4 days and counting

Tax time is always a stressful time for everyone. Even if you are expecting a refund check, there are so many hoops (in the form of paperwork!) to go through to get it. Many people wait until the last minute, ultimately filing for an extension. Some people avoid doing their taxes like junkies avoid drug rehab. But I don't like the idea of pushing something into the future to avoid it for the time being. You will still have that new date looming over your head every day until it arrives, and what good is that?

My advice: just dive in and get them done already! Then breathe a sigh of relief... until next year. The IRS website has all the forms you need, either to e-file or to print out and mail in. No more excuses, just do it.

Economic Stimulation

Like most Americans, I was skeptical when I first heard about President Bush's "economic stimulus" plan of sending additional tax refund checks out to every U.S. household. But I have several friends who have already received their money, so I know it is true! I was wondering how the government could afford to give away so much money, but I suppose they are hoping we will be good little consumers and spend, spend, spend!

One of my friends is thinking of putting her check towards Lasik eye surgery and I think that's a great idea. Might as well spend it on something you've been saving for already. Our check will come in very handy, since we're purchasing acreage next week and won't be closing on our house for awhile. I suppose our grocery and house upkeep purchases will stimulate the economy a bit.

Cars for a cause

I have been an advocate of car donation for years. We donated our first car eight years ago, and have since donated two other cars as well. We always look for a charity that benefits children when we donate, then we benefit from it on that year's taxes. When you have a car that isn't worth the trouble of selling, donating it to charity is the best choice.

Car Angel is an organization that takes the donations and uses them to make videos for children and teens. Their program has given away 2.4 million videos so far. To get an idea of the type of video they make, check out their YouTube broadcast.