Please Untie the Nots by Iyanla Vanzant
Dear God:
Please untie the nots that are invading my mind, my heart, and my life.
Please remove the have nots, the can nots, and the do nots that invade my mind.
Please erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that invade my heart.
Please release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that invade my life.
Most of all, dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart, and my life all of the am nots that I have allowed to hold me back.
Please erase from my mind the thought that I am not good enough.
Please remove from my heart that I am not loved enough.
Please untie from my life everything that I clutch that supports the belief that I am not enough.
Today, dear God, I come to you humbly and reverently asking that you untie, eliminate, and erase all of the nots that have invaded every aspect of my life.
For your mercy and your grace, I am so grateful.
Let these words take on the presence of the Holy Spirit to become living conditions in my life.
And So It Is!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Tax Deductions
It is tax filing season again. Below is a comprehensive list of the most easily overlooked tax deduction I found on the Jackson Hewitt website. This list may be useful as you gather your information together to file your income taxes. The list is obviously not applicable for every situation. Please consult with your tax professional for more information and advise.
1. Students loan interest
2. One half of the self-employment taxes you paid
3 Adjustment of Form 1040 of health insurance premiums for some self-employed taxpayers
4. Penalty on early withdrawal of savings
5. Alimony paid, but not child support
6. Medical transportation including tolls, parking and mileage deduction of 15 cents per mile for visiting doctors, dentists or for picking up medication
7. Nursing home expenses that are primarily for medical care
8. Medical aids such as crutches, canes and orthopedic shoes
9. Hearing aids, eyeglasses and contact lenses
10. Hospital fees for services such as nursing, physical therapy, lab test and x-rays
11. Equipment for disabled or handicapped individuals
12. Part of life-care fee paid to a retirement home designated for medical care
13. The cost of certain smoking cessation programs and treatment for alcohol and drug ab abuse
14. Special school costs for mentally or physically handicapped individuals
15. wages for nursing services
16. State income taxes owed from a prior year and paid in the current tax year
17. Payment by December 31 of last quarter estimated state taxes
18. Personal property taxes on cars, boats, etc.
19. Taxes paid to a foreign government
20. Mandatory contributions to state disability funds
21. Points paid on a mortgage or for refinancing
22. Property donations to a recognized charity
23. Cash contributions to a recognized charity
24. Mileage incurred in relation to charitable activities at 14 cents per mile
25. Un-reimbursed casualty and theft losses in excess of $100 and totaling more than 10% of
your adjusted gross income
26. Education expenses you paid to maintain or improve your job skills
27. A handicapped individual's work-related expenses
28. Job related professional journals, magazines and newspapers
29. Cost of a safe deposit box used for investments or business
30. Seeing-eye dog or guard dog for your business
31. Required uniforms and work clothes not suitable for street wear
32. Uion dues
33. Employment agency fees or commissions in certain cases
34. Home office expenses if the home is the primary place of business
35. Job-seeking expenses within your present field of employment
36. Reservist and National Guard overnight travel expenses
37. Dues to professional organizations
38. Business gifts up to 25 per customer or client
39. Employee's moving expenses
40. Business expenses including travel, meals, lodging and entertainment nor reimbursed by
your employer
41. Cleaning and laundering services while traveling
42. Tools bought for use at your job
43. Cellular phones required for your business
44. Worthless stock or securities
45. Broker or agent commissions for the stale of property or property management
46. Fees for tax preparation or advice
47. Legal fees to collect taxable alimony or Social Security
48. $50 a month for each month a foreign exchange student lives with you
49. Services of a housekeeper, maid or cook hired to run your home for the benefit of a
qualifying dependent while you work
50. Gambling losses to the extent of winnings
1. Students loan interest
2. One half of the self-employment taxes you paid
3 Adjustment of Form 1040 of health insurance premiums for some self-employed taxpayers
4. Penalty on early withdrawal of savings
5. Alimony paid, but not child support
6. Medical transportation including tolls, parking and mileage deduction of 15 cents per mile for visiting doctors, dentists or for picking up medication
7. Nursing home expenses that are primarily for medical care
8. Medical aids such as crutches, canes and orthopedic shoes
9. Hearing aids, eyeglasses and contact lenses
10. Hospital fees for services such as nursing, physical therapy, lab test and x-rays
11. Equipment for disabled or handicapped individuals
12. Part of life-care fee paid to a retirement home designated for medical care
13. The cost of certain smoking cessation programs and treatment for alcohol and drug ab abuse
14. Special school costs for mentally or physically handicapped individuals
15. wages for nursing services
16. State income taxes owed from a prior year and paid in the current tax year
17. Payment by December 31 of last quarter estimated state taxes
18. Personal property taxes on cars, boats, etc.
19. Taxes paid to a foreign government
20. Mandatory contributions to state disability funds
21. Points paid on a mortgage or for refinancing
22. Property donations to a recognized charity
23. Cash contributions to a recognized charity
24. Mileage incurred in relation to charitable activities at 14 cents per mile
25. Un-reimbursed casualty and theft losses in excess of $100 and totaling more than 10% of
your adjusted gross income
26. Education expenses you paid to maintain or improve your job skills
27. A handicapped individual's work-related expenses
28. Job related professional journals, magazines and newspapers
29. Cost of a safe deposit box used for investments or business
30. Seeing-eye dog or guard dog for your business
31. Required uniforms and work clothes not suitable for street wear
32. Uion dues
33. Employment agency fees or commissions in certain cases
34. Home office expenses if the home is the primary place of business
35. Job-seeking expenses within your present field of employment
36. Reservist and National Guard overnight travel expenses
37. Dues to professional organizations
38. Business gifts up to 25 per customer or client
39. Employee's moving expenses
40. Business expenses including travel, meals, lodging and entertainment nor reimbursed by
your employer
41. Cleaning and laundering services while traveling
42. Tools bought for use at your job
43. Cellular phones required for your business
44. Worthless stock or securities
45. Broker or agent commissions for the stale of property or property management
46. Fees for tax preparation or advice
47. Legal fees to collect taxable alimony or Social Security
48. $50 a month for each month a foreign exchange student lives with you
49. Services of a housekeeper, maid or cook hired to run your home for the benefit of a
qualifying dependent while you work
50. Gambling losses to the extent of winnings
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Bureau Names Top Scams of 2006
I got this informational article from the Better Business Bureau and would like to share this with you. Let the buyer beware.
http://www.enewsbuilder.net/ctbbb/e_article000730347.cfm?x=b8Vfdsj,b5Tmt8ND
Bureau Names Top Scams of 2006
1. IDENTITY THEFT
ID Theft occurs when thieves steal your personal information from your mailbox, garbage, recycling box, computer, or by asking you questions via phone, mail, fax or email about your banking or credit card information, passwords or Social Security Number.
BBB Tip: Never give out your personal or banking information. Store all documents containing personal information in a locked cabinet and shred before discarding. Keep your passwords, Social Security Number and PIN confidential. Monitor your account statements monthly and check your credit report annually. If you suspect you are a victim of ID theft contact your local police and financial institutions immediately. For more information on ID Theft visit www.bbbonline.org/idtheft.
2. AFFINITY FRAUD
Scam artists target religious, ethnic or close-knit community groups by gaining trust and encouraging group members to invest their money in fake investment opportunities that promise guaranteed high returns, tax breaks and no financial risks.
BBB Tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are always risks when investing. Before investing your money, do your research. Make sure your investment advisor is licensed and visit www.investright.org for information on how to make wise investment decisions.
3. BOGUS CHECKS/ OVERPAYMENT SCHEMES
In this scam, fraudsters typically target people selling a product via classified ads or online bulletin boards. The buyer/scammer sends a check for a product or service for more than the negotiated price. The scammer then requests that the seller deposit the money and return the excess funds. The original check is typically stolen or fake, and by the time the victim has cashed and returned excess funds the scammer has disappeared with the money and the product.
BBB Tip: Never accept payment for more than your selling price and never agree to refund excess money to an unknown buyer. When accepting a check from a stranger hold the product and the money in your account until the check officially clears at the bank.
4. INTERNET FRAUD
Beware of fake websites, emails (phishing scams) and VoIP phone calls (vishing scams) from scam artists pretending to be legitimate businesses, asking for your personal or banking information. Also beware of sellers from online auctions that try to lure you outside the security of the online auction site, or who ask you to download programs (usually viruses or password stealing software) in order to do transactions with them.
BBB Tip: Only enter personal or credit card information on secured websites. Look for the letter “s”(https://) and for an unbroken padlock symbol to determine if the site is secured. Check for the BBB Online Reliability Seal on each website. Never download programs to your computer from unknown sources.
5. HEALTH, BEAUTY& FITNESS CLAIMS
Fraudulent health treatment claims are a growing concern in the marketplace. Beware of too good to be true advertisements promising “rapid & effortless weight-loss,” “miracle cures,” or “newly discovered” treatments for disease and illness.
BBB Tip: Before buying any treatment or medication or joining any health and fitness program, consult your physician, pharmacist or other health care professional. Before signing any contract take the time to read the fine print and ensure you understand your contractual obligations and the cancellation or refund policy.
6. LOTTERY& SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS
Victims are informed they have won a large lottery prize or sweepstake, and are often sent a check of a few thousands dollars worth of the winnings. The “winners” are then asked to pay back a small portion to cover taxes and/or processing fees, before accessing their winnings. The victim sends money and never receives their winnings. Any checks sent by the lottery company are fake or stolen.
BBB Tip: Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes contests will not require you to pay money in order to receive your prize. Do not respond to lottery or sweepstake scams, as responding to one solicitation typically opens the door to dozens more.
7. MONEYWIRING SCAMS
Traditionally called the “Nigerian Letter Scam” scammers develop a variety of sad stories and reasons they need you to wire them money. Victims are contacted via phone, mail, email and fax and asked to wire money to the fraudster. The fraudster typically promises to return the money with interest, however, once the money is wired the fraudster disappears and the money is untraceable.
BBB Tip: Never wire money or give out personal or banking information to strangers. Only wire money to friends or family, and only wire money if you are prepared to lose it. If you need to transfer money for the purposes of a transaction, consider using a legitimate escrow or legal service to hold your money until goods or services have been received.
8. HOME REPAIR RIP-OFFS
The contracting industry is plagued with fly-by-night scam artists that show up on your doorstep offering to do house and yard work for exorbitant fees. Home repair rip-off artists typically request that you pay fees up front before the work is completed, refuse to provide a written receipt and complete work poorly. Watch out for companies that knock on your door offering to do work, regularly over bill or that charge for services you have not requested.
BBB Tip: When you need work completed around your home get estimates done from a minimum of three contractors who have permanent addresses in your area. Visit www.ctbbb.org to check out the company’s Reliability Report before agreeing to do business and to access the e-quote program which will automatically give you quotes/estimates from members in the industry selected.
9. BOGUS CHARITIES
Scam artists pretending to represent a charity often contact victims by phone or show up on the door step during the same fundraising cycles as legitimate charities. Watch out for bogus charities with names that sound like legitimate ones.
BBB Tip: Ask all fundraisers for their name, the charity name and their contact information before considering a donation. Inquire as to how much of your donation actually goes to the program. Visit www.give.org for a list of registered charities.
10. UNSCRUPULOUS MOVING PRACTICES
Beware of moving companies that have hidden service fees, provide low estimates then charge more at the time of delivery or that hold your goods hostage until you pay extra in cash.
BBB Tip: Before hiring a moving company, have them provide a detailed estimate in writing and request a firm quote. Check the company’s reliability report with the Better Business Bureau at www.ctbbb.org. Also, ask the company what protection they will provide you in the case of damaged or missing items and make sure that this information is included in your written agreement.
11. RESORT VACATION PROMOTIONS
Free or low cost exotic vacation packages or prizes often come with hidden costs and several hours of high pressure sales meetings.
BBB Tip: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Don’t sign up for any vacation package promotion without knowing what you are really getting into. Ask lots of questions about the realistic costs, insurance coverage and sales seminar requirements. Get the details in writing before you commit to the vacation.
12. DIRECTORY SCAMS
In these scams businesses are typically invited to submit their company contact information for publication in a business directory for distribution on CD-Rom. By submitting their contact information the business has unintentionally committed to paying an exorbitant advertising fee to be listed in a directory that is often only distributed to other advertisers. BBB Tip: Read the fine print before giving out business information and before signing any document.
http://www.enewsbuilder.net/ctbbb/e_article000730347.cfm?x=b8Vfdsj,b5Tmt8ND
Bureau Names Top Scams of 2006
1. IDENTITY THEFT
ID Theft occurs when thieves steal your personal information from your mailbox, garbage, recycling box, computer, or by asking you questions via phone, mail, fax or email about your banking or credit card information, passwords or Social Security Number.
BBB Tip: Never give out your personal or banking information. Store all documents containing personal information in a locked cabinet and shred before discarding. Keep your passwords, Social Security Number and PIN confidential. Monitor your account statements monthly and check your credit report annually. If you suspect you are a victim of ID theft contact your local police and financial institutions immediately. For more information on ID Theft visit www.bbbonline.org/idtheft.
2. AFFINITY FRAUD
Scam artists target religious, ethnic or close-knit community groups by gaining trust and encouraging group members to invest their money in fake investment opportunities that promise guaranteed high returns, tax breaks and no financial risks.
BBB Tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There are always risks when investing. Before investing your money, do your research. Make sure your investment advisor is licensed and visit www.investright.org for information on how to make wise investment decisions.
3. BOGUS CHECKS/ OVERPAYMENT SCHEMES
In this scam, fraudsters typically target people selling a product via classified ads or online bulletin boards. The buyer/scammer sends a check for a product or service for more than the negotiated price. The scammer then requests that the seller deposit the money and return the excess funds. The original check is typically stolen or fake, and by the time the victim has cashed and returned excess funds the scammer has disappeared with the money and the product.
BBB Tip: Never accept payment for more than your selling price and never agree to refund excess money to an unknown buyer. When accepting a check from a stranger hold the product and the money in your account until the check officially clears at the bank.
4. INTERNET FRAUD
Beware of fake websites, emails (phishing scams) and VoIP phone calls (vishing scams) from scam artists pretending to be legitimate businesses, asking for your personal or banking information. Also beware of sellers from online auctions that try to lure you outside the security of the online auction site, or who ask you to download programs (usually viruses or password stealing software) in order to do transactions with them.
BBB Tip: Only enter personal or credit card information on secured websites. Look for the letter “s”(https://) and for an unbroken padlock symbol to determine if the site is secured. Check for the BBB Online Reliability Seal on each website. Never download programs to your computer from unknown sources.
5. HEALTH, BEAUTY& FITNESS CLAIMS
Fraudulent health treatment claims are a growing concern in the marketplace. Beware of too good to be true advertisements promising “rapid & effortless weight-loss,” “miracle cures,” or “newly discovered” treatments for disease and illness.
BBB Tip: Before buying any treatment or medication or joining any health and fitness program, consult your physician, pharmacist or other health care professional. Before signing any contract take the time to read the fine print and ensure you understand your contractual obligations and the cancellation or refund policy.
6. LOTTERY& SWEEPSTAKES SCAMS
Victims are informed they have won a large lottery prize or sweepstake, and are often sent a check of a few thousands dollars worth of the winnings. The “winners” are then asked to pay back a small portion to cover taxes and/or processing fees, before accessing their winnings. The victim sends money and never receives their winnings. Any checks sent by the lottery company are fake or stolen.
BBB Tip: Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes contests will not require you to pay money in order to receive your prize. Do not respond to lottery or sweepstake scams, as responding to one solicitation typically opens the door to dozens more.
7. MONEYWIRING SCAMS
Traditionally called the “Nigerian Letter Scam” scammers develop a variety of sad stories and reasons they need you to wire them money. Victims are contacted via phone, mail, email and fax and asked to wire money to the fraudster. The fraudster typically promises to return the money with interest, however, once the money is wired the fraudster disappears and the money is untraceable.
BBB Tip: Never wire money or give out personal or banking information to strangers. Only wire money to friends or family, and only wire money if you are prepared to lose it. If you need to transfer money for the purposes of a transaction, consider using a legitimate escrow or legal service to hold your money until goods or services have been received.
8. HOME REPAIR RIP-OFFS
The contracting industry is plagued with fly-by-night scam artists that show up on your doorstep offering to do house and yard work for exorbitant fees. Home repair rip-off artists typically request that you pay fees up front before the work is completed, refuse to provide a written receipt and complete work poorly. Watch out for companies that knock on your door offering to do work, regularly over bill or that charge for services you have not requested.
BBB Tip: When you need work completed around your home get estimates done from a minimum of three contractors who have permanent addresses in your area. Visit www.ctbbb.org to check out the company’s Reliability Report before agreeing to do business and to access the e-quote program which will automatically give you quotes/estimates from members in the industry selected.
9. BOGUS CHARITIES
Scam artists pretending to represent a charity often contact victims by phone or show up on the door step during the same fundraising cycles as legitimate charities. Watch out for bogus charities with names that sound like legitimate ones.
BBB Tip: Ask all fundraisers for their name, the charity name and their contact information before considering a donation. Inquire as to how much of your donation actually goes to the program. Visit www.give.org for a list of registered charities.
10. UNSCRUPULOUS MOVING PRACTICES
Beware of moving companies that have hidden service fees, provide low estimates then charge more at the time of delivery or that hold your goods hostage until you pay extra in cash.
BBB Tip: Before hiring a moving company, have them provide a detailed estimate in writing and request a firm quote. Check the company’s reliability report with the Better Business Bureau at www.ctbbb.org. Also, ask the company what protection they will provide you in the case of damaged or missing items and make sure that this information is included in your written agreement.
11. RESORT VACATION PROMOTIONS
Free or low cost exotic vacation packages or prizes often come with hidden costs and several hours of high pressure sales meetings.
BBB Tip: If it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Don’t sign up for any vacation package promotion without knowing what you are really getting into. Ask lots of questions about the realistic costs, insurance coverage and sales seminar requirements. Get the details in writing before you commit to the vacation.
12. DIRECTORY SCAMS
In these scams businesses are typically invited to submit their company contact information for publication in a business directory for distribution on CD-Rom. By submitting their contact information the business has unintentionally committed to paying an exorbitant advertising fee to be listed in a directory that is often only distributed to other advertisers. BBB Tip: Read the fine print before giving out business information and before signing any document.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR
2007 is here. Finally. It is now time to get back to work. And back to the blog.
I have spent the past few days reading all the year end reviews for 2006 and projections, forecasts and predictions for 2007.
The most interesting thing I read during this period is a quote attributed to Edith Lovejoy Pierce:
"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
I love this quote. I love this quote because it tells me that our destiny is ours to make or break. That we make our own opportunities, and write our own stories. It tells me about new beginning's.
Starting anew and creating our own opportunities involve making choices. Choices which will impact our future. For most of us, we seek a future where we achieve financial freedom.
Achieving financial freedom tomorrow means making the right investment choices today. I am in the process of making those choices myself now. Have you? The time for you to do so is now. Contact a financial expert, draw up a plan and execute. The pages are blank. Write your own story.
I have spent the past few days reading all the year end reviews for 2006 and projections, forecasts and predictions for 2007.
The most interesting thing I read during this period is a quote attributed to Edith Lovejoy Pierce:
"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
I love this quote. I love this quote because it tells me that our destiny is ours to make or break. That we make our own opportunities, and write our own stories. It tells me about new beginning's.
Starting anew and creating our own opportunities involve making choices. Choices which will impact our future. For most of us, we seek a future where we achieve financial freedom.
Achieving financial freedom tomorrow means making the right investment choices today. I am in the process of making those choices myself now. Have you? The time for you to do so is now. Contact a financial expert, draw up a plan and execute. The pages are blank. Write your own story.
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