Just because an organization is tax-exempt doesn’t mean that donations to that organization are tax-deductible. The Internal Revenue Code lists dozens of types of organizations that are exempt from paying federal income tax. Some of these organizations can accept tax-deductible donations, but others can’t. Our Lions Club recently tracked down specifically what kind of organization … Read more
My wife and I are munching on some popcorn that I bought from one of my colleagues, whose son is in the Boy Scouts. The quality of the popcorn is fine. The bags don’t open quite as easily as other commercial microwave brands. A variety 30-pack of these was $30, which works out to one … Read more
April 23rd was Tax Freedom Day in the United States this year. That’s the day that your taxes for the year will be paid, assuming that every penny up until that point went to pay taxes. In other words, it’s the day that you stop working for the government and the day you start working … Read more
I did a Google search on “$600” and the first result was for an article on the “Top Ten Things to Buy With $600.” This is exactly what the powers that be want us to do with our “economic incentive” money, and that’s a misleading, if not downright self-serving, message. I’m certainly not well-heeled enough … Read more
Our church has an emergency fund to get itself through lean times. Our elders call this emergency fund the “Elijah Barrel.” The reference to this is in 1 Kings 17:13-16: 13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring … Read more
I’ve mentioned this before but the Internal Revenue Service call centers are very helpful. I’ve called them three times for different reasons related to my partnerships and companies, and they’ve not only been knowledgeable but they’ve saved me some money in some instances! This year I had a question with regard to some 1099-MISC forms … Read more
Millions of workers deal with hefty commutes all the time. My commute is pretty mild (15 minutes one way) but some other folks who work at the same place I do commute over two hours one way. That’s pretty much crazy in my book but people have to do what they have to do. Among … Read more
This Liz Pulliam Weston article broaches the subject of giving tough love to friends and family who are being stupid with their money. Not surprisingly, family members don’t tend to take the advice in the spirit in which it was given. “Buzz off” is usually the response, plus or minus some colorful expletives. There isn’t … Read more