Crazy 8 in 2008!

1.       Social Network- Places like MySpace & face book are becoming so common place that you will be surprised when your parents want add you to their friends. Social networking has become so main stream. You’ll be surprised when your parents want to add you as their friends. Companies are jumping on the band wagon with their employees.

2.       Share your online bookmarks- http://del.icio.us/  I came across a great site where you can bookmark all your favorite blogs, websites and articles. It makes it very easy to share your favorites online instead of clogging up our browsers and making it hard to organize. Delicious makes it easy to organize your favorites and save them on someone else’s server. This is great if you travel or don’t want to bog down your computer with unnecessary clutter.

3.       Create your own blog or website- Blogger & WordPress are allowing the everyday person posts their thoughts, record their life online, and define you. I found it extremely easy to use blogger. I began my blogger website and within a few days I was blogging like a pro. Word press also offers many extras such as multiple pages, less gadget ridden format and traffic tracking to see how many people are reading your words of wisdom in cyberspace.

4.       Mobile Technology- Blackberry, Treo, & Iphones are packing tons of web applications allowing people to be connected at all times. What did we do before the cell phones? The new cell phones will ad even more features than play music, video, GPS, cameras, and organize your life. The new gadget phones will have to design a way to avoid getting blasted with text & mms ads and paying for it.

5.       IPods- No explanation necessary. Proving that proper branding and a great product can take on Microsoft. Can anyone catch up to Google?

6.       Saving for the Future- This will become increasingly harder for more Americans. The media, big business, & corporate crooks are slaughtering our economy by destroying our lending institutions. The credit crunch is going to make it increasingly difficult for 1^st time homebuyers to own a piece of the American dream. Many of top Financial CEO’s (Angelo Mozillo & Stan O’Neil) of the top banks and investment firms kill our retirement portfolios with record breaking drop in stock values. They play golf while we lose our retirements. They receive their golden parachute while many Americans get pink slips. Good news, complete your annual review of your financial situation and save for the future. Gas isn’t getting any cheaper.

7.       Vote in 2008- The War, Healthcare, economy and Social Security are just a few things we need to get ready to fix. I hope the next president is ready to their hands dirty. Great news you can’t pick Bush! Can we hope that our next President will tame congress and create a real democracy? We in the US need to take our country back and give the power to the people. Does anyone know where the tea is located? I headed to Boston! Don’t let the lobbyists and Drug Corporations buy our leaders any longer. Let’s fix healthcare for our grandparents, parents and for the future. Every American deserves free equal healthcare. If they can do it in France we can do it here. Check out “Sicko” by Michael Moore. I am not a huge fan of his but; he and I are on the same page in regards to healthcare.

8.       Change the world- Spread Peace, end the war, do your part in your community, write a congressman, get rid of the gas guzzler, and spread the word. The internet is powerful and if Obama girl or dancing elmo doing the Soulja Boy can reach tens of thousands, you can too!

Tax time, again… E-file or Paper?

It’s time to maximize your gather all your documents, maximize deductions, and get your hard earned money back from the government. Check your mail carefully over the next few weeks. You may have begun receiving important documents needed to file your returns promptly and accurately.

Keep an eye out for: W2’s, 1099’s, 1098 mortgage interest statements, bank or investment Interest statements, property tax, expense receipts, etc… There are many ways to file this year designed to make it fast easy and reducing the hassle of filing. Online filing may help you receive your returns in record time.

The keys to surviving the tax season are:
· Be organized
· Gather important documents
· Seek adviceDo not procrastinate

IRS E-File is available through the IRS website. If you meet the criteria you may avoid paying any fees associated with your Federal Tax Return. You may e-file if your adjusted gross income was $54,000 or less in 2007. Use Free File to prepare and e-file your taxes online. Receive your refund directly from the IRS in around 10 days, and for free. You may also file in Spanish. Visit the IRS’s website to learn the details. Got questions? Check out the IRS’s FAQ page.

IRS 1040 Paper Filing is always available through the IRS. It takes a little longer to receive your return but still works. You may download IRS tax forms if you want file the old fashion way. Free walk-in help is available from a real person. Visit the IRS’s online zip search to locate free help in person. Don’t forget to sign & date your return!

H&R Block if your adjusted gross income was over $54,000, have many deductions, or own a home H&R Blocks online software may make it easy. I would suggest using H&R blocks online software. It is easy to use and inexpensive check out H&R Block.

Changes to the tax code that may affect you!

Mortgage Insurance- There are new changes to the Mortgage insurance being deducted as mortgage interest. If you paid mortgage insurance premiums during 2007 you may be able to deduct the premiums as mortgage interest. Check the site to see if your mortgage insurance payments qualify.

Business standard mileage rate- If you used your car for business and were not reimbursed by your employer or were self employed you may deduct the standard mileage rate $.48 ½ per mile.

Social security and Medicare taxes- the maximum social security tax for 2007 was $97,500. There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to Medicare tax.

Earned Income Amount for Additional Child Tax Credit- 2007 the minimum earned income amount used to figure the additional child tax credit has increased to $11,750.

IRS’s Tips E-mail newsletters- The IRS will E-mail you over the next few months great tips on our taxes. It’s like having a tax consultant for free. The best part is it will remind you to file your taxes while giving your fun facts and money saving tips. I think this is a great way to learn without getting overwhelmed of the entire IRS’s website content. Subscribe today, I did. Here is the link to IRS tip 1.

Check out more articles on Brian M. Schoedel’s site! Owe taxes or want to reduce your bills? Do you want a free home loan review, and see if Brian can lower your bills through home finance. I have helped many people save hundreds per month. It’s fast, easy, and there’s no obligation to receive a free review. Apply online through my secure online pre-application, or call me directly.

Brian M. Schoedel Call Now! 239.298.1335

http://www.briansellsmortgages.com/

File your return or extension by April 15th!