and how much you would love to drive it. Then you looked at the price, and finally you chose what you could afford and tried to find the best thing in that price range.

Choosing the right car for your family is not that different from choosing that very first car. Sure, you have probably bought several cars. And yes, you may have a slightly higher budget. But the fact is, you need to buy the best car for your family, with the money you have available.

The first thing to consider when choosing a car is its main use. If this will be the "second car" and the whole family will not normally ride in it, the car may not need to be as large or have as many family oriented features.

Next, who will drive the car the most? The primary driver should be comfortable in the car, and that includes how the car drives, how the seats feel, where the controls are located, how they are built and whether the mirrors and controls are adjustable to the primary driver's needs.

The next thing to consider is not the next thing most people think of, but it is very important. You should be sure that the trunk is large enough and that it has a large opening. Some cars with large trunks will not hold large objects in the trunk because the opening is too narrow.

You will also want to consider how many doors you need. If more than two people usually ride in the car, four doors are almost a necessity, especially as kids grow. It can become a very big pain to get people in and out of the back of a two-door car.

Seating room goes along with the number of doors, but be sure that the seating room reflects actual adults. Even if your kids are small now you want to make sure that as they grow, there is room for everyone in the car without scrunching.

Mileage is also a concern, as many smaller cars that get good mileage may be, in fact too small for your family. However, as many companies are starting to concentrate more on mileage, you may find a nice van or sedan that will suit your family and get better mileage than your old car.

In the end, choosing a car is a very personal decision for you and your family to make together. The main thing is that you should feel you have bought a car you can afford, that you and your family can be comfortable in and that will give you years of service.

After all, buying a car is a very long-term relationship, and you should be happy with your purchase for life of the car. Just taking the time to examine your options and think about what you really need enables you to enjoy your car long after that new-car smell wears off.

Packing Tips For Stress-Free Moving

So you are going to move to another house. With all there is to do, the last thing you need is stress before you arrive. To make sure that all goes well, and you can find the stuff you need when you get to your new home, it takes a good house packing plan.

Most people do at least some of the packing themselves when they move to a new house. The movers should be used for the larger items though, such as furniture and larger appliances. Be sure to let the movers pack anything that you want covered by the moving insurance policy. This way you will not be liable for any damage to them.

Moving day can be hectic. It always pays to consider the following tips before you move.

At least one month before moving you should do the following:

Order supplies (boxes, packing tape, etc.)

* Start packing.
* Set up a checking account in new city.
* Secure your family records:
* Get medical, dental, x-rays, prescriptions histories.
* Get copies of school records.

Start early and take time to pack well to avoid rushing. Every day choose a room and box a few items. Start with those items not used on a regular basis. Take inventory of your belongings before they are packed.

Pack non-fragile items yourself like books, linens, clothing, shoes and items that are easily replaceable.

It works best to designate a room by the front door or garage, and then stack boxes by size with related boxes close together. This will cut down on the time spent loading the moving truck.

Always pack important financial records, birth certificates and passports, jewelry, heirlooms, and other priceless items separately. Carry these items with you in your car or as a carry on item when traveling.

On moving day you will want to disassemble beds ahead of time even if it means sleeping on mattresses on the floor the night before.

All packing should be done as soon as possible before moving day to avoid costly delays and stress. It is never too soon to start packing. After all, if you plan ahead, your move can be a smooth one. You will rest assured your belongings made the trip safely, and the set up at your new home will go better.

These are some of the more important packing tips to follow. Using care in planning your move to your next house will result in less hassle and stress for you during this often dreaded ordeal. You will find the whole process of moving easier in the end when you start early and do some packing every day.

Important Tips for Finding Your First Home Mortgage Loan

Anyone who has gone through the process of buying their first home knows the combination of thrill and terror that can come with the experience. If you've never borrowed money for such a huge investment, feelings of confusion mixed with stress should not be a surprise. If you're a newbie home buyer, one of the most important first steps you should take is to remember that you should approach the entire home buying process with care and do your research before even looking at a house.

Here are a few tips for finding your first home mortgage loan:

Decide early on if you should apply for your mortgage with a direct lender or a brokerage company. If you choose to use a lender you could very well save some bucks since you'll avoid paying commission to brokers. But keep in mind that brokers have the knowledge and resources available to find mortgage lenders that best suit your situation. Brokerage companies will also deal with various administrative details that come with getting a home mortgage. This is usually part of what your fees include.

Do careful research and find out all about any programs that you may qualify for. If this is your first mortgage you may be able to take advantage of programs such as FHA or VA and other specialized federal loan programs depending on your location. Your mortgage lender will have detailed information on all of these different options available for you. They could be very beneficial to you with first time home buying and should not be ignored.

Another important step in the home buying process is pre-qualifying for your first mortgage. By exploring the pre-qualification process you will know from the get go exactly how much house you can afford and will be able to weed through the different homes on the market at the time. There's nothing worse than falling in love with a house and then finding out that you can't qualify for the money needed to buy it. Lenders both locally and online have free mortgage calculators that enable you to see how much you'll spend each month in payments. Take advantage of this important tool before looking for a home.

Remember, during the mortgage loan application process there's no such thing as a stupid question. If you don't understand a term or any of the jargon involved in real estate, then by all means ask your lender or broker for clarification. You'll need to know the difference in the types of interest rates and the many fees that may be charged. You can possibly avoid paying certain fees by educating yourself and shopping around.

Although buying a home seems like a daunting task, don't forget that it's just like buying anything else in life, only one of the bigger investments you'll make. Go into the process with your eyes wide open. Know what you're getting into. Do your research and you'll get a good deal. Make your first home purchase and finding your first home mortgage loan as enjoyable as possible.

Find the information you need to find the best home mortgage loan at 'Find Home Mortgage Loans'

Working Moms and Stress Tips

Click Here Now to Learn How You Can Feel Calmer, Happier and Healthier With Increased Levels Of Energy and Greater Self Confidence.

More and more mothers are returning to the workforce when their kids come of school age. Some moms never stopped working and have had to learn to juggle home and career. Here are some tips to help working moms to lighten the stress load.

Working moms are those mothers that work outside the home and inside the home. While working moms outside the home may work more hours than the moms that work inside the home, the home-working moms must divide their time between care for the children and their clients. For both, these two worlds provide pressures that can lead to a stressful life.

Working moms have the social interaction that comes with a job in the workplace. They talk with other adults and get away from home for a few hours a day. While work does offer the adult interaction they need, it also introduces a new stressor into the mix.

Work-at-home moms are struggling to find their identity at the same time that they are raising the kids. The spouse still works outside of the home which means that most of the household needs are met by mom as she juggles her business. The new business, while bringing fulfillment, can be another source of stress.

For both types of moms, one tip for stress relief is to exercise. Exercise prepares the body for anything, including attacks from stress. Mornings are usually best for moms because they can get their physical activity out of the way. Mom can also exercise with their kids. Put the baby in a stroller and walk or jog around the neighborhood. Play games with the kids to work up a sweat.

Enlist the help of other family members. Spouses and older kids are not mind readers. If you want help with the chores, ask for it. Give the kids a list of chores to do. Make a chart and tape it to the refrigerator if you need to. Ask your spouse to watch the kids for a few hours when he gets home so that you can have time to yourself.

Hire out for certain jobs. Have a maid service come in and clean for you. It may only be once or twice a month, but any time at all is a big weight off your shoulders. Hire a neighborhood kid to cut the lawn.

On the days when your business workload is heaviest, why not use a mom’s helper. She will occupy the kids while you conduct meetings, run errands, and do other business related things. The person you hire should be someone you trust who is good with kids.

Leave work at work or in the home office. Whatever pressures you have with clients or coworkers, decide to deal with it during work hours. Dragging this baggage into your home life does nothing good for you or your family. Worrying all night when the problem will still exist the next day is futile.

Return to work on a part-time basis. Working full time may be stressing you too much. The financial side may take a slight hit, but you will make up for it with peace of mind. Talk to your spouse and share your concerns before making a decision together.

Working moms have added stress from their jobs, whether they work at home or in a work environment. Easing that stress is crucial to keeping the family life in harmony.