• neezhneezh
  • July 16, 2022
  • 0 Comments
3 Often Forgotten or Overlooked Tax Deductions

3 Often Forgotten or Overlooked Tax Deductions

Each year tax deductions can save the vast majority of American taxpayers thousands of dollars in taxable income. While the IRS is only interested in claiming what the agency feels it is owed according to the tax code, there is an important caveat-determining tax exceptions and deductions is the taxpayer’s responsibility. This is received wisdom among certified public accounts, IRS enrolled agents and other tax professionals hired to help taxpayers with their federal tax returns. Because tax prepares such as the enrolled agent are often former IRS workers, and are required to enroll in tax continuing education courses as a condition of their ongoing EA certification, they are some of best tax professionals to tap for help with claiming often overlooked and legal deductions for taxes.

Below is a detailed look at three such deductions:

Student Loan Interest

Taxpayers are able to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid on qualified student loans (used for post-secondary education, such as college or vocational school) for themselves, their legal partners or dependents. This deduction, which doesn’t need to be itemized, should be taken as an “adjustment to income” on Page 1 of Form 1040. Student loan interest paid is reported on Form 1098-E. Typically, the Social Security number and name of the person with the “primary obligation” will appear on this form.

Caveats

But there are a few caveats to this deduction. To claim this deduction, taxpayer must have entered into a “primary obligation” to repay the loan, and must make the payments. In scenarios where it is the student who is legally obliged to pay the loan, but the parents make the actual payment, neither the parents nor the student can claim this deduction.

Moreover, if dependents are listed on their parents’ tax returns as dependents, they are unable to deduct student loan interest, even if the primary onus to pay the loan belongs to them and they make the payments.

Interest on loans from a related party or from a qualified employer plan, such as a 401(k), are not deductible.

Amount of Deduction

The amount that is able to be deducted is phased out as the taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) goes from $60,000 to $75,000 if single, or from $120,000 to $150,000 if married and filing jointly. A married taxpayer filing separately cannot claim the deduction.

Alimony

Taxpayers making alimony payments to an ex-spouse you may be able to claim an “above-the-line” deduction on the 1040.

Rules

The taxpayer in question must enter the Social Security number of the “ex,” who, in response, must claim the alimony received as taxable income.

To be deductible, alimony payments must be in cash (or check) and included as condition in the divorce decree. The taxpayer must not live with the “ex,” and payments must end upon the death of the “ex.”

Alimony deductions are not limited to just support payments. They include payments made to all third parties on behalf of your former spouse that …

  • neezhneezh
  • July 12, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Getting Dental Braces for Adults

Getting Dental Braces for Adults

You will be surprised when you find out that there are also a lot of adults with crooked and misaligned teeth. They reason out that they were unable to have them corrected during their younger years. These individuals were led to the belief that braces are only for kids and when you miss the chance to have them corrected; solving the problem is not anymore possible in adulthood.

In reality, because of the current advancements in technology, orthodontic treatment is already available for adults. If there are dental braces for kids and teenagers, adult braces are already available for them. Getting the proper braces will definitely help in restoring the proper alignment of the teeth and restore its straight line structure. Medical technology has progressed in recent times and orthodontic procedures are now one of them.

Your dentist or orthodontist can readily use different types of braces to correct any of your dental irregularities no matter what your age range. Nowadays, a lot of success stories have been heard from adult patients whose dental problems have been rectified with the use of braces for adults. The problems or irregularities they have experienced like overcrowded teeth, protruding teeth, crooked teeth, jaw position problems, bite problems, and bite anomalies can now be easily treated. Bite abnormalities like overbites and under bites which were once difficult to control can now be easily resolved.

If the dental irregularities will remain untreated even in adulthood, dental complications may arise. You wouldn’t want to deal with the dental discomfort that adulthood may bring. This is because dental complications will be difficult to treat in adulthood since oral features have already matured. Hence, complications arising will now occur at a severe stage and will be coupled with excruciating pain. In addition, the experienced pain will be accompanied by body complications such as gum diseases, ear pain, headaches, cavities, and speech and chewing problems.

Braces for adults are made of the same materials as the braces for kids and teens. Generally, the traditional braces or the metal braces are the ones preferred by many because these dental braces are already proven and tested. The traditional braces involve the process of attaching metal brackets to the teeth to help straighten their alignment. Usually, these dental braces are adjusted periodically so that pressure can be applied to the teeth to move them to the correct position.

No matter what your choice, there will surely be braces that are suitable for your dental structure, lifestyle, budget, and your personality.…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 9, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Be Weary of the Non-Entrepreneurial Entrepreneur

Be Weary of the Non-Entrepreneurial Entrepreneur

People entering the care business tend to be among the most noble of our society. They care about others and some even find it challenging to balance rendering the care and their need to be compensated for it. Of course, you have to get paid.

Others relate through our research that they have scaled back plans to expand and in some instances delayed entering the business of care due to advice of others close to them. This advice could be from family or others who recommend either not pursuing the goal at all – regardless of how well thought out – or perhaps doing something else with them.

Advice can be a wonderful thing but there is a need for us to consider from whom it is coming. Here are a couple of points to consider:

I. Source is Crucial

Ask yourself if this person has ever been successful in a private business endeavor. This includes your examining on what level they were successful and how they define it. A multi-year business that has provided no rise in wealth for the owner or at least the ingredients for a longer range course of fulfillment is likely not the ideal picture of where you need to go and does not represent the kind of example that would make this person credible.

II. Is Their Experience Industry Specific?

Ask yourself if they have actually been in the business model you seek to enter or at least something very similar. This is likely the only way they would be credible enough to give you the specific, experienced based advice and/or direction you seek. The one size fits all is not the right attitude toward business and their running and auto garage or a transportation company does not make them experts in skilled home health care, adult day health care or the management of a renal dialysis center.

III. Gage Their Attitude Toward Risks

Real entrepreneurs take risks. What is the attitude of this person from whom you seek advice toward risk taking? Could it be that due to their fear of taking a calculated risk they seek to restrain others from doing so as well? Misery loves company.

Of course the risks we entrepreneurs take tend to be guarded and educated ones based upon quantitative reasoning and research. However, we are willing to take them in order to secure the work-life and personal life we seek to have for ourselves and our family.

Enjoy entrepreneurlism and the freedom it creates but be sure and enter it with an open mind. Lots of fulfillment likely awaits but only if you do not allow others to rain on your parade.

Thanks for allowing us to share.…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 8, 2022
  • 0 Comments
How To Remove Pimples Permanently – Fight Acne From Within

How To Remove Pimples Permanently – Fight Acne From Within

Pimples are a nuisance that no one wants to deal with. It may be easy to get a prescription for antibiotics or other harsh acne medication from your doctor or dermatologist, and the treatment may even work (temporarily or with continual use) but it won’t treat the underlying cause of your acne breakouts. To remove pimples permanently, without the need for chronic medication, the root of their cause must be eliminated. There are four main underlying conditions that cause pimples to erupt on the skin. They are: inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin spikes and hormone imbalance. To remove acne permanently you must fight the root causes from within.

Fight Acne by Reducing Inflammation

Some foods are anti-inflammatory while others are inflammatory. To reduce the level of inflammation in your body and skin and help heal acne, reduce inflammatory foods. Inflammatory foods include saturated fats, trans fats, processed sugars, meat preservatives like nitrates and artificial sweeteners. So, reduce your intake of junk food, processed food, red meat, and dairy. You also should increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods including dark colored vegetables and fruits like broccoli, yams, dark leafy greens, blueberries, and papaya; and healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Fight Acne by Reducing Oxidative Stress

The same foods that cause inflammation also contribute to oxidative stress and the foods that reduce inflammation are also rich in antioxidants that fight oxidation in the body and skin. Green Tea, blueberries, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants like vitamins E and C, essential trace minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals. Antioxidant masks and spot treatments can also reduce acne. This is why green tea, lemon juice, and honey are popular and effective ingredients in home acne treatments.

Fight Acne by Stabilizing Insulin Levels

Acne can be triggered by frequent spikes in blood sugar and insulin production, so reducing your sugar intake may make a big difference in your skin. It is most important to reduce refined white sugar: sugar found in processed foods like cookies, candy and soda. If your diet is already relatively free of processed sugar (read the labels to be sure) then reducing high glycemic index foods may help you. These foods include sugary fruits such as watermelon, and starchy foods such as white potatoes and white bread. Instead of white flour, eat foods made from whole grains because they help regulate insulin levels.

Fight Acne by Balancing Hormones

Acne can be caused by hormonal imbalance in both men and women. To balance hormones naturally, stabilize insulin levels; so again, whole grains are important. Also, thyroid function impacts hormone levels. Minerals that support the thyroid like zinc and selenium are important to keep hormones in balance.

Consuming dairy products may be causing your hormone related acne. Even artificial hormone free cow’s milk and dairy products contain bovine growth hormones (great for baby cows – but not so great for us) that are similar enough to human hormones …

  • neezhneezh
  • July 8, 2022
  • 0 Comments
How To Remove Pimples Permanently – Fight Acne From Within

How To Remove Pimples Permanently – Fight Acne From Within

Pimples are a nuisance that no one wants to deal with. It may be easy to get a prescription for antibiotics or other harsh acne medication from your doctor or dermatologist, and the treatment may even work (temporarily or with continual use) but it won’t treat the underlying cause of your acne breakouts. To remove pimples permanently, without the need for chronic medication, the root of their cause must be eliminated. There are four main underlying conditions that cause pimples to erupt on the skin. They are: inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin spikes and hormone imbalance. To remove acne permanently you must fight the root causes from within.

Fight Acne by Reducing Inflammation

Some foods are anti-inflammatory while others are inflammatory. To reduce the level of inflammation in your body and skin and help heal acne, reduce inflammatory foods. Inflammatory foods include saturated fats, trans fats, processed sugars, meat preservatives like nitrates and artificial sweeteners. So, reduce your intake of junk food, processed food, red meat, and dairy. You also should increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods including dark colored vegetables and fruits like broccoli, yams, dark leafy greens, blueberries, and papaya; and healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, and avocado.

Fight Acne by Reducing Oxidative Stress

The same foods that cause inflammation also contribute to oxidative stress and the foods that reduce inflammation are also rich in antioxidants that fight oxidation in the body and skin. Green Tea, blueberries, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants like vitamins E and C, essential trace minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals. Antioxidant masks and spot treatments can also reduce acne. This is why green tea, lemon juice, and honey are popular and effective ingredients in home acne treatments.

Fight Acne by Stabilizing Insulin Levels

Acne can be triggered by frequent spikes in blood sugar and insulin production, so reducing your sugar intake may make a big difference in your skin. It is most important to reduce refined white sugar: sugar found in processed foods like cookies, candy and soda. If your diet is already relatively free of processed sugar (read the labels to be sure) then reducing high glycemic index foods may help you. These foods include sugary fruits such as watermelon, and starchy foods such as white potatoes and white bread. Instead of white flour, eat foods made from whole grains because they help regulate insulin levels.

Fight Acne by Balancing Hormones

Acne can be caused by hormonal imbalance in both men and women. To balance hormones naturally, stabilize insulin levels; so again, whole grains are important. Also, thyroid function impacts hormone levels. Minerals that support the thyroid like zinc and selenium are important to keep hormones in balance.

Consuming dairy products may be causing your hormone related acne. Even artificial hormone free cow’s milk and dairy products contain bovine growth hormones (great for baby cows – but not so great for us) that are similar enough to human hormones …

  • neezhneezh
  • July 6, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Does It Make Sense To Finish Your Degree After All These Years?

Does It Make Sense To Finish Your Degree After All These Years?

If you’re like 1/6 adults who haven’t finished college you may be asking yourself if it makes sense to finish your degree after all these years. In my opinion the answer is an astounding yes! Even though you may be established in your career you never know when the opportunity will arise to get promoted and it may come down to you with your several years experience and no degree or a person with a degree and now experience.

If you had your degree to go along with your years of work experience you would be ahead of the game for sure! There are many colleges and universities that have degree programs for working adults. They have made it very convenient to attend school. They offer night classes and even weekend classes. There really isn’t an excuse not to finish unless you just don’t want to.

Obama has even put aside money for those that want to attend school and don’t have the funds. All it takes is a little flexibility on your part to fit it into your day and some dedication. Think of how proud you will feel when you get that degree and you finally have that piece of paper.

Not only will you have achieved a goal that had been put off for years but your family will also be very proud of you. Now, if a promotion comes up and they need someone with a degree you can apply with confidence knowing that you are more than qualified. In these tough economic times it really pays to have the advantage.

Check your local state school for Adult Degree programs and you will be surprised at all of your options. Remember, scholarships are also available so don’t worry about the finances, just do it. There are also online degree programs that are available to you.…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 6, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Does It Make Sense To Finish Your Degree After All These Years?

Does It Make Sense To Finish Your Degree After All These Years?

If you’re like 1/6 adults who haven’t finished college you may be asking yourself if it makes sense to finish your degree after all these years. In my opinion the answer is an astounding yes! Even though you may be established in your career you never know when the opportunity will arise to get promoted and it may come down to you with your several years experience and no degree or a person with a degree and now experience.

If you had your degree to go along with your years of work experience you would be ahead of the game for sure! There are many colleges and universities that have degree programs for working adults. They have made it very convenient to attend school. They offer night classes and even weekend classes. There really isn’t an excuse not to finish unless you just don’t want to.

Obama has even put aside money for those that want to attend school and don’t have the funds. All it takes is a little flexibility on your part to fit it into your day and some dedication. Think of how proud you will feel when you get that degree and you finally have that piece of paper.

Not only will you have achieved a goal that had been put off for years but your family will also be very proud of you. Now, if a promotion comes up and they need someone with a degree you can apply with confidence knowing that you are more than qualified. In these tough economic times it really pays to have the advantage.

Check your local state school for Adult Degree programs and you will be surprised at all of your options. Remember, scholarships are also available so don’t worry about the finances, just do it. There are also online degree programs that are available to you.…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 2, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Understanding Sibling Rivalry

Understanding Sibling Rivalry

It was the typical Sunday morning routine for Steven’s family. He got up early each Sunday to spend time with his two sons. This includes making breakfast for them. Unfortunately, much of their time spent together sees Steven “officiating” sibling conflicts between the two boys. This morning was no different – full of sibling rivalry.

Steven put a plate of pancakes down in front of each of his two sons, Matt, 9, and Ryan, 6. As usual, Ryan was the first one to speak up. “You gave him more than me,” was what Ryan blurted out as soon as the plate touched the table in front of him. “I did not,” Steven replied, “I gave you each four pancakes.” But Ryan was undeterred. “But his are bigger!” he whined. They obviously weren’t and Steven was now clearly frustrated. “No they’re not. I made them each the same size,” was all Steven could answer.

Perhaps, instead of worrying about giving each of his sons equal amounts, Steven may have found it to be more effective to focus on each child’s individual needs. For instance, when Ryan blurts out “You gave him more than me,” Steven could have replied, “Oh, are you still hungry?” If Ryan then requests more to eat, the focus clearly is now on Ryan’s individual need, rather than feeding into and then having to negotiate the potential sibling power struggle. A simple change in perspective and strategy can help focus on individual needs rather than equal treatment.

Issues between siblings can occur at any age, including between adult siblings. Conflict between siblings can leave permanent emotional scars. Finding healthier ways to navigate sometimes complex sibling issues will help siblings remain closer throughout their entire lives. In the book, “Siblings Without Rivalry,” authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish offer parents numerous situations of sibling rivalry as examples, and some healthy ways to prevent sibling rivalry between children. By being intentional about avoiding competition and/or jealousy between siblings, parents can work to not contribute to those lingering feelings. The book outlines ways parents may defuse such potentially explosive situations as comparing, assigning roles, or taking sides and suggests specific remedies to avoid conflict between siblings. Parents can learn how being “fair” means “meet each child’s needs” rather than focusing on trying to give “equal treatment.” Finally, the book suggests how adults can mend fences and renew relationships with adult siblings. It’s never too late to learn healthy effective communication.…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 1, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Be Iron Man 2 This Halloween

Be Iron Man 2 This Halloween

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, made a great duo in Iron Man 2. Ivan Vanko gave Iron Man a run for his money, but in the end he didn’t stand a chance. With the 3rd installment already in development, you should take advantage of your chance to be one of the most popular modern super heroes.

There are several classic red Iron Man costumes for kids and adults. The Mark 6 Light Up Deluxe Adult Costume is a great pick. This costume includes a jumpsuit that has a muscled torso and arms. The chest even lights up, just like in the movie! A helmet is included, but if you want to take it off, you might want the Tony Stark Facial Hair. This way you can have the same goatee and mustache as Tony Stark without growing out your own hair for weeks. Kids can try the Mark VI Classic Muscle Child Costume. Just add the Classic Child Gloves and you’re all set.

So you’d rather be the bad guy? No problem. The Whiplash Adult Costume comes with Ivan’s Signature chest piece and faux whips. You’re sure to looks super intimidating. The costume doesn’t include pants though, so you may want to add the black Men’s Pants. They are simple, sleek, and perfect for this costume. Kids can also join in on the deviant fun with their own Whiplash Costume. Just add the Scrape Tattoos to create a really fierce look. No blood required!

Girls can be Iron Man too. It is, after all, the 21st century. The Ironette Sexy Adult Costume comes with s shiny red dress, boot covers, gloves, and an eye mask. Now that’s one hot superhero! Younger girls can try the Iron Child/Tween Costume. Rather take Scarlett Johansson’s role? Try the Black Widow Sexy Adult Costume. It includes a dark blue, low-cut faux-leather jumpsuit, belt, and 3-D wrist cuffs. The 4″ patent Sexy Emma Adult Boots are all you need to kick super villain butt.

Don’t forget to complete your costume with some great accessories. The Iron Man Face Tattoo is a great alternative to wearing a bulky helmet all night and the Arc Reactor Glow Accessory looks exactly like what you saw in the movie. If you’re headed out for a night of trick-or-treating, the Folding Pail, which looks like Iron Man’s face, is a great accessory. Just make sure Whiplash hasn’t snuck anything dangerous into your candy stash!…

  • neezhneezh
  • July 1, 2022
  • 0 Comments
Be Iron Man 2 This Halloween

Be Iron Man 2 This Halloween

Tony Stark and Pepper Potts, played by Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, made a great duo in Iron Man 2. Ivan Vanko gave Iron Man a run for his money, but in the end he didn’t stand a chance. With the 3rd installment already in development, you should take advantage of your chance to be one of the most popular modern super heroes.

There are several classic red Iron Man costumes for kids and adults. The Mark 6 Light Up Deluxe Adult Costume is a great pick. This costume includes a jumpsuit that has a muscled torso and arms. The chest even lights up, just like in the movie! A helmet is included, but if you want to take it off, you might want the Tony Stark Facial Hair. This way you can have the same goatee and mustache as Tony Stark without growing out your own hair for weeks. Kids can try the Mark VI Classic Muscle Child Costume. Just add the Classic Child Gloves and you’re all set.

So you’d rather be the bad guy? No problem. The Whiplash Adult Costume comes with Ivan’s Signature chest piece and faux whips. You’re sure to looks super intimidating. The costume doesn’t include pants though, so you may want to add the black Men’s Pants. They are simple, sleek, and perfect for this costume. Kids can also join in on the deviant fun with their own Whiplash Costume. Just add the Scrape Tattoos to create a really fierce look. No blood required!

Girls can be Iron Man too. It is, after all, the 21st century. The Ironette Sexy Adult Costume comes with s shiny red dress, boot covers, gloves, and an eye mask. Now that’s one hot superhero! Younger girls can try the Iron Child/Tween Costume. Rather take Scarlett Johansson’s role? Try the Black Widow Sexy Adult Costume. It includes a dark blue, low-cut faux-leather jumpsuit, belt, and 3-D wrist cuffs. The 4″ patent Sexy Emma Adult Boots are all you need to kick super villain butt.

Don’t forget to complete your costume with some great accessories. The Iron Man Face Tattoo is a great alternative to wearing a bulky helmet all night and the Arc Reactor Glow Accessory looks exactly like what you saw in the movie. If you’re headed out for a night of trick-or-treating, the Folding Pail, which looks like Iron Man’s face, is a great accessory. Just make sure Whiplash hasn’t snuck anything dangerous into your candy stash!…