Time to Relax and Let Loose!

So, as of Friday I will no longer be able to claim the age of 25. I don't know why, but for some reason I'm not very welcoming of the number 26. With so much going on in my life right now (and not all of it being good) it stresses me out a little to be getting another year older. It only reminds me that I am nowhere close to where I would like to be in life. I have so many dreams, but I have so many things that I have to get straightened out before I can really accomplish these dreams. I just want to be able to live my life free of unnecessary stresses so that I can enjoy all the small successes in life.

Since I still have so much to accomplish before I can truly live my life the way I want to live, I have decided to take this weekend to let loose and have fun. Prepare yourself Manhattan because I'm coming back to town! I'm so excited just to relax and spend time with some friends that I haven't seen in quite a long time. I'm going to focus on the good things that are happening for me right now and let the bad wait until after the weekend is over.

So if you are going to be in The Little Apple this weekend maybe you will see me out and about! Happy Birthday to ME!!!!! :)

Have You Filed Your Taxes?

If you answered that question with a "Yes" then you are on the right track. I would recommend for those of you that have filed, and even if  you have already received your return, to take a good thorough look at your forms just to be sure there were no mistakes made or deductions missed. I myself don't know a lot about every deduction that is available, and an oversight can cost you.

In the past I have filed my taxes both myself and with the use of a tax preparer. I prefer to file myself online, it's fast, simple, and free! But some states do not offer online filing so it may be less hassle to do both your federal and state together to avoid confusion. I have to file in 2 states this year, so I will be going to a preparer so I make sure I don't miss out on any deductions.

One deduction you may not know about that several people actually can qualify for is the "Making Work Pay Credit". While not everyone can qualify, a significant amount of people actually do, but may not know about it. Check with your tax preparer to see if you qualify, or if you are doing your taxes yourself, check out the forms online. Schedule M is what you need to claim this credit.

Claiming the Making Work Pay Credit

And just a reminder: the last day for filing is only a little more than a month away. Get it done now, and don't be stressed in another month when it comes down to the wire. Normally I already have mine done by now, but certain factors have delayed me this year. My goal is to do it this week. I will report back next week to attest to whether or not I succeed in that goal.

There are many more credits and deductions that a lot of people don't know about. Do some research online. The government provides all the forms and information on qualifying, but some may be more difficult to find than others.

Also in the news this week: It's Tournament Time!!!!

The Men's Big 12 Tournament is at the Sprint Center this week. If you are in the KC area and want to see some great basketball come check it out! The Big 12 is strong this year and will represent well in the NCAA Tournament. Plus college hoops are just fun to watch!

2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship

Here's to a great March!